getting the truth about Chamois

[Trojan fan]

I've read a lot on here that everyone uses a WM's to dry there cars. Is that a better approach than using a natural chamois? What's the reasoning behind it?

[jfelbab]

Re: getting the truth about Chamois

Ok, my $ 0.02.

A chamois is an oil tanned skin with little nap and average water absorbing ability. They dry hard as they lose their oils and begin to degrade. They need periodic re-oiling to remain flexible and resist shedding and degradation. The oil in the skin frequently leaves itself on the paint, especially when new or recently re-oiled. They leave too much water on the surface. They require too aggressive surface contact with the paint.

If you wash your car outside, the paint surface will pick-up airborn dust particles as you begin to dry it. The shallow nap of a chamois can cause these particles to swirl the paint. The deeper nap of a WWMF does a better job of pulling these dust particles up and into the nap and avoiding some swirls.

The waffle-weave microfiber has much deeper nap which helps it to hold a lot more water than a chamois as well. WWMF's tend to wipe dryer with less aggressive surface contact with the paint. They last a long time and only require regular washing and a rinse with vinegar to remain highly absorbent.

IMHO, a WWMF is safer and more effective than a chamois.

[Justin A]

Re: getting the truth about Chamois

I prefer The Absorber to most other drying tools. I've yet to try using a leaf blower, but I've heard great things.
Chamois not only require more pressure on the paint than I'm comfortable with, but they also tend to strip wax through their use.
I want to try Meg's Waffle Weave Microfibers, but I can't find them locally and hate paying shipping. I've heard that they're great. Chamois are just really outdated...

[Trojan fan]

Re: getting the truth about Chamois

Thanks for the help, I'll have to order some water magnets as no one carries them locally.

[Tuck91]

Re: getting the truth about Chamois

I was never a fan of the chamois for some of the reasons listed above.

[WhiskeyRock-a-roller]

Re: getting the truth about Chamois

I want to try Meg's Waffle Weave Microfibers, but I can't find them locally and hate paying shipping. I've heard that they're great. Chamois are just really outdated...

Me either. Wally-Mary carries The Armour-All Brand ones... Anyone tried them? they look very similar to the Meguiars ones. the only thing that makes me hesitant is that they hae a sewn in logo on one corner... and its not very soft...

[Eddie6th]

Re: getting the truth about Chamois

I've been using chamois for a long time.Now with a water magnet.

I havn't had any issues,but I agree with what others have said here.