Drying technique

[HealthyCivic]

So ever since I've owned this car (September 2008), I've been using the pat-dry method with a big waffle-weave towel to dry my car after a wash. It had been working fine up until this winter. I started noticing the waffle pattern on my car's paint days after the wash. I then paid more attention when I was drying to realize that apparently, this method was no longer fully sopping up all of the water and basically it was creating minor water spots in the design of the towel on the car. I'm not sure exactly why this is but I can think of the below 2 reasons:

1. I need to buy a new towel
2. The humidity or other weather effect has changed so that it is more difficult for the water to be sopped up

Just before winter, I put a nice fresh coat of NXT 2.0 on as well so I know that it's not a wax issue. I don't remember experiencing this phenomenon during the previous winters either. Has this happened to any of you guys?

Today, I tried doing a regular wipe-dry for the first time and it seemed more difficult and I was concerned about creating swirls but had no choice as I didn't want water spots either. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[cd36]

Re: Drying technique

I just got a nice new waffle weave towel, and it did the same thing to me too in a few spots. I have used plush microfiber towels though with great success though. Still use the pat dry technique, but the thick microfiber part of the towel helps prevent any kind of pattern from transferring through.

[kimchiyuk]

Re: Drying technique

I just started using waffle weave towels (meg's) about six weeks ago. They absorb water flawlessly and have left no marks, however, I had picked up a waffle weave from an auto parts store, a cheap off brand, and it left marks as you described.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Drying technique

Maybe it is time to rejuvenate your towels. Next time you wash them. Add about a ounce or 2 of vinegar to the mix.(depending on how many towels you are trying to rejuvenate) just make sure you run at least one extra rinse cycle.

[TOGWT]

Re: Drying technique

Drying a Vehicle using water

Water sheeting (Marangoni Effect ) [: since a liquid with a high surface tension pulls more strongly on the surrounding liquid than one with a low surface tension, the presence of a gradient in surface tension will naturally cause the liquid to flow away from regions of low surface tension]

This is my preferred method of drying a vehicle paint surface; On the final rinse of the washing process remove the nozzle from the hose and ‘sheet’ the water, this greatly helps in the drying process. I have tried many products over the years for drying but I finally found what really works the best, a micro fibre waffle weave drying towel. When they are wet they’re very soft and super absorbent, and glide easily over the surface, the ‘pockets’ in the weave ‘hold’ any dirt or surface debris unlike some other super absorbing products that trap dirt between the towel and paint surface with the potential to cause so serious scratches (never use it when it’s dry and stiff – it can potentially scratch)

That goes for whatever you use for drying, including waffle weave micro fibre towels. Ensure that the towel is really wet and then wring it out thoroughly before using. Blot as much water as you can, do not rub with the damp waffle weave towel. This gets rid of all the remaining drops and leaves only a little moisture behind. One wipe with the waffle weave in your other hand will result in a perfectly dry paint surface, using only waffle weave micro fibre towels with only one pass per area.

I always dry the car using a surfactant type (ONR) detail spray (8oz / gallon) and a waffle weave micro fibre towel. Why? A surfactant encapsulates any dirt and will provide lubricity to the paint's surface as the micro fibre waffle weave towel is rubbed over it. This method will safely remove any water spots that might occur

This drying technique is excellent for black cars (the ones with ‘soft’ single stage paint that show every surface mark) but look so good when they are properly detailed. This process never includes scrubbing, rubbing or applying any pressure whatsoever. The only time that pressure needs to be applied to a paint surface is when you are polishing.


An extract from one of a series of unbiased Detailing Technical Papers, a library of educational materials that has become the #1 reference for car care on the Internet.

© TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2010, all rights reserved.

Chances are you'll learn something and advance your knowledge of detailing if you read any of these.

[HealthyCivic]

Re: Drying technique

Well what I have been doing is indeed the sheeting + waffle weave method. However, I don't usually use Last Touch or ONR when drying unless there is some stuck-on dirt that didn't come off during the wash (in which case I'd probably clay too). Sounds like I might need to buy a quality new waffle weave. I suppose 2 years is actually a long time for 1 towel haha. I keep my stuff very clean so it's actually lasted a while.

For some reason, although I've been to Meguiar's HQ at least 4 times, I wasn't aware that they still sold waffle-weave towels. This must be the one that you are speaking of? Thanks!

[john m.]

Re: Drying technique

Drying a Vehicle using water

Water sheeting (Marangoni Effect ) [: since a liquid with a high surface tension pulls more strongly on the surrounding liquid than one with a low surface tension, the presence of a gradient in surface tension will naturally cause the liquid to flow away from regions of low surface tension]

This is my preferred method of drying a vehicle paint surface; On the final rinse of the washing process remove the nozzle from the hose and ‘sheet’ the water, this greatly helps in the drying process. I have tried many products over the years for drying but I finally found what really works the best, a micro fibre waffle weave drying towel. When they are wet they’re very soft and super absorbent, and glide easily over the surface, the ‘pockets’ in the weave ‘hold’ any dirt or surface debris unlike some other super absorbing products that trap dirt between the towel and paint surface with the potential to cause so serious scratches (never use it when it’s dry and stiff – it can potentially scratch)

That goes for whatever you use for drying, including waffle weave micro fibre towels. Ensure that the towel is really wet and then wring it out thoroughly before using. Blot as much water as you can, do not rub with the damp waffle weave towel. This gets rid of all the remaining drops and leaves only a little moisture behind. One wipe with the waffle weave in your other hand will result in a perfectly dry paint surface, using only waffle weave micro fibre towels with only one pass per area.

I always dry the car using a surfactant type (ONR) detail spray (8oz / gallon) and a waffle weave micro fibre towel. Why? A surfactant encapsulates any dirt and will provide lubricity to the paint's surface as the micro fibre waffle weave towel is rubbed over it. This method will safely remove any water spots that might occur

This drying technique is excellent for black cars (the ones with ‘soft’ single stage paint that show every surface mark) but look so good when they are properly detailed. This process never includes scrubbing, rubbing or applying any pressure whatsoever. The only time that pressure needs to be applied to a paint surface is when you are polishing.


An extract from one of a series of unbiased Detailing Technical Papers, a library of educational materials that has become the #1 reference for car care on the Internet.

© TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2010, all rights reserved.

Chances are you'll learn something and advance your knowledge of detailing if you read any of these.

So one of the waffle weave towels should be wet/damp before using?

Ive been using a waffle weave but really have to move fast because it seems like it absorbs a good bit but leaves trails and I have to get as much water off with the towels and then try to run around the car with a regular micro-fiber and last touch. The drying shouldnt be this difficult I wouldnt think.

[Bunky]

Re: Drying technique

So one of the waffle weave towels should be wet/damp before using?

Ive been using a waffle weave but really have to move fast because it seems like it absorbs a good bit but leaves trails and I have to get as much water off with the towels and then try to run around the car with a regular micro-fiber and last touch. The drying shouldnt be this difficult I wouldnt think.

I find microfiber actually worked better once it gets slightly damp. Some actually get a towel wet and wring it damp for the first type. You can prime it some by just doing the windows first. The only waffle weave drying towel I liked was a Mothers towel but it had a foam core interior so you had a sponge to increase water holding.

Blotting especially with a waffle weave will not remove all the residue water on the surface. You really need to do a drying wipe. If you are worried about swirls, use a drying aid (something that reduces friction) such as a quick detailer, I use a rinesless wash product as a drying aid.

[HighLine]

Re: Drying technique

Have you considered going over the surface first with a water blade? I'd say it cuts the drying time in half (some say it could damage the surface but its a jelly blade c'mon) Follow up with a Quality Microfiber drying towel and you should be good. To maintain the shine & protection hit the surface with last touch or maybe final inspection =-)

[john m.]

Re: Drying technique

Ill try that next time I wash, thanks bunky!

Highline, I just dont like the water blade for some reason. Its just a lot easier to scratch something up with that than a waffle weave. Plus having black paint it would show said scratch much easier.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Drying technique

I finally found what really works the best, a micro fibre waffle weave drying towel. When they are wet they’re very soft and super absorbent, and glide easily over the surface, the ‘pockets’ in the weave ‘hold’ any dirt or surface debris unlike some other super absorbing products that trap dirt between the towel and paint surface with the potential to cause so serious scratches (never use it when it’s dry and stiff – it can potentially scratch)

A quality waffle weave drying towel that is properly cared for, machine washed and dried after every use, is no more stiff than a traditional microfiber polishing cloth when dry. They certainly do pick up a lot of water, but once bordering on saturation they will tend to leave a tiny bit of water behind. We recommend using a pair of these towels for drying, one for the initial mop up and the second to follow once the first starts to become overly damp and begins leaving a bit of moisture behind. But having that bit of moisture comes in handy when you get to the windows, or an area where perhaps some light water spotting is beginning to appear - the dampness of the towel knocks that right down.

From personal experience I have never gotten my drying towels wet before beginning the drying process, and from THIS article it's pretty clear that this is not causing any issues with the paint.

I suppose 2 years is actually a long time for 1 towel haha. I keep my stuff very clean so it's actually lasted a while.

For some reason, although I've been to Meguiar's HQ at least 4 times, I wasn't aware that they still sold waffle-weave towels. This must be the one that you are speaking of? Thanks!

Yes, two years with a single towel is stretching it a bit! And yes, the X2000 Water Magnet is our waffle weave drying towel. It's a good idea to wash and dry it before initial use. Not sure why, but they do seem to work a bit better this way.

Blotting especially with a waffle weave will not remove all the residue water on the surface. You really need to do a drying wipe. If you are worried about swirls, use a drying aid (something that reduces friction) such as a quick detailer, I use a rinesless wash product as a drying aid.

Agreed. And there is a huge difference between a light drying wipe and scrubbing the surface. Sheeting the water first is critical for drying though - less water means less touching the paint in order to remove it. Have you tried UQW as a drying aid? Absolutely fantastic!!

Have you considered going over the surface first with a water blade? I'd say it cuts the drying time in half (some say it could damage the surface but its a jelly blade c'mon) Follow up with a Quality Microfiber drying towel and you should be good. To maintain the shine & protection hit the surface with last touch or maybe final inspection =-)

Anyone who says they have never scratched their paint with one of these needs to add the word "yet" to that comment. We've seen far too many people profess their love for this tool, only to curse it when the inevitable happens. If you think it's important to keep your applicators, pads and towels clean, that goes double for this tool. Trap the slightest little bit of something between that blade and your paint and the damage is done before you know it.

[HealthyCivic]

Re: Drying technique

Thanks for for the help and clarification. Well, I was trying to order an X2000 Water Magnet off of Amazon but accidently ordered 5 and realized it was too late to cancel so now I guess I'm gonna return the package and just order 2... Or maybe I'll just keep them. This may sound dumb, but if I leave a couple towels in the closet for a couple years, will they be as good as new when I use them if I wash them first? In other words, does a couple years of useless (as in no use) age affect them?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Drying technique

Keep them away from direct sunlight and dust and you should be good to go for quite some time.