Good Practice?

[mis3]

Re: Good Practice?

I bought the Meguiars duster many years ago. I left it unused in the basement and finally gave it to my friend. He had a black Mercedes and it worked really well for him.

After I saw his results, I went to buy the California Duster. The important thing is to follow the instructions, do not push hard to the car surface.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Good Practice?

I have used a California Duster on my BLACK car for over a year. Not a scratch or swirl on it. If used correctly, it will not do any damage.

The key here is the statement "If used correctly" and we're inclined to agree. The problem is that most people have a nasty tendency to almost scub the paint with these and that's not a good idea. When the dust level is a bit higher than you might be comfortable with using just QD and a few microfiber towels, proper use of a duster can allow you to pick up the majority of the dust first and then take the rest of it off with the QD and towels. For very light dust they work fine, too. The key is to tough the paint just very lightly with the duster, not work it with anything close to downward pressure.

From personal experience on my daily driver, I'll use a combination of the duster and QD on an almost daily basis. I only use the duster when I haven't had a chance to wipe the car down for a couple of days or more (it doesn't rain much here in SoCal so sometimes I'll go a couple of months without washing the car). This article outlines the process I've been using for years on the car, and still do to this day.

[Jossy92]

Re: Good Practice?

don't let the weight of the duster rest on the paint.

suspend the handle above the finish so just the ends of the fibers touch the finish.

....It's a "duster", not a "scrubber".

Great product when used as you describe.

[Blueline]

Re: Good Practice?

I saw a video a while back, with a fellow properly dusting his black 'Vette. I tried to find it, but cannot. (it is not on Youtube)
All you do is just let the tips of the material touch the car. I am so happy with mine. I would bet if I threw a handful of sand on my trunk, and dusted it off with the "duster" there would be no scratches. Ok. I am not going to do it, but that is how confident I am that if done correctly, it could be done. it is a great tool.

[erobertson]

Re: Good Practice?

The keys to using a duster safely: minimal levels of dust, light touch with the duster letting it glide like a "magic carpet", work smaller areas and shake out the duster often. If used appropriately a great tool, but like everything else in our tool chest potential for problems if you don't engage the brain while working.

[davey g-force]

Re: Good Practice?

All you do is just let the tips of the material touch the car.

Everyone keeps re-iterating this point, and I completely agree. But, how on earth do you do this when dusting vertical panels?? I don't think you can, since the fibres obviously tend to hang vertically. I just apply the same principals - light, careful touches with the duster...

[wifpd4]

Re: Good Practice?

Everyone keeps re-iterating this point, and I completely agree. But, how on earth do you do this when dusting vertical panels?? I don't think you can, since the fibres obviously tend to hang vertically. I just apply the same principals - light, careful touches with the duster...

I have the round one, I spin it similar to the brushes in a tunnel car wash. Vertical surfaces are a breeze. wink-wink

[JonH]

Re: Good Practice?

Okay, have you been talking about the "original" Cali Duster that is cloth with the parafin wax on it or are refering to the microfiber duster???