To Dust or NOT to Dust?

[cyberized]

I used to use a CA Duster on my Elky BUT it finally "died".......now that I have re-painted it I don't know if I should buy another CA Duster or not.....don't know if it might actually do harm to my new paint - although it is quite well protected with compound, polish, and wax? My car has to be out in the elements and often during the summer time especially there might be a light layer of dust on it that has not been effected by dew - and that comes off w/o a problem.
Now I see that it weems like everyone here and other auto forums are more inclined to use some type of Spray and Wash product and wipe with microfiber cloth - seems like that would scratch the surface as much or more than a Duster.
What is the BEST and safest way to deal with the dust and minor dirt problems w/o having to wash the vehicle everytime?

TKS Michael

[Murr1525]

Re: To Dust or NOT to Dust?

Well, the best way is to wash....

A mist and wipe product can pnly be used safely for light dust, and who knows where that cut of is.

I am sure the recomendation for a duster is similar.

[yalerd]

Re: To Dust or NOT to Dust?

I agree with Murr, washing to me is the best way but a lot of people have great success with mist and wipe products

I know Michael Stoops aka Mike-in-Orange has had great results with this PT Cruiser.

[RDVT4ME]

Re: To Dust or NOT to Dust?

Many people use the wrong technique when using a duster. There should be no pressure at all. Do not wipe the dust off with the duster. Just glide it over the surface. Otherwise that's how scratches get in the paint from the duster. Like any tool, used properly it works fine.

I definitely agree with the posters above. Washing is best, but if you truely only have light dust, then you should be OK to use the duster.

[Black Bart]

Re: To Dust or NOT to Dust?

Like so many other things in detailing it is all in the technique.
When I go to a show and get my car clean and before the judges come around it has dust on it. I use the CA. duster to remove the dust.
Nearly all do this and they are 10K to 15K paint jobs.
It is all about how dirty and how you use it that is why you will hear it works while others will say don't use it.
Their are some waterless washes on the market that work really well and can be used on a pretty dirty car with the right technique
Since Meguiars don't make such a product you will need to do a search since it is frowned upon to post other products here.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: To Dust or NOT to Dust?

I have a fair amount of experience with the CA duster, and my experience has been that it works well on a WELL waxed vehicle for about 2-3 days, maybe 3-4 if garaged after each wash.

If you try and use it for too long it starts to face too much build up and nasty stuff.

Just like washing a vehicle with a wash mitt, you will find that the duster works 10x better on freshly waxed paint (obviously).

So, as long as your GENTLY pulling it over the paint, and it is waxed, and it isn't overly contaminated...then you should be safe