Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

[Andrew C.]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

right, so a little MF debrief:

the weight of the MF is as you have pointed out is the concentration of weave in a standard square meter. the more weave there is, the more it will weigh as a cut out square meter. the concentration is not all tho... the length of the threads within each weave (also known as pile) are substantial contributors to the weight as they add more thread per square meter. BUT,, the long pile does not increase the concentration of weave.

right, onto the pile. the length of the pile is the major contributor to the thickness of the MF (plushness). the longer the pile the 'plusher' the MF. then there is open and closed loops on the pile. when the MFs are made the outside loops caused can be left intact (closed loop) and this causes slightly thinner MFs. OR, the loops can be cut (open loops) which basically doubles the number of end points on the surface of the MF. open loop also has slightly longer pile than its exact twin in closed loop, due to each thread stretching straight out, thus making the end MF slightly thicker.

NOW for softness. all the above are part of the softness factor, but also the dyeing/washing process after manufacturing. cheaper dyes can cause the threads to feel individually harder and therefore the entire MF is not as soft as another. the washing process which also 'de-lints' the MF (especially the open loop) is also important to the final softness.

so, weight, pile, loop and softness - that is how we go about choosing MF. hoipe it was helpful, if not a tad long (for talking about MFs) 8)

Wow thanks for sharing that Dodo, I never really realized all the contributing factors to what makes a microfiber "good" or not.

I personally use ADS yellow ones as multipurpose cleaning towels that never touch paint. I'll normally use either Supreme Shines or Ultimate Wipes(this more for product removal) on the paint.

I have a couple Chemical Guy's and Poorboy's microfibers, but I have yet to try them out. I just haven't gotten around to it.

[TimG]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

I love my SS & UW. Good prices and good performance. Though, I'm open to other brands.

[CieraSL]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

Does anybody have any good pics of the ADS Premium microfiber towels? Not just a distant pic of the towels on a shelf, I mean some good up close pics. I would like to know what they are like.

http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/ads-tw.html

[TimG]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

Took some picts from a used blue ADS mfs. A little bit dirty; hope it helps.

FYI, front and back pile are not the same. Ones shorter then the other.


















Tim

[CieraSL]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

Thanks Tim! What do you use the blue ones for? Do you use them on paint?

[TimG]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

I segregate my MFs according to color + their task. Blue for interior. Yellow for paint and green for buffing off wax. So far they work. Haven't seen the yellows or greens causing scratches/swirls though. Not 100% sure if all the colors are of equal quality. Might need to ask Rick for that.

[the_invisible]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

TimG has beat me to it.

The ADS towels are very nice for the price, and I have used them on the paint without a problem. They are not the most plush, but as a well-rounded universal towel, it doesn't need to be too plush. I believe Microtex is the maker of this towel. I have other 100% identical towels that are made by Microtex.


And as previously mentioned, the Vroom orange towels sold at Target are the most plush. I got mine on sale for $8 for a pack of 8. They are more plush than the high-end ones I bought from the online retailers.

[CieraSL]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

These are some microfiber towels I have from elsewhere's that I use on paint. I have other cheaper towels for interiors, wheels and tires, etc.

Yellow towels from Pep Boys - between $3 and $4 per towel - I have 2 of 'em. They kind of remind me of Ultimate Wipes:






Blue towels I got from Southeast Supply, which is the local Auto Magic distributor. I love these towels - they're my second favorite microfibers, next to Supreme Shines. Very nice towels, have good grab, and don't scratch the paint:

[Jossy92]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

Years ago, did some research and found this on Autogeek (They sell Megs):

"[A] unique combination of two basic fibers: Polyester and Polyamide (a nylon by-product) are the backbone of microfiber.

"...the polyester [is](the scrubbing fiber) from the polymide (the absorbing and quick drying fiber).

"[After being split].. fibers are woven into a fabric, often consisting of 70% to 80% polyester and 20% to 30% polyamide, depending on the desired style......"

Don't know if blend is the first issue and weight the second depending on purpose? Also more air space better for drying, more density for polishing?

Maybe someone knows.......

[the_invisible]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

Shane, I also have the yellow towel you are showing. Its texture does indeed feel like the Ultimate Wipe. We may get flamed for making such statement, though.

Your blue ones look like the ones from ADS. I wouldn't be surprised if they are. In fact, I have found the ADS ones available in different stores under countless different names, with the Microtex brand printed on the laundary tag.

[the_invisible]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

[CieraSL]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

I have a few unused blue towels still in their package with the tags on them, so I took a couple pics of the tag:

Front side:


Reverse side:

[imacarnut]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

If you want bulk microfiber towels, go to sam's club and get the proforce microfiber towels and they come in different colors. I haven't had any issues with these for general tasks, and like them a whole lot better than the yellow costco ones that I will never buy again (lint issues).

[Josh9131]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

I use mostly SS for paint. I do have a few shamrocks from AG, and while they are great for removing QD they leave behind a ton of lint. Maybe after they are washed more that will end.

I have a large Mircotex drying towel that I use to "blot" water off the paint because it is super absorbent. I also bought 2 of their yellow detailing towels at walmart for 3.69 or 3.99? Has anyone used the Microtex towels on paint and what happened? I will do the CD test tomorrow. Not enough sunlight this evening to mess with it.

[Ganesa]

Re: Let's Talk Microfiber weight..

what MF would you use to buff off cleaners and polishers?? a plush MF like SS? :]