best drying aid

[cd36]

So I'm wanting to pick up something as a drying aid. Is it best to use a detailler or a quick wax, or does that just depend on what I'm looking to get out of it. I wouldn't mind the extra protection a quick wax would provide, but does it work well as a drying aid?

Also, right now when drying I use a waffle weave microfibre towel, and just pat the car dry. When using something like a quick wax, should I be using more of a rubbing/buffing motion to dry the car? Will I increase the chance of scratches/swirls? I much prefer a rubbing/buffing motion to the pat dry, it seems to be to do a better job of drying, but if it is going to leave a worse finish I will keep patting dry. Thanks!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: best drying aid

As a final rinse, take the nozzle off the hose and turn the water pressure down about half way. Now hold the end of the hose parallel to the paint and keep it close to the paint as well. This will prevent splashing as you flood the surface, and you'll remove the vast majority of water from the surface.

Now grab your Water Magnet or other waffle weave drying towel, spray a panel with Ultimate Quik Wax, and wipe it dry. A very light wipe should remove the remaining water and the UQW, leaving a very slick and shiny surface. You may even be able to fully dry the car with a single Water Magnet this way. Works like a charm!!

[MrCLRider]

Re: best drying aid

You could get a CR spotless water DI system to help prevent water spots. Just let the car air dry.

[cd36]

Re: best drying aid

Hey thanks for the tip. Unfortunately I either wash my car in a coin op wash bay or with ONR at my apartment, both places I can't sheet the car with water unfortunately. Its a good tip though, and I'll be picking up some quick wax for my next wash job. Thanks!

[kjchen69]

Re: best drying aid

hello Michael
so do you mean that even before the car is compelted dry, I can still spray the UQW and then dry them all together?
this is such another good thing to know as it will cut a lot of time if the car was already or just waxed

K.J

[Michael Stoops]

Re: best drying aid

That's right K.J. - mist the UQW on the wet car, just one panel at a time, and dry as you go.

[MrCLRider]

Re: best drying aid

In my experience in using this process be aware that your waffle weave towel might start to become water proof instead of water absorbent. A thorough cleaning will need to be performed periodically to get it out of the towels. That does include your towels you use for doing your qd process also.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: best drying aid

Another tip, Meguiar's Last Touch detailer spray is VERY effective as removing fresh water spots. I use that to go back and remove drips that come from the mirrors and cracks.

[kjchen69]

Re: best drying aid

thank you all, that's really something I need to try out too, I have all these products and haven't really know the exact correct ways to use them yet, really help a lot, thank you

K.J

[Michael Stoops]

Re: best drying aid

In my experience in using this process be aware that your waffle weave towel might start to become water proof instead of water absorbent. A thorough cleaning will need to be performed periodically to get it out of the towels. That does include your towels you use for doing your qd process also.

It is a good idea to wash your towels after every use, whether they were used for wiping off compounds and paint cleaners, polishes, hazed wax, quick detail sprays, or even just drying the car.

[cd36]

Re: best drying aid

I always wash my towels after each use, so I don't think I'll have the water resistant problem. I do only use basic detergent, should I be using something more specialized? Is there an advantage to those microfibre renewing cleaners that some companies have?

[MrCLRider]

Re: best drying aid

I beleive there have been many personal reviews on using products like Micro restore, Chemical Guys micro fiber wash or others. I beleive that they use a different method of cleaning the garment/microfiber as compared to regular tide or whatever you might be using. If you have the option for extra rinse cycle I would sugget using that option also.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: best drying aid

I always wash my towels after each use, so I don't think I'll have the water resistant problem. I do only use basic detergent, should I be using something more specialized? Is there an advantage to those microfibre renewing cleaners that some companies have?

Do you wash towels that have been used for wax, sealants, UQD or UQW with your drying towels?

I have found that these products *can* make towels more water resistant, so I used dedicated towels for different jobs. It made a big difference for my drying towels.

[kimchiyuk]

Re: best drying aid

That's right K.J. - mist the UQW on the wet car, just one panel at a time, and dry as you go.

I just tried this a couple days ago. I couldn't believe how much easier the drying process was! I will do this every time from now on.

[cleeny]

Re: best drying aid

Michael, would UQW also serve as a lubricant for the drying process, so that micro marring is minimized during the towel drying process? Does UQW even have lubricants?
I think it's a good idea to lubricate the surface to be towel dried since I am outdoors for my car washes and some particles tend to land on my paint before drying.
Would a quick detailer (since it would add lubrication) be better for towel drying?