Good Practice?

[mis3]

Sometimes when my car is not dirty, I would simply dust off the car (California Duster) then apply UQW. I do this without prior washing.

Is this a good practice? Please note that my car is usually well-waxed with UW, #16, NXT, etc; probably wax every 2-3 weeks in summer months. Should I apply UQD before UQW?

[Marc08EX]

Re: Good Practice?

I'm not sure how good california dusters work. If I was to dust off a car, I would at least use UQD with MF towels to add lubricity between your dusting media and the paint.

[Murr1525]

Re: Good Practice?

I guess it matter less now, as once Jan comes you can use the spray Wash n Wax after dusting.

But yeah, I'm not sure how perfect the Cali Dusters leave the surface.

I guess the simplest question is have you seen any swirls?

[mis3]

Re: Good Practice?

I do have swirls but since my car is silver, they don't show as much.

[Murr1525]

Re: Good Practice?

I suppose there is a chance that is the source then, but hard to say if you cant watch for sure.

[Bjkearns]

Re: Good Practice?

The california scratcher...
I will not touch paint with one of those

quick detailer and a microfiber is the way to go

[Ultraman]

I've never used my Cali Duster, just sitting at my garage cabinet. What I do to remove light dust is wipe it off with a damp MF towel with QD and very mild car shampoo solution.

[lightspeed1212]

Re: Good Practice?

Cali duster is a double edged sword for light dust that is all small particles say sitting in the garage for a few days it will work fine and do almost no damage to your paint. where the problem lies is in the fact that i will pick up whatever is on your paint so if there is some large particles you are dragging them over your whole car so you will get scratches. personally i abuse my car to do product testing i let it get really dirty b4 i wash it i wash it with was medium that i shouldn't use to see how durable different waxes and sealants are, but my dads car on the other hand i take allot better care of. Washes every 1-1.5 weeks with gentle soap and a soft washmit and quckdetailer and microfiber dust downs every few days. doing this keeps the paint almost entierly swirl free and when i do wash it I'm done in a few min since the car is almost totally clean.

[BillyJack]

Re: Good Practice?

In my few years participating in detailing forums, I've seen a lot of criticism of California Dusters, but I've never had an issue using one on my own car. My El Camino has aged Burgundy single stage lacquer paint, about the most sensitive finish possible. I use a duster at a show or cruise if I've accumulated dust on the road or just from sitting in the garage. If there's been any condensation that would tend to bond the dust to the paint, then it's time for a QD wipedown. Also, I don't let the weight of the duster rest on the paint. I suspend the handle above the finish so just the ends of the fibers touch the finish. IMO, the product name says it all; It's a "duster", not a "scrubber". If you use it properly within its capabilities it shouldn't cause any problems. If you try to make it do more than a light dusting, you suffer the consequences.

Bill

[greg0303]

Re: Good Practice?

I'm not sure how good california dusters work. If I was to dust off a car, I would at least use UQD with MF towels to add lubricity between your dusting media and the paint.

+1
what Marc said.
I would rather use a quick detailer and then UQW.

[Blueline]

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.

[Zcar]

Re: Good Practice?

If the "duster" picks up dust particles and can cause scratches in the paint would not those same dust particles be picked up by QD and a microfiber towel? I live in an extremely dusty area surrounded by sand dunes on the south edge of town and agricultural operations all around us. Lots of strong wind in the spring and off and on all summer long. At times during the early spring when fields have been plowed and planted the dust will be so bad that portions of highways will be closed. Fortunately my car is garaged but even then wind blown dust will find it's way through the smallest of cracks and onto the car. I have used a California duster with no apparent problems and then follow up with a QD and microfiber. I wonder if Meguiars has done any tests with dusters.

[Murr1525]

Re: Good Practice?

Meguiars used to make one...

[STRIFE]

Re: Good Practice?

In rainy Vancouver ....this duster would hardly be useful.....even in early summer , late summer....there usually some morning dew on the car.....I really wanted to buy one of these....

[davey g-force]

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.

I completely agree with Blueline. I've been carefully using a duster on my black vehicle for over two years now without ever inducing any swirls.

I'm talking about light dust only of course..