Water Blade is a Winner!

[pcmark]

I purchased a drying "water blade" several weeks ago, but just tried it today, the first day warm enough to wash my vehicle. And, I'm impressed as heck! Not only did it work better than the various tech drying towels, but it literally took me only a fraction of the time (with a few more uses, I'm going to time myself, as I bet I can dry my whole minivan in 3 minutes).

The manufacturers swear that the silicon water blade material is safer than micro-fiber and other drying towels, and that appears to be true, with it leaving a mirror shine on my vehicle. (Of course, I would only use one on an absolutely clean surface, as it could drag grit across your paint.) But, it truly works as advertised. And, it's fun to do.

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

I have one of those too, worked great until I couldn't find where I left it.

[the other pc]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

.... (Of course, I would only use one on an absolutely clean surface, as it could drag grit across your paint.) ...

I think that deserves to be reemphasized:

...only use one on an absolutely clean surface, as it could drag grit across your paint.

I've seen really nasty scratches caused by blading paint that hadn't been 100% cleaned of grit. So wash thoroughly and inspect diligently before blading.


PC.

[angeloabbattista]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

...only use one on an absolutely clean surface, as it could drag grit across your paint.

I've seen really nasty scratches caused by blading paint that hadn't been 100% cleaned of grit. So wash thoroughly and inspect diligently before blading.

I used to use one, still have it, it left a nasty scratch on my nice shiny black bonnet It's just to risky to use on paint. I use it on glass only now.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

Something about these things just scares the willies out of me!! I guess it's that whole "dragging grit across the paint" part. It only needs to happen once. But if someone really, really loves the darn thing and takes the needed precautions, then who am I to tell them not to use it?

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

I have a California Water Blade and really like it. Luckily, I haven't had any of the typical scratches associated.

After every swipe, I wipe the blade edge using a clean microfiber.

[CarbonBlack]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

I also have a California water blade.

It works better than towels, and I'd argue it is safer.
like they said, it is fun to use. It make the best part of washing, drying the car off

dragging or rubbing a towel on paint seems more dangerous to me.

-nick

[RDVT4ME]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

I only use it on windows, does a nice job there....but on the paint......I'm not going to take a chance with that.

[BlueZero]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

I use one and love it. I take a microfiber in one hand and the water blade in the other, then wipe off the blade after each swipe. No problems with catching grit yet. If I had a show car I might not use it.

[G Force]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

Thanks for sharing the idea. Lately i took the habit of washing, wiping off in only one (as water runs)direction to avoid swirls.

[cafemoc]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

I too use California Water Blade, never scratch paint, but I wipe blade every time. I kinda see people's concern though, at first I was scare to wipe with blade

[Sprzout]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

I had one, and found it didn't do as good a job as my Absorber chamois/towel thing. I'd still see water spots from it. I think that the blade itself was too stiff to work right on my car, but if I'm having to use the blade and then use a towel to come back over and dry off any excess water that's left, then it's not really doing the job I want it to do.

I guess it breaks down to a matter of preference with this, but I'll stick with my Absorber chamois instead, since that gets the water off.

[Ryan L.]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

I use one every once in a while but not all the time. It normally depends on how long I have to do the car, I'd rather take my time and wipe off the water it I have the time. One time I went to use it on a customers car while he was there and he just about had a heart attack until I showed him how well it works and now he owns one for his glass shower door...weird!!

Ryan

[mckeand13]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

I think that deserves to be reemphasized:

...only use one on an absolutely clean surface, as it could drag grit across your paint.

I've seen really nasty scratches caused by blading paint that hadn't been 100% cleaned of grit. So wash thoroughly and inspect diligently before blading.


PC.

Using a towel to dry would do exactly the same thing.

I think the thing to remember is: No matter what method you use, the surface must be free of contaminants. Because the subject is drying, we can assume the car was just washed, and should be free from contaminants. Water Blade away!

I use one and I love it. I can then easily finish wiping the entire car with one water magnet that has a lot of soaking left in it.

[the other pc]

Re: Water Blade is a Winner!

Using a towel to dry would do exactly the same thing....

True, but a towel with nap tends to “hide” the grit and a chamois or synthetic “chamois” (Meguiar’s Soft Touch Microfiber, the Absorber, etc) is much softer than solid rubber and gives more under pressure.

I’ve seen plenty on swirls caused by inadequte towel and chamois choices/techniques, but I’ve seen gouging caused by grit accidentally trapped under a blade.


PC.