Real Chamois - NO FAKE CHAMOIS posts please

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: 09328ix
Your kidding right technical details. My god we are talking about a chamois here. I do not think there is much on the molecular structure or inherent properties of a piece of cowhide. Critic is trying to tell you what the majority of us and any detailer who knows what Menzerna is would recommend. I can assure you it would not be to dry your car with a piece of beef jerky. But it is your car use what you like. As you stated "Really doesn't mean much" to me what you use. Just a thought though you could put on a pair of chaps and slide yourself all over the car that should get the job done nicely.


So I will take that as you "don't know". The rest is just some kind of hyperbole.

Listen - I'm just looking for real reasons - one guys stated they remove wax - is this REALLY true? I think they are a pain in rear to wring out and such, but I don't see any real proof they are damaging to the car's finish.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
I think they are a pain in rear to wring out and such, but I don't see any real proof they are damaging to the car's finish.

I don't know about the removing wax thing, Pablo. The only real negative that keeps me from using a leather chamois is exactly what you said - properly wringing them out and caring for them.

 

[DBMaster]

They are made out of lamb skin, not cow skin. They are harder to wring out than synthetic versions, but not overly so. I wet mine in a bucket prior to use and wring frequently. When the car is dried I return it to the bucket for a brief soak, wring it out, and then stretch it. That is supposed to prevent "fiber lock," whatever that is. I hang it to dry and, yes, it ends up quite stiff. I had been told that they removed wax, but given my own experience I say that is bunk.

 

[Garak]

A wringer tub type thing (like you see on an ancient washing machine) would probably be the best bet for a real chamois.

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: Garak
A wringer tub type thing (like you see on an ancient washing machine) would probably be the best bet for a real chamois.


Its called a "mangle"....makes sense ironically since they are good at pinching fingers.

 

[Garak]

I did that when I was a little kid once.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Unfortunately, using a chamois for drying is not a good practice.


Why not?

Technical details please.

Originally Posted By: The Critic
I don't know of any high-end detailers who use a chamois.


Really doesn't mean much. Probably just not easy for them.


Paul – the surface of a chamois is rougher than a plush microfiber towel. While it may be acceptable when you are soaking up a large quantity of water, doing a final wipe with the chamois will likely leave marring on softer paints. Any contact with a paint surface is an opportunity to instill marks, so using the softest and least aggressive method is always advised. This is why a plush microfiber drying towel is preferred over a chamois.

 

[willbur]

qwertydude-
"Maybe it's just Honda that has never advanced in paint technology" I agree with your opinion of Japanese paints.In my opinion, the paint on my 2008 Accord is the weakest I have ever experienced-ANYTHING will chip it. And I am very careful with it. Beautiful paint,however,and the only issue I have with this car. Contrast this with my old 1993 Ford Explorer. You almost had to hit it with a hanmmer to chip it.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: Pablo
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Unfortunately, using a chamois for drying is not a good practice.


Why not?

Technical details please.

Originally Posted By: The Critic
I don't know of any high-end detailers who use a chamois.


Really doesn't mean much. Probably just not easy for them.


Paul – the surface of a chamois is rougher than a plush microfiber towel. While it may be acceptable when you are soaking up a large quantity of water, doing a final wipe with the chamois will likely leave marring on softer paints. Any contact with a paint surface is an opportunity to instill marks, so using the softest and least aggressive method is always advised. This is why a plush microfiber drying towel is preferred over a chamois.


That makes sense, but I still contend that cheap microfiber towels are worse and microfiber towels have their own set of negatives.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Originally Posted By: The Critic

Paul – the surface of a chamois is rougher than a plush microfiber towel. While it may be acceptable when you are soaking up a large quantity of water, doing a final wipe with the chamois will likely leave marring on softer paints. Any contact with a paint surface is an opportunity to instill marks, so using the softest and least aggressive method is always advised. This is why a plush microfiber drying towel is preferred over a chamois.


That makes sense, but I still contend that cheap microfiber towels are worse and microfiber towels have their own set of negatives.

I've seen brand-new Kirkland MF towels leave significant marring on a red Tesla. Then again, the paint on that car is soft.

Cheap MF towels can be quite troublesome, and expensive ones are just expensive. Plus when the towels wear out, they will marr as well. I have some $5/towel Uber green towels that are starting to marr up paint.

 

[Turk]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I blow my cars off with a leaf blower to remove most water, then use a microfiber waffle weave towel. Works great.


Same here. I use my Echo Back-pack Leaf Blower.

WHY?? Gets water out of cracks & crevices like around door handles, trim, edges, etc. that you cannot get out any other way!