Silicone Drying Blades?

[Jelly]

Any downsides to these products?

In my experience, they seem to do a great job for getting all the "big stuff" and leave behind a swirl-free finish...

 

[GSV]

As much as I hated to buy anything named "Kalifornia" I like these. I'm not Mr. Car Detailer but since I'm impatient as he** these are a help.

No downside as I can see it.

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by Jelly:
Any downsides to these products?

In my experience, they seem to do a great job for getting all the "big stuff" and leave behind a swirl-free finish...

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Some people manage to scratch their paint with them when a catch apiece of crud just right.

 

[timmy8151]

I used a California Water Blade (CWB) for the last year or so, without any problems. What I did was wipe down the blade after every pass. I also alternated which side of the blade I use. However, now I use waffle weave towels to dry my car, but still use the CWB for my windows.

 

[mikep]

The cali blade absolutely rocks on windows! I used one on the paint for a short period and while I never really had any issues, I never felt 100% comfortable using it. Like XS650 said, just catch a small piece of something under the blade and next thing you know you're breaking out the compound or worse....touch up paint.

Once I tried waffle weave micro-fiber drying towels the cali blade never touched the paint finish again.

 

[XS650]

I searched a Corvette forum where I had seen some mention of problems with the blades.

The big majority of people had no problems, and they tend to be fussy about their cars.

The obvious thing is to keep the blade clean, wipe it after every swipe if you want to be cautious, and barely float the blade across the paint with almost no presure.

But I'm with the others in this thread. Waffle weave microfiber towels are the best thing available.

 

[darkdan]

I use them. Works great for hoods, trunks, windshield. Still have to go over and dry the rest of the car. There are some spots that thing can't hit.

Still shaves a lot of drying time off.

 

[Spector]

quote:

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Originally posted by darkdan:
I use them. Works great for hoods, trunks, windshield. Still have to go over and dry the rest of the car. There are some spots that thing can't hit.

Still shaves a lot of drying time off.

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Been using one for well over a year, fantastic as noted above, cuts the time of th ewashing/dry cycle down considerably. I have not seen it scratch or damage in any way!

 

[shortyb]

A coworker used one religiously until a small grain of sand/dirt got onto it mid-swipe. Nice 2 foot scratch that took some elbow grease with some 3M Finesse It to eliminate.

I jumped on the waffle weave microfiber bandwagon last year and am happy as a clam. One tip, for the final rinse, take off the hose nozzle and let the water sheet across the car. Leaves less water for drying.

 

[JohnnyO]

I've been using it for several years. I like it. I just use a towel for the nooks and crannys. The wax lasts longer too.

 

[Dr. T]

I've used it successfully for the past few years. Wipe down the whole car and then one pass with a Microfiber cloth for the remnant water. Only have to wring it once. Make drying a snap. I wax afterwards to fill in the scratches/swirlmarks which are not appreciably more than cloth-drying alone.

 

[HOndaGuy]

Its not going to scratch your paint unless you have debris on the paint already. Ive been using it for years, and never have had a bad experience. Just make sure you do a final rinse before you use it, check it after each swipe, and youll be fine.