Cotton Towels

I have been detailing and showing cars for years. I swear I learn something new all the time.

I have heard for years the discussion about 100% Cotton towels vs the towels that are not 100% cotton. The burn tests etc.
Well, it finally hit me what it all means...

In my earlier detailing days when I had a 1966 Mustang with candy apple red laquer paint, I never had an issue with scratches.
Now, besides my 79 Vette with the original black laquer paint, I have a silver 74 Mercedes 450SL that has been repainted silver/clearcoat. I was freaking out how many scratches I was producing on my Vette. I am a big fan of Meguiars Quick Detail and use it all the time. But where in the heck were all these scratches coming from???

I decided to take the T-Tops out and use No 7 rubbing compound and then Meguiars No. 7 Polish and then Meguiars Gold Class Wax (I also clay bar'd) This was the EXACT same winning combo on that old red Mustang. The T-Tops looked awesome untill I put them back in and then wiped them down with Quick Detail. There was the dang scratches again!!!! It then hit me.

All the first steps along with the old red Mustang process from years ago was with using a 100% American made cloth baby diapers I have been taking off the final wax and detailing spray with "cotton" terry cloths purchased from the auto stores. I then remembered the "burn test" and the auto store terry cloth "cotton" diapers failed!!!!! The baby diapers passed with flying colors!!!! So I re-did the T-tops and they look like wet black glass!!! Awesome!

So this long story is to say....Yes there is a BIG difference between 100% Real cotton and towels that are not really all cotton. Most importantly when working with original laquer!

I hope this helps somebody out there. And to think I only live in the next town over from Detailing Dude!!!!

[paintdaddy]

. And to think I only live in the next town over from Detailing Dude!!!!

Maybe its something in the water up there.So what kinda towels do you reccomend for urethanes.Ive been using diapers forever and Ive always liked them except on black cars.I get the scratches too.

[JJU]

The only kind of 100% American Cotton towels I use is Fieldcrest Royal Velvet and Charisma lines.

I know these are safe.

[Stallion]

Wow, I didn't know the towels had that big of an effect. Are you talking about weekly washings, or just about waxing and polishing for the perfect towels?

Thanks!

TR

[JJU]

Originally posted by Stallion
Wow, I didn't know the towels had that big of an effect. Are you talking about weekly washings, or just about waxing and polishing for the perfect towels?

Both.

Anytime a bad towel touches your car it can and will scratch the clearcoat leaving the spider-webbing effect.

If you treat your car like "your baby", you'll know nothing is too good for it.

[Ctfoodguy2000]

Great towels at a great price. Yes, 100% cotton!!
--> http://fieldcrestcannonoutlet.site.y...rtow1stqu.html

Only get the white for your Vette. I also bought colors for my home; they are that nice!

[JJU]

Originally posted by Ctfoodguy2000
Great towels at a great price. Yes, 100% cotton!!
--> http://fieldcrestcannonoutlet.site.y...rtow1stqu.html

Only get the white for your Vette. I also bought colors for my home; they are that nice!

! agree!

When you wash, only liquid detergent (no powdered detergent, no bleach, no fabric softener, no dryer sheets). Double rinse if you can and pull the towels out of the dryer a little earlier when they are still moist. (Air dry and fluff.) The reason is to minimize static electricity which will transfer to the surface of your car when you use it. Stactic electricy will attract dust.