Calif. Car Duster longevity

[PF52]

I suppose you have not examined your paint under good lighting before, eh? It probably looks like this:

View attachment 199823
Source: https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101-a/86235-best-light-spot-swirl-marks.html

I'm OCD about the paint on my Fiero (because I had it repainted in 2009) and no, it doesn't look anything like that.

 

[The Critic]

I'm OCD about the paint on my Fiero (because I had it repainted in 2009) and no, it doesn't look anything like that.

Examine your paint under a swirl finder light in a DARK garage and report back.

 

[totegoat]

I examined my paint in a well lit garage, looks good.

 

[The Critic]

I examined my paint in a well lit garage, looks good.

Most paint will looks good in well lit garages.

 

[totegoat]

Most paint will looks good in well lit garages.

 

[gman2304]

Examine your paint under a swirl finder light in a DARK garage and report back.

I could see that on expensive show cars but all mine have been drivers. My California Duster is at least 20 years old and still does a great job. I’ve used it on my 87 GN, my 65 Barracuda and now on my wife’s 2008 Solstice GXP. It’s called a California ‘Duster’ for a reason…Here’s mine.

 

[awguy]

Directions do say it can be washed. I've done it.

 

[gman2304]

Directions do say it can be washed. I've done it.

I’ve watched a couple of YouTube videos of them being washed with not so great results. Mine is still doing fine after all these years.

 

[bionictony]

never washed mine, but i only use it to dust off the car if it's been less than 7 days after a wash and wax to remove that light dust only. after that i think it'll scratch because it has too much dust on it and it needs a wash.

 

[harrydog]

I have one but only use it for dusting the dash, console and other interior areas. Works really well for that.
I never use it on the paint.

 

[hardheaded]

The only time i use mine is for light dust, not dirt. Been using it for 20 + years on 6 black cars and trucks and a black HD. Trick is to use a lite touch.

 

[Samurai1225]

I have one but only use it for dusting the dash, console and other interior areas. Works really well for that.
I never use it on the paint.

I second this notion completely. I have one for my dash, interior and they seem to work better as they age, but it is certainly a no-go on paint for me. A rinseless wash solution 64:1 ratio and a soft microfiber towel is my go to for light dust removal.