how well do they work for drying a car? do they scratch the surface?
water blades? what do you think of them?
- Thread starter Car Luver
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The blade won't but if you drag a piece of grit along with the blade, the grit will scratch. If you really care about the appearance of your paint, then you would be better off with a high quality all cotton towel or a microfiber towel made for drying cars.
I've used them since they came out and have never encountered a problem. I understand the possibility of a scratch but just haven't experienced it.
On a large vehicle they are a huge help, especially if you live in an area with hard water. A blade will remove around 70-80% of the standing water and a quick wipe with a microfiber towel will finish it off. I can dry my truck in about 10 mins with this combo.
On a large vehicle they are a huge help, especially if you live in an area with hard water. A blade will remove around 70-80% of the standing water and a quick wipe with a microfiber towel will finish it off. I can dry my truck in about 10 mins with this combo.
i have one and use it. it gets most of the water off fast but you still have to towel dry. if your car has alot of trim, bumps, lines, etc it doesn't work as well. it works best on flat cars.
Hated the blade! Yeah it knocks off alot of water, but you still gotta use a chamois to finish it off.
AND the NOISE! SCREEEEETCH! SCREEEETCH!
AND the NOISE! SCREEEEETCH! SCREEEETCH!
I have used both the California water blade and I just got a new one by Griot's Garage. The Griot's is made of a cellular foam and is softer. Therefore it doesn't screech, but it does absorb water after a time (so it isn't as effective as the silicone California Water Blade).
If you have a large vehicle with big flat surfaces (like a minivan for example), they work great to knock off the bulk of the water. Never had one scratch a car yet (either type).
The microfiber towel is the way to go - IMHO. I bought a few Sonus brand ones and I really like them. They pick up tons of water and are really gentle.
If you have a large vehicle with big flat surfaces (like a minivan for example), they work great to knock off the bulk of the water. Never had one scratch a car yet (either type).
The microfiber towel is the way to go - IMHO. I bought a few Sonus brand ones and I really like them. They pick up tons of water and are really gentle.
BTW I had the California Water Blade.
I love the California Water Blade although it's no replacement for towel drying. As others have mentioned, it removes the majority of the water first. Towel or chamois drying is very important for a nice complete finish. I've used the cheap versions of water blades(the ones without the extra edge at the bottom), and they don't work nearly as well for removing water. I also like the California Duster but it's no replacement for a good bath. Great for removing light dust between washings but not after a rain when the vehicle has dried,(too dirty, will scratch).
I use My Water Blade when I am wet sanding the basecoat\clearcoat. Works great to pull the water away see the spots that need more sanding!
One mistake with an unseen area of grit and you have big problems with that water blade.
I've used an electric leaf blower for years to blow off water and get in the nook and crannies for easy followup towel drying.
Just bought a rechargeable cordless leaf blower which I will try this weekend.
I've used an electric leaf blower for years to blow off water and get in the nook and crannies for easy followup towel drying.
Just bought a rechargeable cordless leaf blower which I will try this weekend.
tom slick said "it works best on flat cars."
P.B.
P.B.
I use one small microfiber towel rolled into a long roll sort of like a squeege and a good large microfiber towel for the final drying. IIRC, my good large one is a Sonus.
I'm glad that slip didn't go unnoticed!quote:
Originally posted by Papa Bear:
tom slick said "it works best on flat cars."
P.B.
Bought one at Target today for 7.99. usually it takes 3 towels to dry my car. Used the blade and it took only one towel and the towel was only moderately wet.
That grain of sand in a towel is a bad thing to.
Very good point.
Not nearly as bad. A soft fluffy towel used with a light touch allows the sand to embed in the towel and barely touch the paint. A wiper blade by it's very nature presses the grain against the paint.
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