Car Brush for Washing - Yes or No?

[ihsn]

Almost pulled the trigger on this brush (http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=JLsc631h01H2NDKxncrD nGqMhl2TWmvjc1jk3bztSjgsQfKCD4RP!47086456?postal=m 1b5e1&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441890671&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672473&bmForm=form_set_price_list&bmFormID=1233873948429&bmUID=1233873948429&bmHash=921e94bf2f77f377b49f3d2f9934a28c033e8019) until I read this comment in one of the reviews.


Not for paint

"Please ,please ,if you love your car don't use a brush of any kind to wash it.
It introduces swirl marks ,and scratches .
These brushes are only good for washing tries and wheels and are never gentle enough for the paint on your cars.
A Microfiber wash mitt ,two buckets (one for soap ,one for water/rinsing the mitt),and a good car wash shampoo ,these are the basic items you would need to properly wash your car, a bristle brush is simply not the proper tool for that beautiful paint on your car."

What do you suggest?

[TT333]

On a used car that already has some swirling, brushes are fine.

But, if your car is new, or has new paint, a brush will always wreck it. That comment is absolutely right. I work at a detail shop, and on new cars we always use a microfiber mitt on new (or close to new) vehicles.

[veryhuman]

Anything short of a clean hand held sheepskin mitt gently gliding to clean will introduce swirl marks.

[Jucius Maximus]

No way, that will induce all kinds of fine scratching in your paint.

I use a sheep skin mitt to wash and then polish with a Porter Cable machine.

[rchong]

I find that the car brushes made today aren't as soft as old car brushes. I do use a brush to wash the mini van because it's faster. I use a sheep skin wash mitt for smaller cars. :)

[MS MSP]

is there a "hell no" choice?

[kvilkhu]

Brushes do nothing but drag the dirt across the finish of your paint, resulting in fine scratches. No matter how soft the brush is, it will still do damage.

Treat your finish by using a sheepskin wool mitt and employ the two-bucket method of washing.

Here's a write up from my site explaining the two-bucket method - http://www.makeitshine.ca/washing.html
Here's a little information on swirl marks & how to remove them - http://www.makeitshine.ca/removeswirlmarks.html

[Asad_A203]

On a used car that already has some swirling, brushes are fine.

But, if your car is new, or has new paint, a brush will always wreck it. That comment is absolutely right. I work at a detail shop, and on new cars we always use a microfiber mitt on new (or close to new) vehicles.

Why don't you guys use MF towels on the older vehicles? Using stiff brushes will only lead to more serious marring on those older vehicles which might result in them becoming too deep to be removed by machine polishing.

I only use a brush on the underbody of my vehicle and my tirewells; where a brush belongs :cheesygri.

[TT333]

Why don't you guys use MF towels on the older vehicles? Using stiff brushes will only lead to more serious marring on those older vehicles which might result in them becoming too deep to be removed by machine polishing.

I only use a brush on the underbody of my vehicle and my tirewells; where a brush belongs :cheesygri.

Well if the car had serious swirling, we usually cut polish them when they come in. (btw I work at a dealership detail shop) if they've just recieved a cut, then the brushes won't touch them obviously, and they'll be treated like a new car.

I probably should have specified that on a customer job (not for the dealership) we obviously use a mitt, and treat their car like a new one too.

[luxome]

i selected 'no', however, i do sometimes use it to wash the rims.

[selpats]

I use a brush everytime, I am sure it has created some micro-fine scratches that you would have to look to find but c'est lie, it is only a car. I hand wax my car every spring and fall and maybe once in the summer. It still looks like the day I bought it new in 2004.

[radeonboy]

I use a brush everytime, I am sure it has created some micro-fine scratches that you would have to look to find but c'est lie, it is only a car. I hand wax my car every spring and fall and maybe once in the summer. It still looks like the day I bought it new in 2004.

Waxing doesn't have any effect on the swirls. So no, it doesn't look the same as when you bought it.

[selpats]

Waxing doesn't have any effect on the swirls. So no, it doesn't look the same as when you bought it.

Good lord no! Please don't tell me it's not perfect, my ego will be crushed. My car means everything to me! :lol:

[ShadowVlican]

i use brush on my wheels... they're stock alloys so i don't care

[galanz]

i use brush on my wheels... they're stock alloys so i don't care

+1, I'll rinse the brush first with the spray wand and use it to clean tires, wheels and the windows, but never on the paint.

[canadiankorean]

Sorry but going to hijack the thread.

A brush like this for washing is a no-no for new cars.
But what about those snow removal brushes?
Wouldn't the snow removal brush ruin the paint job on a car?

[Jucius Maximus]

Sorry but going to hijack the thread.

A brush like this for washing is a no-no for new cars.
But what about those snow removal brushes?
Wouldn't the snow removal brush ruin the paint job on a car?

Yeah it's pretty hard to have a swirl-free car in the Canadian climate if you drive in Winter. I have heard of some people wrapping the bristles in a microfiber cloth and using that.

[selpats]

Yeah it's pretty hard to have a swirl-free car in the Canadian climate if you drive in Winter. I have heard of some people wrapping the bristles in a microfiber cloth and using that.

Wrapping the bristles in microfiber? :lol:

Are you driving a work of art or something, I don't understand the obsession...

[Kayne]

I use a brush everytime, I am sure it has created some micro-fine scratches that you would have to look to find but c'est lie, it is only a car. I hand wax my car every spring and fall and maybe once in the summer. It still looks like the day I bought it new in 2004.


Take a halogen light into the garage and post some pictures.

[selpats]

Take a halogen light into the garage and post some pictures.

Why? What is that going to show? Some swirl marks? Oh no, not swirl marks! Not on my precious car...:lol:

My car is not an extension of my penis/personality. ;)

EDIT: I was just thinking about what you said more and started laughing loudly. Take a halogen light into the garage and take pictures? That is freaking hilarious! DUDE, IT IS A CAR. Thanks for the laugh!

[xdragus]

yes even the snow brushes will also cause swirls or minor scratches but not enough to get to your clearcoat.

There really no way to avoid swirl marks unless hand wash with 3-4 mitts with bucket/grate system to reduce it as much as possible and drying it with proper technique. Other than that....if the scratches are really getting to you....either learn how to buff them out properly yourself or take it to a detail shop.

Then your nightmare is dealing with a shop who takes shortcuts. Either not buffing all the way and using wax to hide it. But as soon as you start washing or taking it to a touchless they'll come right back.

If you're willing to pay good money, www.gtaindetail.com is a great guy working out from his house from the GTA. Did my car - chilled at his place for 5 hours watching him work his magic. Car was flawless without any wax and looked better than when I had about 3-4 layers of zaino on.

[xdragus]

Why? What is that going to show? Some swirl marks? Oh no, not swirl marks! Not on my precious car...:lol:

My car is not an extension of my penis/personality. ;)

EDIT: I was just thinking about what you said more and started laughing loudly. Take a halogen light into the garage and take pictures? That is freaking hilarious! DUDE, IT IS A CAR. Thanks for the laugh!

Sigh - nothing wrong with people who love their cars :) Might as well make fun of all the showcar ppl and car enthusiasts. There's probably a hobby you love, the car is ours...and you have your own.

[radeonboy]

Why? What is that going to show? Some swirl marks? Oh no, not swirl marks! Not on my precious car...:lol:

My car is not an extension of my penis/personality. ;)

EDIT: I was just thinking about what you said more and started laughing loudly. Take a halogen light into the garage and take pictures? That is freaking hilarious! DUDE, IT IS A CAR. Thanks for the laugh!

Then GTFO if you don't share the same qualities as people who take care of their vehicles.

[selpats]

Then GTFO if you don't share the same qualities as people who take care of their vehicles.

Oooh, "GTFO", another virtual bully. :lol: It's OK, continue on with your threats from behind your keyboard, it's humourous. :cheesygri

The OP was asking about brushes, I use one, is my opinion not as valuable as yours? :lol: I maintain my vehicle very well thank you, I am just not obsessive about it.

I have nothing wrong with people that have 'cars' as a hobby at all. I have several friends that have a LOT of money invested in there old muscle cars and they are meticulous about how they look. I was just sharing my opinion about brushes, just as the OP requested.

[Jucius Maximus]

Wrapping the bristles in microfiber? :lol:

Are you driving a work of art or something, I don't understand the obsession...

I am what I drive. And I think it's important to take pride in keeping your car clean, polished, well-maintained, etc. When I do a full carwash and detail, it takes me 4-6 hrs. Having a well-maintained vehicle, both mechanically and externally, makes me feel good about myself.

[selpats]

I am what I drive. And I think it's important to take pride in keeping your car clean, polished, well-maintained, etc. When I do a full carwash and detail, it takes me 4-6 hrs.

You are what you drive? Huh? I don't understand what you mean by that? How does your car define who you are? :confused:

Again, I don't think there is anything wrong with maintaining anything you own. I spend the entire day washing, detailing etc my car as well, 2-3 times a year with washes and vacuuming, light detailing in between.

[Jucius Maximus]

You are what you drive? Huh? I don't understand what you mean by that? How does your car define who you are? :confused:

Again, I don't think there is anything wrong with maintaining anything you own. I spend the entire day washing, detailing etc my car as well, 2-3 times a year with washes and vacuuming, light detailing in between.

What I mean is that the type and condition of your car are a reflection of what kind of person you are.

[selpats]

What I mean is that the type and condition of your car are a reflection of what kind of person you are.

Please tell me you are being sarcastic. :confused:

If you aren't you must be a teen or in very early twenties.

[xdragus]

What I mean is that the type and condition of your car are a reflection of what kind of person you are.

I'll agree somewhat but the possibilities are endless to what you say.

It's the same way as how you dress, some filfthy rich person can be dressed in rags, drive a crapbox because he doesn't care but his house costs 20M and hes a billionaire.

[xdragus]

Haha now this thread is getting off-topic. Apologies to the OP :razz:

[Jucius Maximus]

Please tell me you are being sarcastic. :confused:

If you aren't you must be a teen or in very early twenties.

Don't get me wrong, I am in neither of those groups. Until earlier this year, I drove a 10 year old car with over 300,000 km on it. And still I kept it super-clean, washed, waxed, etc. Parked far away from the destination so the doors wouldn't get dented. It's important to have pride in your ride.

[Kayne]

Why? What is that going to show? Some swirl marks? Oh no, not swirl marks! Not on my precious car...:lol:

My car is not an extension of my penis/personality. ;)

EDIT: I was just thinking about what you said more and started laughing loudly. Take a halogen light into the garage and take pictures? That is freaking hilarious! DUDE, IT IS A CAR. Thanks for the laugh!

Wow buddy I did not mean to offend yah......lol

I was just offering some ideas on how you could see how bad that your "mint" 2004 vehicle may look in the eyes of others. This or you could park it in direct sunlight to see all of the imperfections. If the car is silver or white most of this stuff will not show. Anyway just trying to help so take a deep breath and enjoy life.

[canadiankorean]

So what do people do with snow on their cars that don't want to have swirls on their paint job?

Other than wrap microfibre on their snowbrush...

In another thread, ppl avoid soft cloth car washes cuz of the scratches it can cause.

Maybe I shouldn't drive my car and just leave it in the garage... :P

[Jucius Maximus]

So what do people do with snow on their cars that don't want to have swirls on their paint job?

Other than warp microfibre on their snowbrush...

In another thread, ppl avoid soft cloth car washes cuz of the scratches it can cause.

Maybe I shouldn't drive my car and just leave it in the garage... :P

Yeah I don't think there's really a solution other than to have a Winter beater.

[selpats]

Wow buddy I did not mean to offend yah......lol

I was just offering some ideas on how you could see how bad that your "mint" 2004 vehicle may look in the eyes of others. This or you could park it in direct sunlight to see all of the imperfections. If the car is silver or white most of this stuff will not show. Anyway just trying to help so take a deep breath and enjoy life.

OK - First off when you use quotations you should be actually quoting something the person said, you obviously don't understand that but I
digress.

"Offering me some ideas"?! :lol: You are hilarious, thanks again! No offense taken here dude, nothing you could type here would offend me.

I do enjoy my life very much, probably more t han you as I am not obsessing about how perfect the paint on my car is...;)


What I mean is that the type and condition of your car are a reflection of what kind of person you are.

Please explain this. Give me some examples...

Here are a couple for you to get you started:

What about my friend who drives a 1998 Acura TL is like, he spray-washes his car once every two weeks. He waxes it once a year and maintains it very well mechanically. What kind of person is he? What does he do for a living? Is he financially stable? Is he in a productive happy relationship? Tell me more...

How about another person I know, he has a late-seventies GMC pickup, it's beat to hell, his ashtray is over-flowing with butts and the interior has coffee stains on the seat older than most of the posters here at RFD. What kind of person is he? What does he do for a living? Is he financially stable? Is he in a productive happy relationship? Tell me more...

How about an old co-worker of mine. She drove a new-ish Audi A6, had it detailed at the dealership second Saturday and wasn't comfortable with anyone sitting in her car with muddy feet. What kind of person was she? What does she do for a living? Is she financially stable? Is she in a productive happy relationship? Tell me more...

What about a person that doesn't own/use a car, what kind of person are they?

[radeonboy]

selpats, look at this 1966 mustang paint restore. this is why people like to detail and keep their cars clean. The paint looks like a pool you can jump into.

this is why some people are into this kind of stuff. its so rewarding at the end.

I don't really believe 'you are what you drive' like the other poster says rather: 'you are how you maintain/keep your vehicle' . if your car has lots of garbage/crap inside, I'm gonna be led to believe you are a disorganized person and most likely live in a unclean environment, basically lazy. if your vehicle is dead clean, i'd say your an organized and tidy person and that translates living in a clean home, etc

http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-brag/115336-red-1966-mustang-jet-black-2008-335i-2002-camaro.html

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/MattZ28/IMG_6228.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/MattZ28/IMG_6284.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/MattZ28/IMG_6288.jpg

[selpats]

selpats, look at this 1966 mustang paint restore. this is why people like to detail and keep their cars clean. The paint looks like a pool you can jump into.

this is why some people are into this kind of stuff. its so rewarding at the end.

I don't really believe 'you are what you drive' like the other poster says rather: 'you are how you maintain/keep your vehicle' . if your car has lots of garbage/crap inside, I'm gonna be led to believe you are a disorganized person and most likely live in a unclean environment, basically lazy. if your vehicle is dead clean, i'd say your an organized and tidy person and that translates living in a clean home, etc

http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-brag/115336-red-1966-mustang-jet-black-2008-335i-2002-camaro.html



That Mustang is a beauty for sure, my brother had a '66 hardtop that he totalled. I still give him a hard time about that (and that happened over 20 years ago). It's amazing what a little elbow-grease (and product) can do! ;)

I just don't agree with you at all. Some people are just not organized that way but it isn't an indication of their personality. For example, my sister-in-law is a single mom that simply doesn't have the time to keep her car neat and tidy all the time. She works 50+ hours a week and has a five year old that she cares for the rest of the time. Keeping her car gleaming is very low on her priority list. That says nothing about her as a person though, she is a wonderful, caring mother/friend etc. She is anything but lazy.

Making an assumption about someone based on the cleanliness of their vehicle is just silly, that's all. If you feel the need to keep your car in showroom condition 24/7, good for you. Personally, if I see someone detailing their car in a parking lot I think that the person may be very superficial and obsessive compulsive.

Anyway, this has gone way too far off-topic. If you want to carry on with this discussion feel free to PM me. And, as you had done before, don't assume that I am angry/offended or whatever it was, I am sharing my opinion, just like you...

[Jucius Maximus]

Please explain this. Give me some examples...

Here are a couple for you to get you started:

What about my friend who drives a 1998 Acura TL is like, he spray-washes his car once every two weeks. He waxes it once a year and maintains it very well mechanically. What kind of person is he? What does he do for a living? Is he financially stable? Is he in a productive happy relationship? Tell me more...

How about another person I know, he has a late-seventies GMC pickup, it's beat to hell, his ashtray is over-flowing with butts and the interior has coffee stains on the seat older than most of the posters here at RFD. What kind of person is he? What does he do for a living? Is he financially stable? Is he in a productive happy relationship? Tell me more...

How about an old co-worker of mine. She drove a new-ish Audi A6, had it detailed at the dealership second Saturday and wasn't comfortable with anyone sitting in her car with muddy feet. What kind of person was she? What does she do for a living? Is she financially stable? Is she in a productive happy relationship? Tell me more...

What about a person that doesn't own/use a car, what kind of person are they?

Cannot answer without seeing it firsthand for myself.

[selpats]

Cannot answer without seeing it firsthand for myself.

:|

OK sure... :lol:

You'll mature one day.