Washing causes scratched paint

I

iamwiz82

New member
This is starting to frustrate me. I have been testing various MF towels, MF mitts, sponges, chamoises, and pretty much everything else under the sun, and everything seems to scratch my car's paint. Even things that leave a CD completely marr-free end up screwing up the paint.



I have been using ONR to wash the car, approximately 25% more per gallon than recommended. I have been drying immediately, both by wiping, and by dabbing (to test). I also tried the ONR on my other car, and it came out great, no scratching at all.



Is BMW Black Sapphire Metallic really this difficult to take care of?
 
There are thread after thread here about washing techniques. The wash media can make a huge difference, but in the end, there is likely dirt on the car, which is frequently made up of ground down rocks, which basically is as effective as sandpaper if you rub it against your car. So there is a bit of technique at play.



Some people suggest using a pressure washer to remove the gross dirt before you touch the surface with anything. Others like a foam gun to loosen contaminants. However, since you are using ONR, it sounds like you may be in a situation where you can't use those other methods. You might try a pre-spray of the ONR mixture to loosen the gross dirt, make multiple very gentle passes over the same area (rather than trying to do it all at once), make sure your wash media is clean, use a separate rinse bucket, etc.



Yes, black (and other very dark colors) is more difficult to take care of.
 
+1^ wash media and no pressure with multiple (usually one side then the other of the wash media on the same panel) passes. If it becomes too tedious for you, you can give it to me, I love BMW's, hehe
 
Setec Astronomy said:
There are thread after thread here about washing techniques. The wash media can make a huge difference, but in the end, there is likely dirt on the car, which is frequently made up of ground down rocks, which basically is as effective as sandpaper if you rub it against your car. So there is a bit of technique at play.



Some people suggest using a pressure washer to remove the gross dirt before you touch the surface with anything. Others like a foam gun to loosen contaminants. However, since you are using ONR, it sounds like you may be in a situation where you can't use those other methods. You might try a pre-spray of the ONR mixture to loosen the gross dirt, make multiple very gentle passes over the same area (rather than trying to do it all at once), make sure your wash media is clean, use a separate rinse bucket, etc.



Yes, black (and other very dark colors) is more difficult to take care of.
Click to expand...

The pre-spray was the key, thanks for the idea! I had to pre-spray everything to keep from scratching, but it's better than the alternative.
 
iamwiz82 said:
... but it's better than the alternative.
Click to expand...





If the alternative means driving a dirty vehicle until appropriate conditions allows a proper washing session, then I am from the opposite school-of-thought.



I rather allow my daily drivers to stay dirty then mar the paint in order of vanity by washing in less than optimum conditions. Use the LSP of your choosing and allow it to perform its duties until the next non-flaw producing wash.



When the BMW is dirty you still have the enjoyment of driving a wonderful vehicle.:2thumbs:
 
Unfortunately, black shows even the slightest most subtle fine scratches. Believe me, I just bought a brand new 2008 300c srt off the lot. When I had it for a few days, I later noticed marks...most people won't notice them unless you really examine the surface.
 
If you can spring a couple hundred to make your life a ton easier, a pressure washer, foam cannon and DI water filter will eliminate the problem 100%. Use the right LSP, and you won't even need to touch the car with a mitt.



BMW paint is real soft these days, I detail a metallic black 745i every couple of months, and I never seem to get out of it without atleast a one-step polish.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top