[bonwit904]

Does anyone know if those water blades which are used to remove water from the car after a wash - i.e. california water blade - strip wax or are bad for the paint?

I have recently began to use it but cant help wonder about the effects of the friction on the paint in regards to stripping wax, and making scratches....

Any thoughts?

[SpecC]

short answer - yes it's bad

long answer, watch the video

[jopa489]

Some detailers use them. Apparently if the surface is perfectly clean (washed multiple times, clayed, etc) it can do a good job and not damage anything. Way too big of a risk though in my opinion - I'd never, ever, rub that against my paint. A proper drying with the sheeting method and a good MF Waffle Weave towel or electric leaf blower does the job more than adequately.

The video SpecC linked to says it all though. Unless you are completely and utterly sure the paint has been prepped properly, don't use it. Even then, it really isn't worth the risk.

[Gig103]

I had one, and messed up a section of paint on my VW a few years back. The car had just been washed, but I hit a dry spot and the rubber skipped along the hood.

You should buy a waffle-weave microfiber towel. They are awesome.