Water Blade - Bad for paint? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

bonwit904 · 05-22-2009, 11:09 PM

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 · 05-22-2009, 11:29 PM

short answer - yes it's bad

long answer, watch the video

jopa489 · 05-23-2009, 12:13 AM

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 · 05-23-2009, 11:09 PM

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.

05-22-2009, 11:09 PM	#1
bonwit904 Private First Class Drives: 2009 335xi, 2011 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 130 iTrader: (0)	Water Blade - Bad for paint? 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?
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05-23-2009, 12:13 AM	#3
jopa489 BMW/Detailing Addict Drives: Estoril F30 335i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New England Posts: 6,554 iTrader: (8)	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. __________________

05-23-2009, 11:09 PM	#4
Gig103 Major Drives: 2008 335xi Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,248 iTrader: (1)	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. __________________ 335xi sedan 6MT, Premium, Cold Weather, iDrive, CA, iPod Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim European Delivery: April 28 - May 7, 2008 Performance Center Redelivery: July 11, 2008

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05-22-2009, 11:29 PM	#2
SpecC Completely obsessed with detailing Drives: E90 SG 330i, white Scion tC Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Francisco and Davis Posts: 15,442 iTrader: (4)	short answer - yes it's bad long answer, watch the video