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      05-29-2020, 04:26 PM   #1
McLaren720s
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Best way to wash a black car

What's the best way to wash a black car if you don't have access to a good no-touch car wash?

I'm trying to avoid 2 things: water spot residue and swirls.
Traditionally, using a towel to dry the car ends up with the creation of swirl marks in the paint over time.
We live in a condo so I can't just wash my car in a driveway with a foam cannon and a blower to dry it.
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      05-29-2020, 04:41 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by McLaren720s View Post
What's the best way to wash a black car if you don't have access to a good no-touch car wash?

I'm trying to avoid 2 things: water spot residue and swirls.
Traditionally, using a towel to dry the car ends up with the creation of swirl marks in the paint over time.
We live in a condo so I can't just wash my car in a driveway with a foam cannon and a blower to dry it.
2 bucket method and a good no rinse shampoo.

A popular one is Optimum No Rinse. Use one microfiber cloth per panel on the car (each fender, door, roof, etc. turn/fold the cloth each time to ensure you use an unused portion of the cloth and prevent dragging dirt across your paint.

For drying, you can include the use of a good detailing spray to add lubrication while wiping with a drying towel.
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      05-29-2020, 05:48 PM   #3
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I use a sheeting method when rinsing the car to minimize water on the paint and then use a waffle weave towel to dry it off. I don’t get any swirling or scratches with this method.
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      05-30-2020, 11:46 PM   #4
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Drying Black Sapphire Metallic with Blaster Sidekick

Metro blaster sidekick,.....worth it, blow dry and then quality drying cloth or two.....then you can use the blaster to clean your gutters too!!!!
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      05-31-2020, 07:51 PM   #5
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I use this to dry, it's AWESOME.

180 MPH 650 CFM 56V Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Variable-Speed Blower, 5.0 Ah Battery and Charger Included
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      11-15-2022, 10:53 AM   #6
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best thing I ever done for my black car is a ceramic coating. That plus a leaf blower makes drying the car a breeze and get rid of the water fast before you get water spots. Also if nothing touches the paint less swirls.

You live in Seattle, there has to be a DIY car wash. Just use that and then dry with the leaf blower
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      11-15-2022, 05:54 PM   #7
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If you hand wash, do not use circles. I was told by some auto detailers to use straight back and forth with the flow of the air over the car. I had a black car and no swirls. Water spots are tough...
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      11-15-2022, 05:56 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Killed by Death View Post
I use this to dry, it's AWESOME.

180 MPH 650 CFM 56V Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Variable-Speed Blower, 5.0 Ah Battery and Charger Included
That thing aint cheap but a good investment i'm sure

On my christmas list
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      11-16-2022, 01:16 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by infinitekidM2C View Post
If you hand wash, do not use circles. I was told by some auto detailers to use straight back and forth with the flow of the air over the car. I had a black car and no swirls. Water spots are tough...
I wash mine black by hand with a wool mitt and I haven't had swirls in 3 years.

I always dry it with a towel, I have a big boy blower but I use it sometimes just to remove the water from the lights, door handles and rear view mirrors.
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      11-16-2022, 03:50 AM   #10
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No matter what method/products your using, best thing you can do for any car is never wash it in direct sunlight or if the paint is hot.
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      12-11-2022, 01:36 PM   #11
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The less you touch the car. The less chance for swirls or minor scratches. Two bucket method, quality products. Pre rinse the car. Foam the car, then do the wash. Blower for drying. Pay dry instead of wipe unless using a lubricant detail spray. Ceramic coating really helps with blowing the water off. BSM still perfect after 2yrs.

Don't trust anyone else to wash your car unless they've come recommended by a detailer that you trust.
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      12-13-2022, 09:33 PM   #12
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Same boat here except I can’t find any diy jet washes locally! Have been anxious to try waterless washes
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      12-14-2022, 02:13 PM   #13
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This is a solid overview for anyone looking for a primer on pro/enthusiast level car wash.



Ceramic coating on BSM looks incredible and makes touchlesss drying with the above mentioned Ego blower an option.

Paint correction, ceramic, and very intentional washing/drying techniques is your best chance for maintaining the showroom level look.

God speed. Trying to maintain perfection on a BSM M2 ain’t for the weak.
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      03-05-2023, 01:20 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ///393 View Post
This is a solid overview for anyone looking for a primer on pro/enthusiast level car wash.

https://youtu.be/7Koj5j2Es5U

Ceramic coating on BSM looks incredible and makes touchlesss drying with the above mentioned Ego blower an option.

Paint correction, ceramic, and very intentional washing/drying techniques is your best chance for maintaining the showroom level look.

God speed. Trying to maintain perfection on a BSM M2 ain’t for the weak.
Thanks for the share of that video. I've got a new to me LBB but still want to be sure I'm washing right. Definitely picked up a few things from that. Got a few new things to buy now...

Btw, does anyone know if you can have ceramic applied AFTER ppf is already on the car? I don't want to have it removed then reapplied.

I've been using a McGuire's spray on "ceramic" coating for years on my last car but while it helps it's not exactly amazing either. Looking for something better as a finishing touch since I generally don't have the time to do a real wax finish.
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      03-05-2023, 07:38 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BadgerDog View Post
Thanks for the share of that video. I've got a new to me LBB but still want to be sure I'm washing right. Definitely picked up a few things from that. Got a few new things to buy now...

Btw, does anyone know if you can have ceramic applied AFTER ppf is already on the car? I don't want to have it removed then reapplied.

I've been using a McGuire's spray on "ceramic" coating for years on my last car but while it helps it's not exactly amazing either. Looking for something better as a finishing touch since I generally don't have the time to do a real wax finish.
you don't want ceramic before PPF because it won't do anything anymore but also because applying PPF over ceramic is a nightmare. So yeah you wan to do the ceramic after the PPF. Ceramic is a coating, it has to be the outter most layer for it to work and repel water.
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      03-05-2023, 11:42 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MooMooM2 View Post
you don't want ceramic before PPF because it won't do anything anymore but also because applying PPF over ceramic is a nightmare. So yeah you wan to do the ceramic after the PPF. Ceramic is a coating, it has to be the outter most layer for it to work and repel water.
Ok thanks! I wasn't sure if it would stick to ppf chemically and all that.

Guess I need to look into cost then...
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      03-11-2023, 08:58 AM   #17
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I had a black 991.1 and came to the realization that the only way to ensure I didn't have to endure swirl marks was to sell it.
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      03-11-2023, 09:01 AM   #18
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Swirl free for over two years with my method.
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      03-16-2023, 07:24 AM   #19
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I use a deionized water system and - removing the source of the water spotting from the beginning makes a huge difference. Don't really have to get the excess water off (especially if in the shade) but I still usually use a blower of some sort to help speeds things along.

Few options out there - this is the one I use.
CR Spotless
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