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[GtreetSlide]

A lot of clearcoat scratches come from using the wrong detergents or cleaners, soap, etc. Laundry liquid soap can actually remove some of the clearcoat and other soaps can damage clearcoat too... Always use good quality car or bike wash soap, plenty of water, and don't rub with the hemmed edges. (or cut the edges off first), LOL..

jb

[spydglide]

Other than tags or hemmed edging, is there really any difference in the high dollar microfiber polishing cloths and the bulk buys sold at discount stores?  Other than the obvious: price, size, colors, etc.  spyder

[DavidG]

+1 on Griot's Garage...Pricey but best out there..

[spydglide]

+1 on Griot's Garage...Pricey but best out there..

What do you mean by 'best' David?  Higher thread count, softer, larger, ?  spyder

[DavidG]

Definitely softer and thicker than the stuff I've picked up in the past from auto parts and Walmart. Side by side to me the Griots stuff just seems better. Some of the Walmart stuff seems thin and stiff in comparison. I'm no textile expert but the Griots cloths just feel better. Even the drying cloth seems better. Just my opinion though. This is what I bought from them for the new Street Glide:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+care/car+polishing/orbitals+and+car+polishing+tools/three+micro+fiber+polish+removal+cloths.do

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+care/car+washing/car+cleaning+tools/micro+fiber+speed+shine+cloths+set+of+3.do

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+care/car+drying/micro+fiber+drying+towel.do

[spydglide]

thanks.  That's kinda what I figured, thicker, thus softer.  Maybe larger also.  My thinking is that the bulk cheaper ones at Sams Club meet my needs ok, 'cause I like to change them often, so I go thru a lot in normal applications, whether wiping, polishing, drying, or whatever and so then into the laundry they go.  Only to start the cycle all over again.  I guess I'm sacrificing quality for cleaniness (quanity).  The ultimate would be to spring for a whole bunch of the higher quality Griots.  Just haven't made that move.  Now, my biggest problem is keeping my wife from absonding with them for household polishing/dusting cloths.  I also use a permanent magic marker to indicate ones that I use in dirty areas in case they don't come as clean, so I don't chance something becoming embedded that might scratch on the next application of polishing.  Still was hard to give up the old t-shirts for polishing tho.  har.  spyder

[2018_FLTRXSE]

Costco

ditto...

[North Star]

http://www.properautocare.com/Categories/28-Microfiber-Products-Microfiber-Detailing-Products.aspx/1/80000010%5eMicrofiber+Detailing+Products

[hogasm]

Now that I see that there are so many different microfiber towels, mitts etc.....what towels do you use for each segment of your detail

[StrokedRider]

I am waving the B.S. flag.  I am anal as anyone when it comes to keeping my bike clean and I have been through several packages of microfibers from Costco.  My bike has no scratches.

 
 

Ditto! 

The one thing ya gotta watch with these cloths it to rinse...rinse....rinse!

If you do end up with swirl marks i have used this product (see link) for years and many different paint jobs. USE WITH CHEESE CLOTH BY HAND.

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+SWIRL+16

[guppytrash]

Ditto! 

The one thing ya gotta watch with these cloths it to rinse...rinse....rinse!

That is my technique also.  If you have a bug or spot that is stubborn DON"T pick at it or apply more pressure with the cloth.  Use more liquid...think melt it off rather than scrub it off.
I use quick detailer on my bike all the time.  I first spray the mf and then the bike...lightly wipe and repeat until all is clean.  Lot's of liquid NOT muscle.  Make sure the mf is clean and don't use the edges.

[roadking71865]

I've only used the Glare towels and can tell you they are better than the cheap ones I got.

[iski]

Now that I see that there are so many different microfiber towels, mitts etc.....what towels do you use for each segment of your detail

I use baby diapers to armorall the leather & plastic & sometimes to wash the wheels.  To get them you have to be quick since their parents get pissed when they catch you going through their diaper bags.

[guppytrash]

I use baby diapers to armorall the leather & plastic & sometimes to wash the wheels.  To get them you have to be quick since their parents get pissed when they catch you going through their diaper bags.

Now that's funny!

[Wild Card]

I deal with very very high quality paint jobs all the time and the hems on the Costco Microfibers will leave very fine scratches, no B.S.   Talk with any high end detailer and they will tell you the same.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/car-care-discussion/1462470-costco-micro-fiber-stay-away.html

Even the folks in your corvette forum agree that the costco MF are just fine!  That scratch test your referencing is on a CD and pretty inconclusive at best; apples to oranges when comparing to the clearcoat!