Are California water blades bad for paint?

Discussion in 'Car Detailing Product Discussion' started by Sy1616, Aug 22, 2011.

  1. Sy1616

    Sy1616 Virgin Detailer

    I never hear anyone here use them. I use the exclusively and never have any issues. They ok?
     
  2. belair

    belair Birth of a Detailer

    If you've never had issues you're doing something right. There are a few guys on other forums who use it but from what I've seen recently most folks use MF towels or a blower.
     
  3. billyblooshoes

    billyblooshoes DB Forum Supporter

    not worth the risk of picking up a particle or piece of dirt, then dragging it across the panel with your water blade. seen it happen a bunch of times.
     
  4. Kilo6_one

    Kilo6_one DB Forum Supporter

    I use one............... in my shower.
     
  5. Chaseme

    Chaseme DB Forum Supporter

    Personally, I would only use it on glass.
     
  6. Kaban

    Kaban Welcome to Detailing

    I still use California blades on the windows... to avoid streaks.
     
  7. Bmer89

    Bmer89 DB Forum Supporter

    Blades are ok for windows, but for paint... Uber Super Drying Towel + compressed air= win. Generally you would be using the blade to dry the car after the wash and before clay, which means there is still the chance of a particle that wasn't washed off to come loose and be drug across the paint. As touchless as you can get, the better.
     
  8. kyoshiro

    kyoshiro DB Forum Supporter

    If your run it across your body and it doesn't feel smooth I won't recommend using it on the vehicles or I would change your body soap :D


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  9. bvhbmw

    bvhbmw Birth of a Detailer

    Use them only on glass after washing.
     
  10. P1et

    P1et Official DB Moderator

    Yes, they are. I did a detail a while back where the owner of a brand new Nissan messed up the paint on his entire vehicle because he used the California Blade. Don't take the risk and just use a nice waffle weave. Done.
     
  11. WashingJosh

    WashingJosh Jedi Nuba

    My dad used one on his Saturn Sky when it was brand new. He said after 4 swipes it started to scratch ever so slightly, so I agree with everyone else not worth the risk.
    What I find interesting is swissvax sells the cali blade on their website. You would think such a company wouldn't do that considering how high end they are.
     
  12. Chaseme

    Chaseme DB Forum Supporter

    In fact, I believe I've seen some shop videos where they use one.

    I understand, it's a cheap and quick alternative to towel - but I would invest in a blower and plush MF.
     
  13. kyoshiro

    kyoshiro DB Forum Supporter

    Yea SV US sells it but we just don't know why, maybe just for glass, just for glass


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  14. TimAD

    TimAD Jedi Nuba

    With them you run the risk of marring/inducing scratches and swirls. IMO it's worth the little extra hassle to actually dry the car using MF towels.

    If only it was easier to dry a car. My least favorite part in a detail!
     
  15. JoeyZ

    JoeyZ Obsessive Detailer

    This is true talk.
     
  16. togwt

    togwt Nuba Guru

    Paint Surface drying - [U]http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/[/U]
     
  17. junebug

    junebug Jedi Nuba

    You know, I've heard all the pro's and con's and here's what I think. If, there is nothing on the blade, and nothing on the paint but water, then, in theory, there is nothing wrong. Ah ha you say, but what if there IS something on the blade or paint? Well, the blade is easy enough to wash prior to use, and you DID wash/rinse the car did you not? Also, that grain of dirt or sand or whatever, wouldn't that stick in a towel and scratch just as bad. Personally - I use one from time to time, not regularly, and no - never had an issue.
     

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