Excellent thread guys and a great discussion on detailing, of which I am a fan, but novice compared to some of you guys

Anyhow, I'm moving this thread to the "detailing section" where it will be better served.

 

Removing Wax / Sealants
Water, being hydrophilic adheres to micro fibre; in comparison to cotton, a Micro (polyamide) fibre will absorb 98% moisture, while cotton can only absorb 70% at most
The polyester and polyamide content of Microfiber is typically; a blend of 80% polyester (a scrubbing fibre) and 20% polyamide (an absorbing fibre).The nature of this yarn is that it is an absorbent; the reason polyester appears to absorb liquids is the many thousands of micro fibres that collectively encapsulate, this is what makes them so good at cleaning.

a) A Microfiber towel - made from polyester/polyamide will remove product, as they actually lift the dirt or wax from the surface you are cleaning and then store the particle or liquid in the towel until it is washed. due to its inherent properties (that’s why they are so good at cleaning without the use of chemicals). The polyester and polyamide are combined during weaving to create microscopic loops, which form a network of tiny hooks, scrubbing away dirt and grime while trapping it within the weave.

These very fine fibres have little 'hook like claws' that reach into the tiniest of crevices, pulling out dirt, dust, grease, grime, and even bacteria. They hold these foreign materials in their web of weaves until they are washed in warm water where the fibres relax and release these materials.
Conversely the same attributes that make Microfiber so good at cleaning have an adverse affect when applying wax. A polymer sealant forms a molecular bond with the paint surface, so when you remove it, you are removing excess product. An organic wax however, doesn’t form a bond with the paint surface but merely adheres to it, forming a chain-link type coating. A micro fibre cotton towel will leave enough of the wax behind to enable it to form a surface coating.

b) Cotton Towel - 100% cotton micro fibre detailing towel with terrycloth weave, spun with long staple cotton and then woven into 100% natural looped terrycloth or velour, the larger fibre loop size that makes up the towels nap are trimmed to produce a fine nap, ideal for buffing and leaving behind a coating on the paint surface.

Be cognizant of the material (s) used to bind the edges of the towel (Microfiber or 100% cotton) These are much more likely to cause surface marring than the towel itself, the solution is to ensure they are paint friendly or remove the edge binding

 

Costco also has some very inexpensive microfiber towels that are about 36 for $15. Practically disposable and they are at least as good as the basic ones at Advance Auto Parts and other stores.

I don't think cotton towels are any better in any regard. Before I knew any better, I used to wash my cars with cotton terry cloth towels using the two bucket method. The level of swirls on the car was shocking after just one or two washes!

 

Not all towels are created equal, and many are a mixture of polyester and cotton, with polyester edging that will scratch paint. Domestic bath towels are washed several times by the manufacturer to remove excess dye. Unfortunately, this leaves the towel looking limp and used. So, manufacturers then "size" the towel to make it look more attractive and new again. This "sizing" process uses a starch and silicone mixture that will scratch and contaminate your paint finish.

Swisswax Cotton Towel - high quality Swissvax Cleaner Towel is made from 100% pure cotton, with long fibres specially woven for us in Germany along with protected edges, for easy distinction, Swissvax has coloured the Cleaner Towel black and the Wax Towel red.

Zymöl Buffing Towels - made from 100% pure cotton, which is excellent for safely bringing out a deep shine from your latest waxing, woven from 100% terry cloth cotton, with no harmful silicone or other synthetic content. These towels feature a thick loft that naturally draws excess wax and particles up and into the cloth. Unlike all other cotton towels, Zymöl Buffing Towels aren't chemically fluffed (or "sized"), making a naturally softer surface that won't cause micro-abrasions or swirls

Buffing out a thin layer of wax without leaving micro abrasions requires a special kind of towel. Made from 100% terry cotton that safely and naturally brings out a deep shine, Zymöl’s Buffing Towels are just the superior tool for the job.

(See also towel washing and care)