Detailing 101 Need to find out how to pamper your new MINI? Find out all the detailing secrets here.

Hydro and drying

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 5, 2009 | 08:22 AM
  #1  
Chimera's Avatar
Chimera
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
From: Barre, VT
Hydro and drying

So I know a lot of you guys use Hydro while you dry, but what towel do you use to remove it? I see that waffle weave is best for drying, but something like a Monster Fluffy is best for QD....so which is it when using Hydro on a wet surface?

Also since Hydro is concentrated, do you dilute it when using it on a dry surface?
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2009 | 08:58 AM
  #2  
lotsie's Avatar
lotsie
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,382
Likes: 0
First, I don't use Hydro "dry" I use QD.

After rinsing the soap off, I spray Hydro on the wet surface, then with a waffle weave, I blot dry most of the water off. Then I use a Monster Fluffy to buff off the rest, and shine up the Hydro.

Mark
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2009 | 09:00 AM
  #3  
BlimeyCabrio's Avatar
BlimeyCabrio
6th Gear
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,773
Likes: 9
From: Holly Springs, NC
Waffle weave on a wet surface. Just like drying any other time. You're just drying off & spreading around a mist of Hydro in addition to drying off the water that's left on there.

I rarely use Hydro on a dry surface. When I do, I do not dilute, but I DO use it very sparingly. And I do NOT use it as a QD - I ensure the panel is clean and pretty dust-free first - then just use Hydro as a gloss "refresher" and swirl filler. In this application, I usually use a Starfish Mitt - but any other plush MF (like Monster Fluffy) will work also.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2009 | 09:06 AM
  #4  
rockridge's Avatar
rockridge
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 6
From: Southern NH
I have been using Hydro for 18 months or so, and use it after most every car wash. I do however, completely dry my car before using it. I know that it's not the primary use case, but I like doing it this way, and the car looks great.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2009 | 09:36 AM
  #5  
kenchan's Avatar
kenchan
6th Gear
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 31,439
Likes: 4
as far as Hydro i only use it on my dd's... which means i really dont care about minor swirlage cause i have bigger problems to worry about (ex: neighbor's dog peeing on
the wheels, bird crappage, kids crashing to cars with their
bicycles, people leaning against cars while 'hangin out' at
kenchan's place, etc.)


so, after the rinse, i just spray and wipe down with my
DP waffleweave towel. (no blot dry).

then spray at the wet wheels and use a soft paper towel
to wipe down.

looks fantastic.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2009 | 11:38 AM
  #6  
Chimera's Avatar
Chimera
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
From: Barre, VT
I can see why you guys buy Hydro by the gallon....so many uses I guess I need to order a couple of waffle weave towels, I was trying to keep my first order under $100 so skipped them before.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2009 | 03:58 PM
  #7  
BlimeyCabrio's Avatar
BlimeyCabrio
6th Gear
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,773
Likes: 9
From: Holly Springs, NC
Shoulda just added a zero to your target spend and you woulda been OK.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2009 | 05:21 PM
  #8  
bee1000n's Avatar
bee1000n
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 7
From: San Diego, CA
Order lots and lots of waffle weave towels (I usually 2 or 4 every time I order any detail supplies). You should only wash microfiber with other microfiber and you can fit many, many towels into a washer load.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2009 | 07:24 PM
  #9  
Gil-galad's Avatar
Gil-galad
Coordinator :: Eastern Iowa MINIs
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,520
Likes: 4
From: Decorah, IA
Originally Posted by bee1000n
Order lots and lots of waffle weave towels (I usually 2 or 4 every time I order any detail supplies). You should only wash microfiber with other microfiber and you can fit many, many towels into a washer load.
+1. Each of my waffle weaves transitions through a life-cycle. I use new and lightly used ones for drying and Hydro application to the body--they are perfect for this. As they start to wear and pick up permanent stains, I put them in the pile for use only on door jams and sills, inner area on wheels, etc. The "really used" ones I reserve for places that usually hide a bit of leftover dirt like tires and around the boot seal. Like bee says, they wash up well, but stay away from fabric softeners or they will lose effectiveness and leave a film.

You can never have enough waffle weaves.
 
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2009 | 04:45 AM
  #10  
kenchan's Avatar
kenchan
6th Gear
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 31,439
Likes: 4
Yah, me too. I have dedicated waffles for my MCS and G not the regularly used waffles for my dd's.

And always always always a good idea to plan out your purchase perfectly, then add another zero at the end.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
USNAE2
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
16
Jun 17, 2022 07:17 AM
PsychoRallye
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
21
Feb 17, 2019 06:08 AM
martinb
General MINI Talk
9
Oct 7, 2015 05:00 PM
AoxoMoxoA
Tires, Wheels, & Brakes
3
Sep 30, 2015 06:00 AM
Nicefeet
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
2
Sep 24, 2015 06:53 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:27 PM.