The right products, tools and techniques and you can keep you vehicle looking like new. I start my drying process by using the leaf blower to remove the bulk of the water from the paint. For a leaf blower to work effectively you need some form of paint protection on the vehicle. This protection enables the water to bead and sheet off without sticking. A leaf blower is not mandatory but its a nice tool to have. Less touching the paint = less scratching. Blow off the bulk of the water starting from the top down. If you do not have a blower then continue straight to the following towel drying process. Spray the drying aid directly onto a wet or dry panel. Gently wipe off any remaining water being sure to put enough drying aid to lubricate the surface. The first pass with the towel will evenly spread the product around. Flip over the towel and lightly buff to a shine. This spray protection / Drying Aid acts as a surface lubricant so that the towel does not scratch the paint. This drying aid process also puts down a fresh hydrophobic layer that enhances shine as well as leaves the paint incredibly slick to the touch. Arguably this is the most fun part of the detailing process. This is also unfortunately a step that people often overlook. A dry towel on dry paint can be the most damaging part of the wash process. Little by little improper drying will leave swirls. These swirls add up fast and can only be mechanically polished off =$$ Always use a no contact (leaf blower) or some form of lubrication during a contact drying process.
Links to my drying process on YouTube
Links to my favorite Drying products. This is everything you will need to do this job correctly. I personally use all of these and have tested them vigorously.
Leaf blower Online Store or Amazon The best leaf blower out there IMO. Great power and a long lasting battery. With the stubby nozzle its perfect.
Leaf blower stubby nozzle Online Store or Amazon Reduces the overall length of the leaf blower. The longer OEM version is just too long for drying the car.
Drying aid Online Store or Amazon VIDEO REVIEW A must have for lubricating paint during the drying process. Adds a long lasting ultra slick hydrophobic coating to the paint. Drying Aid and Beadmaker are my 2 Favs.
Drying towel large size Online Store or Amazon Thick ultra soft XL drying towel. Best for those that do not use a leaf blower. This towel is XL and will dry your entire car or SUV easily.
Drying towel medium size Online Store or Amazon Top notch thick ultra soft drying towel. Perfect size for whats left after you use a leaf blower to dry the paint.
Drying aid touch up towel small size Online Store or Amazon Perfect for applying additional sealant to the areas that need it. Great for soaking up the water drippings from mirrors and panel gaps.
Heated dryer VIDEO REVIEW This is a great tool to dry wheels as well as hard to reach areas. Great for engine bays, Motorcycles etc. Powerful focused blast area of heated, filtered air.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if any of these links are not working properly Jeremy@HawaiiDetailing.com
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