Can anyone recommend a good duster for light dusting while my car spends the winter in the garage?
Dusting is never a good thing .. no matter what you use you may cause micro scratching (swirls) but if you really want something this is more delicate than most "car dusters" Don't apply any pressure https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CFO4FE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KpFIFbXHE46P5 Sent from my moto g(7) using Tapatalk
I totally agree with Flash32 assessment. I believe that using a Duster was the root cause of swril marks in the paint of my previous 360 Spider. Since switching to a Rinseless wash product that I use for light cleaning I have not seen any swril marks in my new (to me) 458 Spider.
I used a California Duster for years, until I had all of the swirls removed from my cars. Now, I use compressed air to blow off the larger dust pieces and detail spray with these really soft towels (https://www.theragcompany.com/eagle-edgeless-500-ultra-plush-microfiber-towel/). No more duster for me!
I use Griots micro fiber duster on a Nero exterior..I would imagine under a swirl light you may see something although hard to see with the naked eye. Good Luck https://www.griotsgarage.com/search.do?query=microfiber+car+duster
Good question! IMHO, if you want to use a duster, a premium Ostrich feather duster does the best job at removing dust particles. They are used extensively by automotive manufacturers around the world prior to painting a car. Ferrari also uses them for this purpose, IIRC. Part of the answer lies in what type of particles you are trying to remove. If the car was washed and put in a car park for storage during the inclement weather months, the dust particles (baring any hobby activity in the same space like woodworking, metal working etc) should be easy to remove. I would always blow it off first (before using the Ostrich feather tip duster) using filtered air if possible. Side note: If you’re using a traditional air compressor that is oil cooled and lubed, a teensy tiny amount of aerosolised oil may enter the air stream. This micronised oil will settle on the car as you blow it off, which will attract more dust... Therefore, if you want to blow it off, use a filter in the line to remove any impurities before the air leaves the gun tip. I would also lower the output pressure quite a bit so the air reaching the paint surface is at a very low pressure. You don’t need much pressure to blow off loose dust. Then use the Ostrich duster. Only allow the tips of the feathers to touch the surface of the paint (tips perpendicular to paint surface at all times). Note: Do not use a regular feather duster like house cleaners use. I’m referring only to a premium Ostrich plume feather duster. It will set you back a fair few quid/dollars vs the ultra cheap chicken/turkey feather type of duster. Price varies with where the Ostrich feather comes from on the birds body. Cheers!
I would suggest that you place your car in one of these so that the dust doesn’t get on the car to begin with! Also a great way to banish condensation while the car sits over the winter. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I use ostrich dusters and a Makita cordless leaf blower which has a short 9" nozzle that is great for dusting a car (a longer nozzle is also offered).
Thanks for your post... I have one of those Makita cordless blowers and use it frequently on various jobs. It has a variable speed control, so you can throttle it back for a soft air stream. It’s great to find new uses for tools! For dusting, I typically use my 10hp air compressor with a multi stage air filter/dryer system. I have tons of air tools, so that’s my usual go to for air needs. For delicate dusting, I use an Iwata airbrush (air only) with a variable volume controller. It’s very easy to control with pinpoint precision on delicate surfaces and it’s very comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Cheers!
I would recommend driving your car. This seems to keep the dust off of it. I used the california duster and thought it was great but it does leave swirl marks. If you have a clear bra on it that's less of a problem. or keep a car cover over it.
I have the car detailed and then just cover with light bed sheets so you don't stretch a cover on/off the paint. I've never actually put a cloth or towel to the paint only micro-fiber wash mitts during the wash. With a sheet over the hood you can also just pull up over the door to access the inside without dragging a cover off the side of the car. The inflatable bubbles are great but there's some debate online about humidity.