perfectlap

Had to take some pics of the car the other day for my new auto insurance company I switched to and the insurance devil took some pictures. It was raining so the bodyshop where the pics were being taken let the insurance devil clear water off using a squeege blade. The car was dry in three strokes. I was impressed but I don't like this friction concept touching my paint.
I always lubricate if I have to touch my paint for at all.

so what do you guys think, will it scratch the paint?

Bob in NY

If it's the california water blade, I've been using one for years, they work great and don't hurt the finish of the car.

Conekiller

They work very good but you have to be careful because one little piece of dirt could lead to a long scratch across the paint

IcemanG17

If the car is clean (i.e. you just washed it) & the squeege is well made & you don't push too hard on the paint...it should be fine! Like almost everything else....its all about the techinque to how you use it!

lowside67

Amen! I use my California Waterblade all the time. One thing I do though is I make sure every couple minutes I give each side of the blade a shot with the hose to clean off any small dirt that may have accumulated to ensure I dont embed it in the paint.

AndyK

I've used the California Blade for years too. I keep a clean towel in one hand, and wipe the blade off every few passes. Works great to get most of the water off the car quickly. I then follow up with some towels to do the final drying.

PS--Mark--SWEET lookin 996!

dmw44

Ditto for all that has been said about the California Blade.

agentf1

I do not like it. All it will take is one piece of grit to get between the blade and your paint and you have a scratch. It may be OK for the windows but not the paint. You are better off using a good waffle weave towel. I use a 220mph leaf blower and then I will follow up with a Pakshak waffle weave towel. JMHO

ONEOFEW

I use to use the blade, never had a problem,
But I didn't want to take the chance of ruining the paint, now I use the leaf blower as well.

Turbohead

Don't use it on a black or very dark car........ask me how
I know.
Elliot

AaronR968

even if it would scratch the car, your just drying it, then you have to do the clay polish and wax anyway. Right? I dont use them. I use the microfiber dry towel from Griot's. Freaking love that thing!! here at the shop i used it to dry 6 cars. Rang it out once!!

SilverSteel

I wash my blade really well before use. I've never seen a scratch, yet.

cdodkin

If you're washing your car correctly - you don't need the blade.

After rinsing, take off the hose head and then let water from the hose sheet freely over the panels.

This should be in a nice steady flow - no spraying or turbulance.

The water just sheets off the car, instead of sticking in droplets - leaving the car almost dry.

Just pulling a microfiber towel over the surface is enough to pick up what's left, no pressure required.

Dry in seconds, no scratches, no spots.

Sounds crazy until you've tried it!

Chris.

SilverSteel

THey just came out with a new California blade that is flexible, both the handle and blade. The handle being soft so it won't marr or scratch. They're around 20 bucks. I think I'll get one. fyi...

I just got my Flexible California Blade. I prefer it over the hard handle one as it's easier to use over the curves of the car.

oscar94

i don't use them on my car...I do use them to dry the granite countertops in my kitchen though. scrub with warm soapy water...squeegee into the sink