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Do Waterless Washes work, or scratch the paint? eg. Buglside, etc.

A

Allen42

Active member
The whole concept of waterless wash scares me.

It seems very unlikely that you aren't wiping dirt and other contaminates across the paint, causing anything from micro scratching to actual scratches.

Personally, if I were to start using bugslide or something similar, I think I would do a wash first to remove all the surface crap.

Someone educate me, please.
 
Allen42 said:
The whole concept of waterless wash scares me.

It seems very unlikely that you aren't wiping dirt and other contaminates across the paint, causing anything from micro scratching to actual scratches.

Personally, if I were to start using bugslide or something similar, I think I would do a wash first to remove all the surface crap.

Someone educate me, please.
Click to expand...

You are correct. If you've been off-roading on your Spyder, then yes, you need to hose it down with water to wash all the mud and grime off.

The waterless cleaners are there for light duty cleaning. Watermarks from rain, light dust and bugs are the principal targets. Also, some of these cleaners leave a residue on the surface which makes it less likely to have subsequent dirt stick. This is particularly helpful for the windshield. Once coated, bugs are less likely to stick.
Of course, the windshield gets a whole procedure itself.
 
I agree with the scratch part on the paint surfaces.

Here is a possible solution. All you need is a dryer sheet, a spray bottle, and fill with water. Put the dryer sheet in the bottle, fill with water, and you are ready to go. Spray the bike, a small section at a time. Wipe with a microfiber cloth. The results will amaze you. :yes:
 
Waterless is all the rage right now. I say hogwash (see what I did there). Anyway, just wash your Spyder like you have always washed everything else. On top of that today's paints are so soft they scratch much easier than in the past. The Spyder has incredibly soft paint. Don't leave bugs on there for long. They will etch right into the paint. Of course a ceramic coating will prevent this in the first place. Good luck with your decision.
 
After a long trip, nothing can replace a good cleaning with soap and water. But after short trips, when you have just a few bugs to deal with. I have been using Bike Spirits Cleaner and Polish. I have been using this for years.


https://www.amazon.com/Original-Spirits-Cleaner-Polish-Aerosol/dp/B007KPX7HQ/ref=sr_1_2?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QiM5uGoSLCnP5z96njqlUViIpWgEpvd4PPjlXfnWMXYG7T3u8IeOu7xDtCxCH6Zae7vomh1hzXgVk7R16YUZZv-URnQ2y4vnsWAMlULlq4R3bB0JW0wTLlVKShwLyE1HkQ7VCRqMIzY4hxnw5yt4tGlHMaqLsHrMdFtZGVU0IysB6OrtsNDy51WKC3SA1kKU0ihduI5mG5q1Fvglc1oyaH1bZsHKW7o8jR_lRThJk0yi422slw7fLmW9GzontT2urvpegouyfLuBn9BebejvV0y67i9jMCmV8y189ZamxZY.iZGRo17Md3knkCO6Cv_FEWJeT0w1ObCKizBe3gL-q7Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=spray+cleaner+and+polish&qid=1711021686&sr=8-2


Forgot to mention that I have a good coat of Turtle Wax/Polish on it. I debated on going with a Ceramic but I have never used it. I have been using Turtle Wax on all my bikes forever and have always had great results.
 
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I live in an apartment and access to washing by hand is limited. I have been using Maguires Ultimate Waterless Wash and Wax for several years and have great results.
First, I use a feather duster to get the light dust, then a swifter duster cloth or 2, then the waterless wash. I apply the wash fairly heavily, to a section at a time, wipe with a microfiber cloth, then buff with another microfiber cloth. When the first one is saturated I use the buffer as to apply the wash then a dry cloth to continue. I use it on my entire Spyder, except for the windshield. After I use the wash, I wipe down all the black with Maguires Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer Cloth. I've gotten many complements on how she shines and the black looks new.
2023-10-28 At the beach.jpg
 
Can Am paint is so soft that if you roll your eyes at it, you will leave swirl marks...
 
I've been using Griot's Spray-On CarWash since its inception. Part of our family business is auto/boat detailing.
Look for a product with high lubricity.
That stated, these products are not for really dirty substrates.
Dusty to very dusty, yes but not loads of grit, grime and mud.
Lay down a good polish (not wax) like a ceramic (hydrophobic coating) and then you can use the spray-on carwash in-between your major washes.
I carry a bottle of spray-on car wash on my trips and tend to use it on long rides every few days. (user discretion advised:2thumbs:)

Addenda: Yes, Can-Am paint is what some people call, "soft" i.e. easily scratches.
I am assuming it is a single component (acrylic) paint verses a two part (urethane) basecoat/clearcoat process which is much more resilient to minor abrasion.
 
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Similar to BoatFixx, I wash mine the regular way before putting a Meguiars ceramic coat on it, then use a Meguiars ceramic waterless on it until it is time to re coat in say 6 months. (Unless the RT is particularly grubby following a long trip.) I have seen zero adverse effects on the paint.

Pete
 
Allen42 said:
The whole concept of waterless wash scares me.

It seems very unlikely that you aren't wiping dirt and other contaminates across the paint, causing anything from micro scratching to actual scratches.

Personally, if I were to start using bugslide or something similar, I think I would do a wash first to remove all the surface crap.

Someone educate me, please.
Click to expand...



HI Allen 42,

I use the following product( on my 2023 F3 LTD Special Series, it has a matte finish) https://www.chemicalguys.com/products/swift-wipe-complete-waterless-car-wash-easy-spray-wipe-formula



It has the following features: Hydrophobic Technology, Synthetic Gloss Enhancers.

Chemical Guys Swift Wipe Waterless Car Wash is the next generation Waterless detailing system. In on step, Swift Wipe cleans, shines, and protects without installing any swirls or scratches. Swift wipe simply sprays on, then wipes off. The waterless system finishes with a coat of optical spray sealant to enhance shine with durable protection.

I use the above on my windshield and the bug spats come off my bike.



The Waterless Car Wash is a easy spray and wipe solution Wash your whole car/bike without water, cleans,shines, and protects.

Deanna
 
FrogmanDave said:
Waterless is all the rage right now. I say hogwash (see what I did there). Anyway, just wash your Spyder like you have always washed everything else. On top of that today's paints are so soft they scratch much easier than in the past. The Spyder has incredibly soft paint. Don't leave bugs on there for long. They will etch right into the paint. Of course a ceramic coating will prevent this in the first place. Good luck with your decision.
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kinda agree. **kinda** did get some of the fast wax681C6124-B200-4340-A439-B9DAD043550A.jpeg
& is good, especially when out on a trip & just wanna get some grime & bugs/pollen ~rain spots off(any elbow grease helps most anyway) least don’t have to try find an available/ free /friendly water spigot. Can do just about anywhere carry a can & some rags does fine. **note LIGHT grime, heavy stuff still waits till home & more dedicated cleaning **
 
I just use rain-x car wash, If I'm not in a hurry I wax it with Meguiars Cleaner paste wax. If i'm in a hurry I use the Turtle wax spray on Graphene based wax.
 
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I always wipe down with a duster or do a clear water rinse before "waterless washes"; keep a good coat of ceramic and the light gook will come right off.
 
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Allen42 said:
-nevermind, please delete-
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No, the mods won’t do that, Allen. Apart from affecting FB algorithms, there is a lot of useful info in here that someone may be looking for via a search at a later date. It is here to stay.;)

Pere
 
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