Pressure Washing your car, does it damage?

[Stay Fresh Car Care]

Originally Posted by LucidMomentum

Here's my flash test. Taken after the 6 month wash last week, with exterior lighting above the car as well.

I use Chemical Guys Mr. Pink when I foam, and ONR for waterless and water based washes. Touch up with Meguiar's final inspection and Meguiar's Tech Wax. I mix between waterless washes every week and full wash and waxing once a month. This was after an ONR waterless wash.





I think it mostly depends on how you clean your car. Sure everyone will have a preference on what they use, but I think you're being a bit harsh on people as a result of your preferences. You can have the best tools in the world and still screw up the job without proper experience. I'm going to try a more detailed flash test when I wash it this weekend, because you have me intrigued now.

*EDIT*

Here's a flash test that I did when I got home. Last washed on Sunday, no touch ups of any kind done. You can see some dirt flecks but I don't see any scratches or the like. The white may hide it well though.

I don't think anyone is being harsh here! You seem to properly wash foaming the car down first.

People fail to realize this step is crucial in preventing paint damage. A pressure washer is such a great investment if you are a paint freak like Junkman and our team.

[Stay Fresh Car Care]

Originally Posted by phrosty

Okay, so this is basically holding a bright light up. I've never heard of just taking a picture with flash though, that's clever!

Tell you what -- once snow is gone and I've had a chance to correct imperfections caused by winter road debris, I'll take a "flash test" after every ONR wash for a month and post up here.

I think it's really easy to go overboard with detailing and treat paint like it's super fragile thing that gets scratched if you don't look at it through microfiber goggles.

Can you post a flash test before you correct?

[LucidMomentum]

Originally Posted by Stay Fresh Car Care

I don't think anyone is being harsh here! You seem to properly wash foaming the car down first.

People fail to realize this step is crucial in preventing paint damage. A pressure washer is such a great investment if you are a paint freak like Junkman and our team.

True, but I pressure wash about once a month though. So 3 out of every 4 washes is rinseless, technically. However I wax when I do pressure wash, so that helps a lot.