I knew when I painted the car black I was in for a lot of work maintaining it but this is crazy. I have scuffmarks/ small scratches on my car and I believe they are being caused my car cover being put on and off. I think the elastic part of the cover is leaving the scuffs. I try like hell to be careful it doesn’t drag on the car but it still happens then its time consuming to get scuffs and scratches out. Is there anyone that makes a car cover that’s micro fiber underneath so it wont scuff? I’d rather leave the cover off and deal with the dust it accumulates in the garage instead of the scuff marks. I am looking for an indoor cover that doesn’t have the elastic and is the softest available. I thought mine was good but I guess not. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Most scuffs and scratches from a car cover are from dirt not the cover itself. Think about some of these issues;

Is the car clean and dusted when the cover gets put on?

When was the last time your cover was washed?

Where do you put the cover when it's not on the car?

How do you fold the cover when it's not on the car?

Any one or all of the above could cause a cover to scratch the paint. A good coat of wax is a real good way to protect against this as well... I say this because a lot of folks use polishes that clean the paint surface but don't provide any protection like a wax does.

Why a cover? Use a california duster and quick detail spray unless it's to dirty. I wipe mine down once a week regardless.

I consider myself pretty anal. The car is clean when the cover goes on. The paint is only a year old and the car hasnt seen the street yet but it will within the next month. The covers just to stop the dust and protect incase something rubs up on the car. The cover is new and it stays in the trunk when its off the car. The trunk is empty and clean. I am going to go bacl to the way I have been doing it like mentioned. I use microfiber duster to dust it off with detail spray. Now that its warmer I'm going to get a good coat of wax on it to help protect it.

Agree with Gary. Cover I had on wore the paint off the corners. In fact, it polished the primer.

So I'm not crazy.....thank god!

Agree with Gary. Cover I had on wore the paint off the corners. In fact, it polished the primer.

This is the one I purchased for those winter months when the car is just sitting around in the shop getting dusty.

http://www.properautocare.com/foinco.html

I put it on last night for the first time to check fit, finish etc... I'll try to get a pic this evening. It is very soft!

Don't forget to wash your cover. It gets dust embedded in it.

The paint manufacturer says not to cover the car.

Why do they make covers? I know they say not to cover the car after fresh paint...

The paint manufacturer says not to cover the car.

Fits like a glove! A very soft glove that is.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd183/jwthomey/Picture012.jpg

Thanks Jeff..mine is a Covercraft but not the form fit type. The pics of the material on the website look just like the underside of my cover. I believe its the elastic thats my issue. I may just cut it off and see. Like I said I'll just dust it weekly and keep it clean without a cover if I have to.

This is the one I purchased for those winter months when the car is just sitting around in the shop getting dusty.

http://www.properautocare.com/foinco.html

I put it on last night for the first time to check fit, finish etc... I'll try to get a pic this evening. It is very soft!

That may be an issue like DjD mentioned. I'm going to wash it.


Don't forget to wash your cover. It gets dust embedded in it.

Glad ya started this thread Gary, sounds like you & I are in the same boat... tryin to preserve the relatively fresh black paint. I haven't got a cover yet, but gotta have one by summer. Around here the moths and other flyin critters droppin bombs:mad:...that stuff will leave a permanent mark if not wiped up soon....wax or no wax.

I always thought Cal Car Covers Dustop would be the way to go, but $200+ seems kinda pricey to me.....looks like the one Jeff got was $280 ? Could go another 100:wacko: and get a car capsule....

http://www.carcapsule.com/ORDER_the_CarCapsule.htm

Looks like it may be a PIA to get the car inside ? Anybody have one?

is this a garage kept car?

i have a very thin cover over the cars in my garage, there is no need to get some huge heavy duty cover if it is being kept im a garage IMO

it is some cheap one bought at kmart ~20 years ago, its very thin but keeps the dust off.. only reason to get a heavyduty one is if there are a lot of objects around the car that could potentially hit into it and scratch/chip the paint

Scratches in dark paint are a part of life. They are commonly called "spider tracks" or "spider scratches". It may or may not be the cover. To deal with this problem on the last black car I had, I used a Meguires Sealer/Glaze on the car then went after that with a good wax. The sealer/glaze hides the spider tracks and all you see is a smooth finish. It would last for most the summer. By the way, this was the last black car I had as well.

I've had (and sold) my last black car as well... :) TOO much trouble.....

I've had 2 black daily drivers and would never have another. For a weekend toy/classic I can't see it taking any more attention than my red Nova or white Camaro. I seem to put in more time than most when it comes to cleaning and detailing so color isn't an issue...

Never cover a new paint job, just like never wax a new paint job! Talk to your painter and pin him down, typically the longer you go doing nothing to new paint the happier the painter is. Make the painter outline the care you give the paint until it's safe to wax it. Once you wax it there should be no problems with a car cover.

Cob webs typically come from your duster and the towels you use when cleaning your car. Even microfiber can cause scratches if the towels are stiched with nylon thread. I have even found disclamers on the low dollar microfiber packs you get at pep-boys and kragen...

Just to add to the washing of car covers; use caution when drying most dryers large enough for a car cover have poor heat controls and car covers melt real easy...

Ah, the joys of Hugger Orange. Thanks for yet another reminder why it's so cool.:beers:

Yes, Hugger Orange is nice, with BLACK stripes:D:beers: Come on Fred, you must have cover for your cruiser too...what do ya recommend??

Thanks for the tips & ideas guys. Codi, I've used Meguires products for years, but never the sealer /glaze. I'm gonna look into it, thanks!

I live in the dusty sandy area of West Texas. Sandstorms are the facts of life, even my dentist can tell it.
I have used two type of covers on my TriFive cars, both were a Noah fabric from Kimberly Clark. More paper that anything, They did keep dirt off car when stored in garage. But when they get wet, its wet heavy quilted paper.
The other car cover I have used was from Beverly Hill car cover which is now I think California Cover. This blue twil cover has lasted me probably 15 years, besides all the little tears and patches , it still covers car well but dust, not sand will sift thru.

Before I die, I will purchase another cover. I am looking at the California Plushweave cover, I think its the one that has the twil 100% cotton outside but with a flannel inner liner. I will not use a paper cover again. Might want to check them out. http://www.californiacovers.com/
These covers are made by CoverCraft in Oklahoma , I got a plant tour during one of the Powertours.

BTW, when car is in garage during non cruise seasons, car is covered with either some plastic paint drop cloths with blankets underneath, just for bump protection.

Hey Gary,
Black paint is one of the nicest when clean and polished but it is by far the hardest to keep that way. Having alittle backround in detailing, black paint can be a nightmare to keep swirl free. You can breath wrong on the paint and it will show!!! Like others have said here, even dust can cause swirlmarks on Black paint. Some paint colors can get away with just using a california duster to clean it up, but I would recommend to never use anything on black paint without some type of lubricant like a quick detailer. I know using a quick detailer takes alittle longer then just using a california duster, but even with just dust on a black car, a few uses with a towel or duster without a quick lube, you will start to see swirls etc.. A microfiber and quick detailer before the cover goes on will definitely help.

Most of the major car cover companies like California car covers and Covercraft make an indoor only cover. Covercraft has one with flannel on the inside. Never heard of one with microfiber on the inside but if I find one I would order it too. Check out some detailing sites like autogeek.net(http://www.autogeek.net/covercraft-tan-flannel.html), they usually list the good covers cause they are all anal about their paint. Plus, an indoor one is usually thinner for just dust protection, so it will be easier to wash it to keep it clean as well. These better covers though can get pricey, but I guess its better then having to get your car recleared!

To keep black paint mar free and looking its best, don't rub anything across it without either using a car wash or some other lubricant like a quick detailer, try to use only microfiber towels/products and always keep a coat or two of wax/sealant on the paint to help protect from the dust and other elements. A wax or glaze with fillers in it will help hide some defects too!

Sean

is this a garage kept car?

i have a very thin cover over the cars in my garage, there is no need to get some huge heavy duty cover if it is being kept im a garage IMO

it is some cheap one bought at kmart ~20 years ago, its very thin but keeps the dust off.. only reason to get a heavyduty one is if there are a lot of objects around the car that could potentially hit into it and scratch/chip the paint

But a cheap KMart cover is likely going to scratch black paint, and even a good one is going to grind any dust present into it. If its silver, hey, cover it with potato sacks, it won't matter, but for The Few, The Proud, The Black... its tough.

Not to steal the thread but if you don't use a cover, what's the best way to remove the dust built up over the winter on a six month old paint job without scratching?

Not to steal the thread but if you don't use a cover, what's the best way to remove the dust built up over the winter on a six month old paint job without scratching?

Hose it off with the pressure set about like you would have it to drink off the hose...

Thanks Dennis:beers:

I finished the paintwork in Oct, and been usin the Cal Car Duster about once a week or so....dry. Those dusters work like magic....hasn't left a scratch yet. I imagine eventually, the duster will need to be washed or maybe it will start to leave scratches.

I'm thinkin the same as "victimiZation"...just get a light duty, single layer cover for indoor use....The trick is finding the softest, most abrasive free material. Yes, I imagine it'll (the cover) need to be washed more frequently than a multi-layered cover.

yeah..I'm looking for one that doesnt have an elastic band. I may just hack mine off.

Don't forget to wash your cover. It gets dust embedded in it.
As "Torch" pointed out those covers do get dirty but don't show the dirt. Washed mine yesterday, and was amazed at the grim that came out of it. Sure glad I did.

capt

Might sound crazy but why not put a big piece of painters plastic over it? Its cheap, obviously soft, and its guaranteed not to scratch the paint. You can just cut a big piece and put it over the car and let it float some then put some bricks or something to hold it down.

If the elastic is presenting a problem...I'd cut it.

Jim

Might sound crazy but why not put a big piece of painters plastic over it? Its cheap, obviously soft, and its guaranteed not to scratch the paint. You can just cut a big piece and put it over the car and let it float some then put some bricks or something to hold it down.


Oh, that'd be way too cheap and easy:clonk:Actually, I did this for many years when my car (just the shell) was in primer....had a bed sheet under the plastic tho. Guaranteed not to scratch huh? Another thing I'd be worried about is condensation, whereas a cover can breath. Might be ok in a fully climate controlled setting??

Yeah thats what I plan to try. I cant find a light car cover that doesnt have the elastic band. I am leaving the cover off for now but plan to try everything mentioned from washing it, cutting the elastic so its just a draped over cover.

If anyone knows where I can find a light indoor dust cover with no elastic band please let me know...thanks


If the elastic is presenting a problem...I'd cut it.

Jim

For only $19.95 you can get 2 large SNUGGIES :D

Not sure what you'd do with the arms but they are ultra soft, plush woven lint. (wonder what happens the first time you put one in the dryer)

ss

Maybe I'll just sew together a whole bunch of 16x16 microfiber towels :)


For only $19.95 you can get 2 large SNUGGIES :D

Not sure what you'd do with the arms but they are ultra soft, plush woven lint. (wonder what happens the first time you put one in the dryer)

ss

Those are the MIRROR pockets.

Jim :)