Maybe so, but why not just use the proper supplies? I mean, you could remove flat head screws with a butter knife but a flat head screwdriver would be a lot better and much more effective. ;)

I guess if I wanted to sit and dab with a absorber, I could dry the car with it. But I find what is more effective is attempting to sheet the water, then use a leaf blower. For any thing left over I simply wipe gently with a 100% soft cotton towel.

Maybe if you did not have access to electricity for a leaf blower, you could dab with the absorber. When I wrote it originally, I just assumed people would use the absorber like a towel and that's real bad.

And I have to agree with Junkman.

I would never use a leaf blower for the very simple reason that you are already kicking up crap and there is no filter on the back of a leaf blower. Therefor, some of that crap can get jettisoned at your paint at high speeds.

I agree with you on sheeting the water off the surface, if you can.

I think the worst thing that gets sucked up from the leaf blower is my shirt some times. Can never avoid it. But I do have to say this. One time my dad was using the leaf blower before me for actual leaf blowing. Some how he got a rock inside of it, no idea how. I turned that bad boy on and it shot that rock out like a bullet. Thankfully I was not pointing it at any thing fragile. Now I turn it on and shake it to make sure my dad didn't leave any projectiles in it.

Other then that I think it was a isolated incident but possible.

I don't know what kind of leaf blower would do that as the one I use is electric. It cost me $29 and it can't suck up anything off the ground because it never gets remotely close to the ground and it ain't no where near powerful enough. When I am drying off the bottom of the car, I am pointing the leaf blower down. The engine is at my waist level so there is no way that anything can be sucked into it. Most of the time, the unit is at my shoulder level.

I do dry my car in the garage so there is no debris on the ground to blow around either. Also, the floor is completely soaked with water so dust is the last thing I'm worried about. Outside in your driveway may create a dust issue but since you have just rinsed the car, the ground should be soaking wet too. Thus, the leaf blower is a quick and safe option.

Maybe a gas powered blower can suck up rocks but I wouldn't use one of those because the exhaust particles would be settling all over your car, as well as be spitting out the end.

I think I need to try the leaf blower method....

Home Depot had a battery operated B&D on offer for $55.
Well worth the ease of use....

Zaino is out of border free towels -- anyone have any other recommendations on towels to use that won't scratch?

I was getting ready to point you to the Adam's version of that towel but it looks like Adam's is out too. Those are some sweet towels!

Detailers domain uber no name towel. They are the best towel I have used. Detailers domain is a forum sponser use coupon code: 370 and get 10%

Thanks Forrest for this awesome write up. I am in the process of using Zaino and it is looking amazing already.

I'm installing the FI exhaust later this week, so I'll post pics probably next weekend.

+ Rep

followed your recommendations-bought everything you listed and did this today, and all i have to say is WOW! lol, it was awesome, I thought people stared at me before, now it's even more. Amazing guide this was, many thanks!

Also i know you apply Z-2 as blotches but Zaino has a youtube video on how to apply and I followed that and it worked w/ no issues, and this was my first time ever using the stuff.

Basically you apply product across the applicator pad diagonally then spread across the pad like a piece of toast w/ your finger... anyway here's the video, again thanks! *370z Brilliant Silver*

‪Zaino basics: How LITTLE Zaino to use.‬‏ - YouTube

Kudos to Forrest for showing the way. I wish I had had this writeup the first time I used Zaino. I was blowing Sal Zaino's phone and email up! lol!

Yeah that guy uses less product than even I do. My biggest mistake is using to much. Only reason why I blotch it on is in hopes that I can make it easier to spread on and not so much absorption into the pad.

Even I am not a pro in this sadly. Still just a novice which is why I claim its my method which may not be the best way.

anyone here used the Zaino borderfree Towels? Is it really scratch free?