micro-fiber lint free cleaning cloths for finishing

[Dave Rudy]

I just picked up a pack of microfiber cloths from Sam's club and the thought crossed my mind -- would these work for finishing?  Has anyone tried one or does anyone know if there is chemical content in them which could be a problem (nothing on the label)?

TIA

Dave

 

[Dan Clark]

Dave,

I've never used MicroFiber (MF) for finishing wood.  However, they are pretty much the standard for finishing auto paint.    Except for a few die hards (including Sal Zaino himself), virtually EVERY auto detailing enthusiast uses them. 

Watch out for the less expensive MF from Sams club and Costco.  I got some yellow ones from Costco.  They seem pretty good and I like them.  But I use them for rougher cleanup and not polishing the paint.  Check to see that they are soft and thick.  Check the edges to ensure that the stitching won't harm the finish.

If you decide to try them, please post the results.

Thanks,

Dan.

 

[Woodenfish]

I keep a virgin (never been washed) micro-fiber cloth just for usage as a tack cloth between coatings of WB finishes. It seems to work okay and not contaminate the wood with resin that might cause finishing problems. When I'm finished wiping the project down I return the cloth to a zip-lock bag for storage. 

 

[Matthew Schenker]

I keep a virgin (never been washed) micro-fiber cloth just for usage as a tack cloth between coatings of WB finishes. It seems to work okay and not contaminate the wood with resin that might cause finishing problems. When I'm finished wiping the project down I return the cloth to a zip-lock bag for storage. 

Amazing -- I was about to post the same thing.  I experimented with these a while back and found they are great as tack cloths.  Worth the money.

Matthew

 

[Dan Clark]

Tack cloths...  Hmmm, I've got to try that.

Thanks,

Dan.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Microfiber cloths are not all the same. The cheap ones are loosely woven with shorter fibers that can wedge tight under wood fibers. However, even the cheapies work well on smooth surfaces like metal and sealed wood. The Norton brand (red colored) microfiber cloths work well as a tack cloth even on most species of raw (smoothly sanded) wood.

 

[The Dude]

I concur with Micheal on the Norton Brand cloths; not only do they have the Red, for dry usage; they also have a Blue cloth that is designed for wet application as well.  For heavier tacking I will use the Blue with a bit of Mineral spirit.

Bonakemi also has a version of the microfiber mop that is good.  It is designed to be used with the Bona Floor Cleaning Kit, however, you can buy them individually as well.  In Lincoln the Ace Hardware stores carry Bona Cleaning products.

Timmy C

 

[Dave Ronyak]

I have been using microfiber cloths dry as tack cloths after sanding both bare wood and between finishing coats (solvent based shellac and PU varnish) for a couple of years without any problems.  As others have said, beware there are different qualities, fiber types, and weave types.  I simply began using the cloths I had purchased for use in polishing and waxing cars, and found they worked well.  I prefer the longer napped ones such as the gold colored ones offered by Griot's Garage for general wiping of wood sanding dust.  I have had no issues of using MF cloths that have been laundered, even when mixed with other items being laundered, even if my wife forgets and tosses a fabric softener sheet in the dryer (not recommended).

Dave R.