milrad

I have perused the archives for tips on using this product. Most of the advice runs along the lines of "be careful" and "use lots of lubricant."

I have not clayed a car before (yes I will practice on the wife's Bimmer first) but my newly acquired 98 C2S is in need of more attention than polish will give. Any other tips for using the Zaino clay bar prior to the rest of the Zaino routine?

Thanks,
Jason

Tom W

I used the Zaino detergent (50:50 with water) as a lubricant and a sponge when I attacked my finish with the clay bar. I was happy with the results and couldn't believe all the crud the bar picked up.

SundayDriver

Not Zaino but,

I have used the Griot's clay. Their directions suggest using their Speed Shine as lubricant. Works great. It is pretty much the same as Instant Detail, etc.

Greg H.

I did a black Mercedes recently using the Zaino cleaner as a lubricant as per directions. I would swear that the clay bar actually put in a lot of micro scratches. If you'd seen all the stuff it picked up, you might agree it is a possibility. I washed the car thoroughly first, by the way.

I don't know what I would do differently next time. Maybe change the clay a lot more frequently. I used one bar on the entire car. I'd suggest buying two. On the other hand, I suspect that micro scratches are just a part of having a black car.


Greg

Mdrury

With the Griot's bar I use a lot of their Speed Shine spray with no problem. However, stay away from edges and transitions where the clay might get trapped e.g the edges of the stone guards on the rear fenders.

cmoss

Irecently clayed my "80 SC (Yellow). I was really impressed with the results, and felt the process was fairly idiot proof (I mean, it worked for me... ). Just use lots of lubricant and stay away from edges, plastic, etc.
Chris

RobMc

I have used a product by Meguiar's called clear coat body scrub cleaner and it worked very well.

BradB

Claying is an easy process. Zaino is one of the best clays. Wash the car well. Only use very light pressure. Back and forth direction only, not circular. It's best to cut the bar into small pieces initially. Knead into flat half dollar size shapes. Use one side until it appears dirty. Flip and use the other. Then toss it. This is better than kneading back into the the bar and risk a future scratch.

Check out the detailing site <a href="http://www.autopia-carport.com" target="_blank">www.autopia-carport.com</a> The detailing forum is great! I am a moderator there and we will be happy to help you with all your detailing questions!

BradB <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />

SKM

Another suggestion. At our last local PCA meeting, I saw a black 928 with paint that was flawless. As a former detailer, I am very particular about the cosmetics. Turns out the car had over 100K miles. The owner works for an auto manufacturer and told me the car had poor paint when he acquired it. Some paint experts where he works advised that he just polish it for the first year or so and use no wax. Polishing with glaze (e.g., Meguirar's #7 or 3M Hand Glaze) resulted in a high gloss, smooth, deep finish on his car. Once the finish was restored, he waxed it. Looks great, going to try that approach on my 7 year old Jeep.