Do you use detail clay? (If not, why you should.)
07-23-2011, 03:22 AM
#16
Race Director
Thread Starter
07-23-2011, 03:33 AM
#17
Race Director
Thread Starter
http://www.autogeek.net/detailing-clay-bar.html
07-23-2011, 11:37 AM
#19
Nordschleife Master
I go into the garage last night and under the artificial light I noticed previously unseen tiny water spots on the hood of my new Sand White Cayenne S. (One perk of a light color I suppose). Being an **** type I immediately get out my RO buffer and some Meguiars Show Car Glaze #7, a very mild polish that's great for removing surface blemishes, swirl marks, even light scratches. An hour and follow-up coat of wax later and the hood and front fenders are blemish free and smooth as glass. Of course, now I have to feel the finish on the Carrera S to compare, and I instantly know my morning project for the next day.
So this morning I polish the entire 911. The sides, top, and tail come out great but the hood and fenders, while looking fine, still don't quite have that baby-butt smoothness. I grab my detailing clay (should have done this first), lube it and the surface up good with detail spray, and gently rub down the finish. Even though I've used clay many times, the results always amaze me. First, how can a car like my Carrera that's washed and waxed regularly, wiped down with detail spray after a run to remove bugs and brake dust (told you I was ****), always garaged and covered, reveal so much contamination on the paint, even after a good buffing? And second, how can rubbing a piece of clay on the paint remove that contamination? Well it does, and if you've never used detail clay you'll be startled at the crud that comes off what you thought was a perfectly clean car. Anyway, the Carrera and it's bigger, younger sibling both have new, smooth as glass wax jobs.
So, have you ever used detail clay on your car? If not, maybe you should; you might be very pleasantly surprised by the results.
So this morning I polish the entire 911. The sides, top, and tail come out great but the hood and fenders, while looking fine, still don't quite have that baby-butt smoothness. I grab my detailing clay (should have done this first), lube it and the surface up good with detail spray, and gently rub down the finish. Even though I've used clay many times, the results always amaze me. First, how can a car like my Carrera that's washed and waxed regularly, wiped down with detail spray after a run to remove bugs and brake dust (told you I was ****), always garaged and covered, reveal so much contamination on the paint, even after a good buffing? And second, how can rubbing a piece of clay on the paint remove that contamination? Well it does, and if you've never used detail clay you'll be startled at the crud that comes off what you thought was a perfectly clean car. Anyway, the Carrera and it's bigger, younger sibling both have new, smooth as glass wax jobs.
So, have you ever used detail clay on your car? If not, maybe you should; you might be very pleasantly surprised by the results.
07-23-2011, 11:58 AM
#20
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Mike you're approach is the right one, always use the least aggressive products first and if it does the job then you're done. I was only pointing out that #7 doesn't do too much.
Enjoy the beauty!
07-23-2011, 12:30 PM
#21
Rennlist Member
Yeah, clay your wheels. I was amazed that the crap that I couldn't get off without tedious polishing came right off with the clay. Love the stuff. One point tho, it is wise to mask off the edge of any clear film you have as it will tend to leave a little clay behind that can be tough to get off.
07-23-2011, 12:50 PM
#22
Rennlist Member
I just put on a pair of dark sunglasses before I go into the garage and the car always looks great. 
07-23-2011, 03:49 PM
#24
Race Director
Thread Starter
Great suggestions. I have a spot remover for glass that I use and finish up with Stoners but never thought to use clay; it might be easier. I'll try that, and on the wheels too. Per request, here are a few pics, better late than never.
07-23-2011, 03:57 PM
#25
Burning Brakes
I have a question; after you wash the car then use the clay-bar (with supplied lubricant), do you need to wash it again before waxing to get rid of the clay/lube residue?
07-23-2011, 04:45 PM
#26
Racer
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I clay all the time. Most claybars will remove wax and sealants, so you will want to re-apply afterwards.
However, improper tools and techniques can put on as much swirls as driving through a construction zone. General rule of thumb: always glide, less scrubbing, less rubbing, more lube/spray detailer. Do yourself a favor, buy lube by the gallons. I spray detail my car nearly after every drive, and the amount of quik detailer I use, you would think I was washing it.
If you car is near perfect, and nearly all the time, you can try these steps. Wash, clay, then use a sealant with little cutting power. Like Meguire's #20, Menzerna Power Lock, 1Einzette Polish Wax, Dodo Juice Need for Speed Cleaner Wax, Grior's all in one sealant, etc. This way, you can skip polishing. Then if you like, and I do it on my car, top it off with a carnuba wax. So this is like a mini exterior detail and probably will take up half a day.
However, improper tools and techniques can put on as much swirls as driving through a construction zone. General rule of thumb: always glide, less scrubbing, less rubbing, more lube/spray detailer. Do yourself a favor, buy lube by the gallons. I spray detail my car nearly after every drive, and the amount of quik detailer I use, you would think I was washing it.
If you car is near perfect, and nearly all the time, you can try these steps. Wash, clay, then use a sealant with little cutting power. Like Meguire's #20, Menzerna Power Lock, 1Einzette Polish Wax, Dodo Juice Need for Speed Cleaner Wax, Grior's all in one sealant, etc. This way, you can skip polishing. Then if you like, and I do it on my car, top it off with a carnuba wax. So this is like a mini exterior detail and probably will take up half a day.
07-24-2011, 12:11 AM
#27
Guys,
Been using Griots clay putty with Griots Speed Shine as lubricant. Seems to work well.
Anybody else try or like this combo?
Regards,
UJ
Been using Griots clay putty with Griots Speed Shine as lubricant. Seems to work well.
Anybody else try or like this combo?
Regards,
UJ
Last edited by unclejosh; 07-24-2011 at 12:49 AM.
07-24-2011, 08:25 PM
#29
Claying is essential for maintaining a flawless paint finish. I just ran out of Griot's clay bar, and have the Pinnacle clay system on order from Autogeek. A detail session is planned for next weekend!
07-24-2011, 09:08 PM
#30
Addict
Rennlist Member
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Let me know how the Pinnacle Clay compares to the Griots, been using Griots for about 6 years now and have been fairly happy but always looking for better.