Question about clay bar
- Thread starter robin2660
- Start date
I have a lot of experience detailing. With the clay, you should be using a lubricant, and lots of it. Some people use car wash soap and water mixed, you can also buy spray detailers. I prefer to use Meguiar's Final Inspection. The paint should be very wet, like a wash. This prevents friction between the clay bar and paint. Also, you should frequently fold over the clay, this also helps prevent marring/scratching. If you ever pick up anything big, you should remove it from the clay.
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- 2011 Mustang GT
Lube and frequent folding of the clay is the key. If the clay sticks to the paint, you need to put more water/quick detail spray on that area.
Work in small areas, usually 18"x18", then move to the next spot on the panel. Some stuck on debris might take a bit more to get off.
Work in small areas, usually 18"x18", then move to the next spot on the panel. Some stuck on debris might take a bit more to get off.
I'm still not satisfied. When you wash your car, you rinse the wash rag to remove particles so you don't scratch your paint. I presume the clay bar is picking up stuff that's stuck to your paint, and some of that might be abrasive bits. Where do they go after the clay bar has dislodged them?
I guess I can't argue with success though. If it works, it works. I'm just intellectually curious.
I guess I can't argue with success though. If it works, it works. I'm just intellectually curious.
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- 2011 Mustang GT
If you don't believe me, I suggest you challenge this on a detailing forum.
Yes, you rinse the rag (or get a grit-guard) to keep dirt out of the rag and away from your paint. With the clay bar, by folding it repeatedly, you're surrounding the particles with clay and removing the rough edges that can scratch your paint. Also, with the amount of lube required to keep the clay from sticking to the paint, you create another medium that pads the area between clay and clear.
yes. key is not dropping it and folding frequently. There are some products out there that are designed a lubricant for clay bar. I personally use a Megs. mild cut bar and lots of Megs. Final Inspection for my lubricant. These lubricants are generally what is keeping the debris off of the paint, assuming that you are using the proper folding techniques.
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- 2011 Mustang GT
You drop it, you toss it.
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- '13 CWP MS3 & '16 Mazda6 GT
I had my first experience recently with claybarring the S2000. It works marvelously and as everyone has said, use LUBE! lol the claybar will not scratch your paint after picking up contaminants.
Just fold the claybar over several times as it gets dirty and kneed it to keep it warm and maluable.
I used this kit and highly suggest it. $15 at walmart.
Smooth Surface Clay Kit
If you're really that skeptical about it...have a professional do it...for a hefty cost of course...
Just fold the claybar over several times as it gets dirty and kneed it to keep it warm and maluable.
I used this kit and highly suggest it. $15 at walmart.
Smooth Surface Clay Kit
If you're really that skeptical about it...have a professional do it...for a hefty cost of course...
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- 2011 Mustang GT
Taylor, did you rice out the S2K with stickers? I thought you were better than that...
I love that color though. Got any pics of the whole car?
I love that color though. Got any pics of the whole car?
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- '13 CWP MS3 & '16 Mazda6 GT
lol its only temporary. its to promot the Honda Gran Prix at the end of the month.
unfortunately I dont have any good pics yet. I claybarred and did cleaner wax and 2 coats of tech wax only to not be able to take pic before heading to apply the decals....
you can half see it here:
http://www.msprotege.com/members/evilmonkeyMSP/S2000/DSC04230.jpg
http://www.msprotege.com/members/evilmonkeyMSP/S2000/DSC04235.jpg
unfortunately I dont have any good pics yet. I claybarred and did cleaner wax and 2 coats of tech wax only to not be able to take pic before heading to apply the decals....
you can half see it here:
http://www.msprotege.com/members/evilmonkeyMSP/S2000/DSC04230.jpg
http://www.msprotege.com/members/evilmonkeyMSP/S2000/DSC04235.jpg
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- 2002 mazda protege
claybar is the best thing for getting off stuff you cant see and get when you wash your car. try it on your winshield it works great.
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- '13 CWP MS3 & '16 Mazda6 GT
i was amazed at how nasty my paint felt...especially the rear bumper. After claybarring the entire cars surface is as smooth as a baby's ass.
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- 2011 Mustang GT
I think a lot of people will be shocked how much of a difference it makes. I usually try to hit the car twice a year with a clay bar (since it sits outside). Spring and fall it gets the full clay, polish, sealant, wax treatment. My paint held up through all the snow and still feels smooth to the touch.
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- 2002 mazda protege
i hear you there will be some of this real soon for my wifes 3 and then my car
marquezoom
Member
what about the windshield? Is there something to fix the scratches, or fill them in?Mine has some scratching going on where the wipers um, wipe. It's not bad, yet. I change my wipers frequently but do drive 80+ miles back-n-forth to work in the Great NW.
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- 2011 Mustang GT
You can clay the windshield, but pitting needs to be polished out. I'm also looking for a good solution to this, but can't seem to find one right now.
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- 2002 mazda protege
when i used it on the windshield it just cleaned out all the little rock chips and grime thats been on there and look brand new when i was done
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- 2011 Mustang GT
I know companies like Aquapel and several others make a windshield/glass polishing compound, but I've never used them. I'll stroll over to the detailing forums and see what people suggest.
Yeah there are special glass polishing pads. Ive polished my windshield before on my p5 with a white pad and menz FP.
as far as clay, there are different degrees of aggressiveness. the more aggressive (the harder it is) the more it will mar the paint. Of course, you remove heavy contamination much easier. Ive used adams gray (which is gray clay youd get from any other compnay) clay and love it. Much more aggressive than anything you can get in stores. However i would only use it if im doing paint correction on that car.
as far as clay, there are different degrees of aggressiveness. the more aggressive (the harder it is) the more it will mar the paint. Of course, you remove heavy contamination much easier. Ive used adams gray (which is gray clay youd get from any other compnay) clay and love it. Much more aggressive than anything you can get in stores. However i would only use it if im doing paint correction on that car.
