Let's Talk Clay

[HitandRunDriver]

Since my knowledge of claybarring comes from only those stupid Clay kits from McGuiars, Mothers, and Turtle wax, lets get some people in here who know what they're doing. What are some good brands, what sort of a claying routine you have.....all that good stuff

 

[foreverfalcon40]

Excellent question. I am new to detailing as in I just started waxing the EscaHoe this past summer for the first time on my own using Spray On Eagle Wax. I'm in love and obsessed! I've done two coats on it in 1 day. I'm looking to do 3 coats every two weeks.

I heard clay arring is time consuming but worth it. Heard it takes all the dirt and impurities out that wx and wash miss. If this is true...is it ok to say screw waxing and claybar till the day I die?

 

[Narco]

no, clay will remove your wax and not leave your paint protected. clay is just one step in the process. generally you wash, clay, wash again, and wax

 

[Travieso]

im with you also i've only done it once to my tahoe and the results were amazing, I used McGuiars clay kit, is there any other clay other there that's better..

Also Don't mean to highjack this thread but didn't feel like making a new thread but what type of Wax does everyone use ? and what process do you guys take to get it ready for wax

 

[HitandRunDriver]

Here's my experience with clay so far....

Mothers Claybar - Yellow with a soft consistency, used with a quick detailer and had great results.

McGuiars Claybar - White clay with a medium consistency, couldn't really tell a difference from the Mothers bar.

Turtle wax ice claybar - Light blue and hard as *$&#. Ended up doing more damage than good with this one, it marred my paint...thank god I had my porter cable handy to undo it.

 

[gordo]

Clay bar is the way to go. wash the whole truck clay with detailer, then wax on and wax off. plus I have noticed better results with mothers claybar. My paint still feels smooth as ice and the last time I claybarred it was well over 5 months ago but during the warmer seasons I claybar and wax atleast once a month

 

[viximaging]

I used the Mothers. I debadged the kon and had 2 seperate shades of white. It took a long time but after that I rinsed her off and waxed her up and she actually shined. Was smooth as F*&K after. I hope to get some wheels and drop her then I am going to do it again.. Only thing I have is that slow two handed buffer though. Sucks, might need to invest in something better. i use Zymol wax only

 

[ndavis0001]

just plan on spending some time on it. detailing is my livelihood and profession. take your time too... no need to press too hard. just keep folding it and as said above best to use a spray detailer or a quick mist (dont remember shelf names) as your lubricant.
dont make it a 2 day process though. wash clay wash wax wax wax! just once is fine, just felt the need to emphasize it. but dont clay saturday and let sit til the next to wax.
if you have an outlet to get professional products in your local area try and find a rep to get it from. most all product distributors will sell it to you on the side or straight out to the public regardless.

 

[ICON]

www.adamspolishes.com BEST STUFF YOU WILL EVER USE. Everyone talks about how we should "only" use Meguiars products. Try Adams Detail. A little bit spendy but it worth every dollar.

 

[el chupacabra 96]

I've used the Meguire's kit and I have also used 3M professional and some other brand from the Eagle One guy when I was a detailer at a dealership. All the ones I have used worked roughly the same and as good I would say. 3M's spray wax was about the best lubricant I've used for claying. We had to use 3M Clay Bar and 3M Spray Wax as part of Volkswagen Certification in detailing (yep, new cars need clay too) And ndavis0001 is right on with his advice take your time but don't let it turn into a 2 day project.

And a side note, if you clay your windshield it will help your wiper blades from streaking and chattering some, if they aren't old and need replaced anyway. Plus it gives you that RainX effect too. Some of the same environmental contaminants that land on your paint will land on your windshield too and wiper blades won't get it off.