this weekend i did the first true exterior detail on my car. i've had it 3 weeks.

i used the detailing clay in the process. i wonder what you guys think of it. does it do all that much? i suppose the question is relative and depends entirely on the circumstances.

i bought a container of meguiar's paint cleaner, which, i assume, is supposed to do the same thing.

btw, the car turned out great. i'll post some pics in a few days.

sv-

A clay "grabs" the paint and picks up any contaminants like rail dust, tree sap, overspray, etc. in the process. As a result, you have a clean, smooth paint finish.

A paint cleaner strips old wax and light imbedded dirt from the paint finish. It's good to use this before a wax to give a proper bonding surface.

I'd say use a claybar every 6 months or so. Use the paint cleaner every other time you wax.

i figured about 2 clay procedures per year.

yeah it's pretty important to get the crap out of ur paint before you go ahead and protect it...besides what products did you use can't wait for pics

A clay "grabs" the paint and picks up any contaminants like rail dust, tree sap, overspray, etc. in the process. As a result, you have a clean, smooth paint finish.

A paint cleaner strips old wax and light imbedded dirt from the paint finish. It's good to use this before a wax to give a proper bonding surface.

I'd say use a claybar every 6 months or so. Use the paint cleaner every other time you wax.
Using a paint cleaner every other waxing may be overkill depening on how often you wax. If you are just maintaining a swirl free paint finish, then a mild paint cleaner 2x a year will suffice.

id say theres nothing better than clay and maybe solvent after before you wax, keeps things out from between the paint and your coat of wax as well as an all around great looking car.

use dishwasing soap! jk, by all means do not do that. Clay is a great product. I sell it at Autzone all the time. Claymagic>mothers clay.

Clay is one of the best detailing inventions ever!!! I simply love what it did to my Alpine white paint. It's like taking out blackheads off a face =)

Clay is one of the best detailing inventions ever!!! I simply love what it did to my Alpine white paint. It's like taking out blackheads off a face =)

lol....tried searching...anyone know if a link for some good/well constructed claying procedures?

the whole deal...

step1.
wash your car.

Step2.
pick a spot on you car to start with and spray on the detailing spray that came with your clay.

Step3.
rub the clay in an 8 x 8 inch panel and mold the clay after every 3 panels. wipe the panels dry with a microfiber towel after.

Step4.
You know that the dirt is out when you rub your fingertips against the panel and it feels like an 18 year old chick's boobies.

Step5.
After claying the whole car, you can wash it again or just apply wax over it.

lol....tried searching...anyone know if a link for some good/well constructed claying procedures?

the whole deal...
See detailing 101 stickied at the top of the 'Show and Shine forum. In it you will find a detailed claying procedure amongst other things. :)

I was wondering something. I just clayed a part of my car and yes it does feel smooth. But can you ever be really perfect with it? when I run my hands through it It feels smooth but there are a few spots where dust is trapped.. I even tried removing it from my finger nails but it won't come off.. maybe the clearcoat there is out...

But can you ever be perfect with clay? and if you are not perfect with it.. is it safe to polish/wax over it???

And how long does it take you guys to clay?

A clay "grabs" the paint and picks up any contaminants like rail dust, tree sap, overspray, etc. in the process. As a result, you have a clean, smooth paint finish.

A paint cleaner strips old wax and light imbedded dirt from the paint finish. It's good to use this before a wax to give a proper bonding surface.

I'd say use a claybar every 6 months or so. Use the paint cleaner every other time you wax.


What he said. :) :redspot

hmm?

What he said. :) :redspot

What she said. :) :redspot
(All the best of the season to you Jen. I'm smiling.)
-John C.