Going to try the Clay Kit for the first time

Re: Gong to try Clay Kit for first time

simply spray the Quick detailer first to wet the surface then clay the car without pressure just let it go on straight lines, yo may hear strange noises like if you were applying sand paper, but that's normal. at the end the clay should slip fine, and without noise, the paint should be really smooth, don't forget to keep the paint wet with the spray.

 

Re: Gong to try Clay Kit for first time

I'd add that you need to kneed the clay to ensure that you are wiping with a clean section of clay every couple of feet of surface area (the package probably has those instructions on it already) and don't drop the clay on the ground.. it will pick up every bit of dirt it touches !


Good luck with your car!

 

Re: Gong to try Clay Kit for first time

Do the bumpers and the parts low to the ground last. They have the most dirts and you don't want those soaking up in the new clay.

 

Re: Gong to try Clay Kit for first time

When I use clay bar I always strip off the the layers of Zaino/wax using Dawn first. Then I use a fresh bucket of same Dawn soapy water to keep the car wet while I clay bar. After that I do the whole Zanio dance.

 

Re: Gong to try Clay Kit for first time

@Cycledrum, you will realize how easy and safe claying is after you do it for the first time. Remember that even if you don't wash off the wax/sealant (LSP) currently on the car with Dawn or any other strong soap, claying will definitely remove it. You must reapply the LSP of your choice after claying to restore protection for your paint.

The main concept behind the whole thing is that particles get embedded into the clearcoat that will not come out with just soap and water. Rubbing clay over the clearcoat will rip out these particles and transfer them into the clay. The only two ways you will damage your paint by claying is 1) not using enough lube, leading to clay catching and marring the clear coat, and 2) getting a dirt particle embedded in the clay and then rubbing that particle all over the paint.

So here is my technique:
1. Wash the car with Dawn detergent or some other strong soap (e.g. Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Clear, P21S Total Auto Wash, etc). I don't dry the car.
2. Break off a piece of clay that when smashed down into a patty that is about three finger widths (5cm) in diameter. The reason I break off pieces of clay instead of using the whole bar is that inevitably one will drop the clay, especially when almost done and you get a bit tired and lazy.
3. Prepare your lube in a spray bottle. You can use the Megs Quick Detailer that came with the kit, or just use some car wash soap. Like most things in life, the more lube the better. I find soap works better than QD.
4. Work in a 2x2 area of the roof first and work your way down. Spray plenty of lube onto the section and then gently glide the clay over the lubed area back and forth. If it is dirty, you will feel the clay rip these particles out. Keep gliding the clay over the area until it feels like a hockey puck floating on wet ice -- smooth and effortless. If your fingers are going through the clay, you are applying too much pressure. If you feel the clay catching, use more lube. Look at the clay. You will be shocked to see what is still in the clearcoat even after washing with Dawn.
5. Fold the clay patty in half, so that the dirty part is now buried inside and only clean clay is exposed. Reshape the clay into a new circular patty. Repeat on a new section of the paint. I change to a brand new piece of clay after 1-2 panels, depending on how dirty the paint is. The horizontal surfaces are generally pretty dirty, but in my experience the rear of the car is the worst (vertical part of the trunk and the bumper).
*** IF AT ANY TIME YOU DROP THE CLAY ON THE GROUND, THROW IT AWAY. DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO REUSE IT -- it has picked up particles that will scratch your paint. THROW IT AWAY!!! ***
6. When done, the paint should be slippery smooth to touch. The clay should glide over the paint like a hockey puck on wet ice. You can use a sandwich bag and run it over lubed paint to see if there are areas that need re-claying. The sandwich bag amplifies your tactile feel of rough paint.
7. I re-wash and dry the car at this point.
8. The paint is clean from particulate debris. Now you will need to decide if the paint needs to be perfected from scratches/swirls -- if so, it is the ideal time to now polish the car with a random orbital buffer (a whole other topic).
9. As an optional step, you can now use a paint cleaner to lift any other contaminants out of the paint. Most all-in-ones like Zaino AIO and Klasse AIO have mild cleansing abilities. In my experience, Duragloss 501 is an awesome cleanser -- it is available over the counter at CarQuest.
10. Reapply the sealant/wax of your choice.
11. You can use the used pieces of clay to clay the outside of your windows, and when done with that, clay your alloy rims. Then throw away the clay.

There's lots of info and help on other sites too, including Meguiars.

 

Re: Gong to try Clay Kit for first time

Actually, it's just what you are going to do with an extra wash snuck in -- my description is just a bit detailed and wordy.

BTW, you can extend the life of your NXT 2.0 (synthetic sealant) with Megs Ultimate Quick Wax (UQW). Just spray on and wipe off UQW after your car washes.

 

Re: Gong to try Clay Kit for first time

I have been claying for years. Liverbomb88, you have the best routine I have ever seen. For anyone wanting to claybar for the first time, follow his advice to a tee.

 

Re: Gong to try Clay Kit for first time

I just finished detailing a white Civic today and wanted to share a picture with all of you. I washed the car very thoroughly with Dawn. The paint was squeaky clean but felt rough. I then clayed it, and you can see how much grime was still left in the paint after wash (the clay is supposed to be white):

 

Re: Gong to try Clay Kit for first time

My routine is basically the same as Liverbomb's. The claying part goes pretty quick for me. It's the multiple applications of Zaino that takes the longest for me.

I don't use spray detailers when I clay though. To save money I simply put car wash into a spray bottle (with water) and use that to keep the paint wet and lubed up. It's worked fine for years and saves my Quick Detailer for well, quick detailing.

 

Re: Gong to try Clay Kit for first time

A spray bottle with soapy water is a much beter idea and you are less likely to pick up contaminants that could fall into the bucket then you go litterly scubbing them into your paint.