Clay Novice

[Barron]

Hey,
My 172 is in abit of a state so need to clay it i beleive. I have never clayed before so advice is appreciated

What product should i go for?
I need to do a full car, how much clay should be sufficient?

thanks
carl

 

[Rich]

One clay bar will be easily enough to do a whole car.

Chop it into 3 parts, if the first bit can no longer be kneaded to reveal a clean face bit it and get a new bit. Same if you drop it.

After - Use it also to do the glass and wheels after you have done all the paintwork. Well worth doing all the extras with it makes a big difference.

Careful claying at this time of year as hard solid clay that is not soft or warm enough can cause marring to the paint. Any big bits of crap that get stuck into it pick them out before carrying on. Also use plenty of lube and just let the clay glide across the surface.

Most clays are much of a muchness and made by the same company as long as you don't aggressive overspray ones you will be fine. I use the consumer Meguiars range one or Sonus Green on my own car. Heavier contamination I use the Sonus Grey.

Don't be fooled by threads on here about clay making your car shiny it wont - in may even look worse after claying! So you will need to polish and wax after.

 

[Barron]

thanks rich thats perfect, whats the best place to order some from and what lube would you suggest?

im not after making it shiney with the clay its just the car ive bought has been stood outside under a tree so the paintwork is abit rough.

/carl

 

[Rich]

Clay will be worthy step then, after seeing all the look how shiny my car is after claying I need to add that disclaimer just in case!

I make up a clay lube from car shampoo and water and also pre wet the panel first with a wash mitt and soap from a bucket. 2-4 capfuls of shampoo in a 500ml spray bottle works fine for me.

If you do want to use quick detail spray I would get something than can be bought in bulk such as Meguiars Last Touch.

All of the retailers in the sticky at the top of the forum have clay so worth shopping about and getting the best deal.

 

[Barron]

how about something like this:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detailing-clay/chemical-guys-clay-block-luber/prod_381.html

/carl

 

[Rich]

Not one I have used so can not comment.

Out of the other ones there I use the Megs Quik Clay Kit or the Sonus Green.

 

[Barron]

think ill go for http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detailing-clay/meguiars-quik-clay-kit/prod_226.html then

thanks for the help rich

/carl

 

[dan.mc]

I used the megs clay bar, works a treat and if you follow the instructions your onto a winner.... and if you use the 3 stage megs you've pretty much won at life

time for a little ASW me thinks

 

[The Big Yin]

I put my clay in some boiled water keeps it nice and soft - remember not to apply too much pressure this will cuase scratches (i found out the hard way lol)

 

[Rich]

Microwave also works well at this time of year.

Should need only need enough pressure to keep it in contact with the paint.

 

[The Big Yin]

Yeah but you can take a bowl of water outside with you Rich

 

[Skinny]

how would you know if your car needs to be clayed? Ive never clayed before and just wonder how id know if it needed to be done to improve the clean of the car.

Cheers

 

[dan.mc]

If your paintwork is feeling a bit rough

 

[The Big Yin]

how would you know if your car needs to be clayed? Ive never clayed before and just wonder how id know if it needed to be done to improve the clean of the car.

Cheers

If its never been done for the small cost involved i would just do it mate you will be surprised how much comes off in the clay

 

[mattjk]

Dont like clay - it always marrs (black paint anyway), id only use it if absoloutely nessasary.

Mine never gets dirty enough to need it

 

[Tay]

I've had a megs clay bar kit since mid last year & still not had the cahooners to use it incase I cause scratches, although Ive used most of the quick detail spray in normal cleaning use !

Haha Must try harder !!!!

Lol.

 

[Tay]

Will have a go when weather picks up me thinks!

 

[Rich]

how would you know if your car needs to be clayed? Ive never clayed before and just wonder how id know if it needed to be done to improve the clean of the car.

Cheers

Put your hand in a sandwich bag after washing you car and rub it across the paint anything you can feel on the paint that washing alone has removed can be removed with clay.

 

[Curtiz]

I've had a megs clay bar kit since mid last year & still not had the cahooners to use it incase I cause scratches, although Ive used most of the quick detail spray in normal cleaning use !

Haha Must try harder !!!!

Lol.

lol i was the same last summer with my old corsa but reading a few hint and tip threads, i gave it a whirl anyway and a lot more came of than i expected

if u follow what Rich has said you cant go wrong