Correct Way To Use Clay (Noob Here)?

[Harpham]

Hi

Im giving the car a good clean today and was wondering how to properly use clay?
Ive tried using it before but it didnt seem to go too well...

 

[powey]

Give the car a wash, dry off. Then warm the clay up, spray on an appropriate lube and rub across the surface of the paint.

It may well end up looking worse afterwards though and will require a poilsh and wax

 

[withoutabix]

just loads of the lube and not alot of pressure and remember to keep folding it

also little tip is to have a small bowl of warm water with the clay in split the clay in half then whilst your using one piece the other is already warm and malleable ready to be used then just swap after each panel

 

[Ali]

^ Bit too much thought into that.

V simple. New clay each time. Doesn't need to be a big piece. Car doesn't even need to be dry. Plenty of diluted shampoo...Dead easy!

 

[Jonny1*2]

The best thing to do is warm the clay up before hand (either hot water, or just holding it in the hand). Then make sure you're using correct lube. Lube is key with this process really. You can't really use too much to be honest. If the clay sticks to the paint that means you're not using enough. Make sure the car is clean and dry before hand obviously. When using the clay, do it from side to side (in the direction of the car (front to back if that make sense)). Take your time and you'll be fine. You can tell if it has done the job because the paint will feel smoooooooth as a babies bottom. Enjoy

 

[withoutabix]

^ Bit too much thought into that.

V simple. New clay each time. Doesn't need to be a big piece. Car doesn't even need to be dry. Plenty of diluted shampoo...Dead easy!

how is it too much thought? saves you 5mins of standing there rolling the stuff in your hands every time it

 

[Harpham]

Thanks everyone!!!

How hard do you press on?

 

[Christophe]

I clayed for first time yesterday and was easy. I left the clay in some hot water before rolling it as it softens it. I washed the car didn't dry it then clayed using water n bit of car shampoo which worked a treat. Press quite hard if u want shud b fine if u use enough lube . Then rewashed and did polish seal wax . Now feels like glass

 

[withoutabix]

Thanks everyone!!!

How hard do you press on?

your not actually supposed to apply any pressure just the weight of the clay should be enough as it is still possible to cause marring to the paint if too much pressure is applied just let it glide over it will still do the job

 

[withoutabix]

btw this is in-depth guide to claying abit heavy reading but still answers alot of questions

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=4829&highlight=claying

 

[clairemae]

just make sure the surface isnt dry before using it or your going to scratch your car.

someone said above to wash your car then dry it then use a quick detailer, i'd rather not dry the car and clay it then while using some sort of quick detailer aswell.

 

[JD]

No need to dry the car. Perfect results cone from a decent amount of lube and back and forth action. Not side to side.

The warm water really isn't required. It doesn't take much to warm a piece of clay up. More time spent tunning the tap and getting a bowl out.

 

[Harpham]

Thanks everyone!

Ive just finished claying and its already looking great! Took alot of dirt from the paint

Now onto the polishing stage......... Will this never end lol