Mace

I've seen many of you talk about it but what does it do??
Mace

KLO

Removes overspray, tar, factory fall out, acid rain, tree sap, just about anything above the paint surface.

Mace

SO is it like sanding without the abrasivness? Do you just rub it on dry or wet??
Thanks
Mace

jerryv

You have to keep it well lubricated. The clay is fairly sticky and makes a mess if you don't keep the area wet.

TxAg99

The way I've heard it explained is you should use enough lube so that the clay feels like a hockey puck going over ice.

rubyred93

I would liken the use of clay on your paint surface to an exfoliant on your face; if that makes any sense to you. The clay will "shave" down most imperfections on the surface, i.e. - overspray, rail dust, airborn contaiminants, etc. Many times you can actually feel the clay removing these contaiminants.

It can be a valuable tool to have in your bag of tricks. And yes, it should literally glide over the paint surface. Any grabbing by the clay is usually indicative of inadequate lubrication.

After the use of a quality clay bar, the paint should feel very smooth.
:yesnod:


[Modified by rubyred93, 1:04 PM 8/29/2001]

Stingray1967

I emptied out a bottle of windex, washed it, filled it with Zaino car wash solution, then spritz it on the car and rub the clay bar over the wetted area. Works great! It's also fairly quick to do it that way.

Mace

So anykind of liquid to lube it will do or is there a "prefered" lube??
thanks for the answers
Mace

KLO

Cap full of just about any kind of car wash in 16 ounces of water will work.

J Z06

I like Z7 as the lube.

I think it DEEP CLEANS the surface and allows it to be TOTALLY clean to the touch. A smooth clean surface with no contamination will also hold your favorite polish or wax of choice MUCH BETTER.

Mace

Sorry for all the questions, but as you explain something i think of another question.
1st-do you start with a small area(like waxing) for example: do just part of the hood, or just the whole roof, or a small area like that?
2nd-How do you know when you are "done with an area"?
Will the 1 cap full in 16oz of water do a whole car(my vette) and maybe douoble it for the minivan?--Don't laugh YES i drive a minivan I have a family.
Thanks
Mace

rubyred93

Mace -

I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing WITH you. :lol: I drive a minivan as a daily driver also. :yesnod: That just struck me as funny.

Anyway, to answer your questions in regard to clay, I work on a small area at a time. Approx. 1' by 1' and then wipe it dry. I personally use a quick detailer as lubrication for the clay. And lastly, you will know that you are "done" with an area when the clay is no longer grabbing contaminants and the paint feels very smooth to the touch.

If you take your time and use plenty of lubrication, you will be just fine. Like you, I was hesitant to try the clay bar for fear of damaging my finish.....so, I actually clayed the minivan first! :lol: See, they come in handy for somethings. :D

Mace

LMAO clayed the mini frist..VERY GOOD IDEA.
Mace

rubyred93

Mace -

Yes, I must admit, that the minivan has served me well - as a Guinea Pig for my detailing products/procedures anyway. :yesnod:

I figured I'd rather practice on the minivan before moving on to the Vette. Somehow the finish on the Vette is just a little more important. ;)

SANMAN1

I'm going to clay the minivan tomorrow. :D

Grumpy

Don't have a mini-van, but will clay the wifes' Taurus. Practice makes perfect...