Claying and then polishing...

[OldSkoolRS]

I wanted to do some of this today, but it's chucking it down. I even ordered and received some P2500/2000/1500 grade wet and dry to wet flat some light scratches before polishing with my rotary . I was going to try my B&D orbital similar to the one a few posts back, to see if I need to bother buying a DAS6 or Kestral one.

[driver67]

Buff Mchugelarge said:

In my opinion, calying is a last resort, as it's very difficult to avoid dulling/scratching/swirling paint work when using clay unless you are ridiculousy carfeful. I light machine polish maybe needed to bring it up to its full potental.

This is so wrong. Claying (or decent tar remover) is a 'must do' before any kind of machine polish. The surface must be uber smooth if you want a high gloss finish.

Regardless of whether your clay says 'water is suitable', I would always use some quick detailing lube to make the job easier !

My DA Bosch is great and I done a full job with above polish ^^^ at friend's garage last weekend.

Bought a new rotary to cut the time down though. 4 Hours very hard work for tar remove / polish full car minus plastic bumpers. Wax.

Done clay on last good clean with good wax. Tar remover done the job ace here.

Plan now is remove wax (always before polish - good wash with fairy liquid strips all).

Ultrafina practice with my new rotary this weekend

[ShiDevil]

Buff Mchugelarge said:

In my opinion, calying is a last resort, as it's very difficult to avoid dulling/scratching/swirling paint work when using clay unless you are ridiculousy carfeful. I light machine polish maybe needed to bring it up to its full potental.

I disagree, there is no need to think about claying as a last resort, it's not like t-cut, which does damage the car. There should be no opportunity to scratch or damage paintwork when claying. Wash the car well, ensure the clay doesn't drop on the floor, continually, work the clay for fresh areas, use lots of detailing spray for lubrication. Never had an issue, paintwork smooth as silk.