Detailing clay, stupid as mud?
Discussion
Has anyone here have any experience, reservations, or thoughts on using detailing clay?
I have used this with the Sonus Wetter and really wonder what I am trying to achieve on a clean vehicle, what does it do? As all I seem to experience is either too wet and it just slips around without apparently doing anything and I may as well be using a cloth, or too dry and it leaves marks and residues, which need to be wiped off with a cloth anyway.
I could maybe see the point of using clay on a dirty vehicle but why not just wash it if it’s dirty! It says on the instructions for use on clean vehicles only.
What am I doing wrong? How do you use it properly and is it worth all the time and effort over just:
Cleaning with shampoo and rinsing, lightly softcutting on any problem areas, wiping off old wax with meths, then applying a light fresh Carnuba.
Then after each subsequent wash topping off with Carnuba Spritz or Autoglym Aqua wax.
Answers please.
I have used this with the Sonus Wetter and really wonder what I am trying to achieve on a clean vehicle, what does it do? As all I seem to experience is either too wet and it just slips around without apparently doing anything and I may as well be using a cloth, or too dry and it leaves marks and residues, which need to be wiped off with a cloth anyway.
I could maybe see the point of using clay on a dirty vehicle but why not just wash it if it’s dirty! It says on the instructions for use on clean vehicles only.
What am I doing wrong? How do you use it properly and is it worth all the time and effort over just:
Cleaning with shampoo and rinsing, lightly softcutting on any problem areas, wiping off old wax with meths, then applying a light fresh Carnuba.
Then after each subsequent wash topping off with Carnuba Spritz or Autoglym Aqua wax.
Answers please.
Edited by retroptvr on Friday 4th July 01:59
I recently clayed my so called clean to look at car, I was gobsmacked how many particles of stuff came off. The surface was so smooth afterwards.
Just try one panel and see what you find. Dont forget it will need a re-polish/wax afterwards as it will strip it back to bare paint/laquer basically.
Just try one panel and see what you find. Dont forget it will need a re-polish/wax afterwards as it will strip it back to bare paint/laquer basically.
Well I know what you mean that the action of using it might seem to be too easy to have any effect however the best way to know if your paintwork could do with using a clay treatment is to run your hands over the paintwork when you have done a wash and wax...if it feels less than glassy smooth then the clay will get rid of any of the harshness that you might feel. And once you have used the clay and polished afterwards as usual(really important as it seals it all) the quality of the finish will last for a lot longer between washes and in fact it's likely that you won't even need to polish very often....just a good wash. I use clay maybe 3 times a year with a good polish afterwards and rarely need to polish in between. As far as using the clay you need to use a very light pressure with lots of lube like Meguires quick detailer and as soon as the clay starts getting dirty just mould it to find a cleaner bit. It no hard grafting just need patience as I often find I need to go over the same bit of painwork until it feels nice and smooth. Oh and one other thing....be really careful not to drop the clay as it will pick up anything on the ground and then when you use it on your car will scratch it! Hope that helps
Totally agree with Laz. Did it on my car a couple of months ago, after doing the 'rub fingers along the paintwork test' and finding that there were particules that needed removing. After the clay, the mirror finish was very apparent, even on my fairly light colour. Look very good after the polish, and agree that it retains the mirror finish for a while, even after just a wash and wipe down. I am converted!!
What Laz11 has stated, is pretty much spot on.
Use plenty of lubricant, you said you have a carnauba spritz, so that will work fine, otherwise a mix of something like Autoglym shampoo and water in a spray bottle will do as a replacement.
Glide the clay over, it shouldn't stick to the body work.
Use plenty of lubricant, you said you have a carnauba spritz, so that will work fine, otherwise a mix of something like Autoglym shampoo and water in a spray bottle will do as a replacement.
Glide the clay over, it shouldn't stick to the body work.
markbigears said:
Sonus do a nice mild bar, I've used Megs (from Halfords) with no problems.
Sonus also do an aggressive one which used incorrectly can damage the paint so make sure you get the right one if you get one of theirs.I wouldn't buy a Meguires one from Halfords as they're expensive there, although some of the Meguires stuff they do is reasonably priced.
I have used the Zymol Lehm-Klay and its good stuff when used with the lube they sell for it. My Tam was looking a bit dull and had some hazing of the paint on the tops of the wings and some small scatches and the cley bar didn't do such a good job. The best thing I found to bring the paint back to new was to use AutoGlym Paint Renovator and then a couple of layers of Zymol Carbon wax. Looks like new now.
Edited by sidpinup on Friday 4th July 18:17
Just a tip.
Rubbing your fingers across the paint really doesnt do much as you cant feel that much anyway.
Get one of those clear sandwich bags and put your hand inside, then rub your hand across the surface of the paint - you will be amazed how much crap you can feel doing this.
Claybar it and repeat above and FEEL the difference. It is quite shocking!
I clayed my cerb a few weeks back, followed by a polish. I have since washed, used a paint cleaner, repolished and now waxed. Just the inside to go
Rubbing your fingers across the paint really doesnt do much as you cant feel that much anyway.
Get one of those clear sandwich bags and put your hand inside, then rub your hand across the surface of the paint - you will be amazed how much crap you can feel doing this.
Claybar it and repeat above and FEEL the difference. It is quite shocking!
I clayed my cerb a few weeks back, followed by a polish. I have since washed, used a paint cleaner, repolished and now waxed. Just the inside to go
I just use car shampoo and a chamois to dry it.
About once a year I polish it with boggo polish. It makes a difference because before polishing I can throw a duster onto the bonnett and it stops. After polishing - wheeee! - straight across and off the other side
No idea why I'd want to rub it with a product made from soil...
About once a year I polish it with boggo polish. It makes a difference because before polishing I can throw a duster onto the bonnett and it stops. After polishing - wheeee! - straight across and off the other side
No idea why I'd want to rub it with a product made from soil...
Simpo Two said:
I just use car shampoo and a chamois to dry it.
About once a year I polish it with boggo polish. It makes a difference because before polishing I can throw a duster onto the bonnett and it stops. After polishing - wheeee! - straight across and off the other side
No idea why I'd want to rub it with a product made from soil...
Always good to hear an experts opinion About once a year I polish it with boggo polish. It makes a difference because before polishing I can throw a duster onto the bonnett and it stops. After polishing - wheeee! - straight across and off the other side
No idea why I'd want to rub it with a product made from soil...
That Daddy said:
Always good to hear an experts opinion
Yep, if it passes the 'wheeee' test that's good enough for me I can see the point in lavishing hours of loving care on an antique table that lives in a house, but on a car that's going to end up in a rainy muddy lane the next day? Nope, there are better things to do.Simpo Two said:
That Daddy said:
Always good to hear an experts opinion
Yep, if it passes the 'wheeee' test that's good enough for me I can see the point in lavishing hours of loving care on an antique table that lives in a house, but on a car that's going to end up in a rainy muddy lane the next day? Nope, there are better things to do.
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