anyone use bilt hamber auto clay? does this remove scratches

[K321]

Hello. Anyone here had experience using bilt hamber clay and balm

see- http://www.elkparts.com/product_info.php/cPath/70_...

Has anyone here used this and does it really do what it says it can?

[belleair302]

Have been detailing cars for a few years for fun and have never heard of the stuff and have never seen it for sale from any of the recognised trade or professional retailers. I would stick to the better known brands of clays, lubricants, polishes, waxes and glazes / sealants.

[K321]

i also seen meguirs clay detailing kit. If i used that, would the next step be to polish it then to wax it off?
I also saw this meguirs crystal ultimate wax with purple and green packaging in halfrauds last weekend, basically whats the best wax to use?

i may try bilt hamber to see if it works though seems a bit pricey

[Robscim]

I bought one of those kits and I have to say I'm impressed.

I've only done the bonnet, wing and one door of the Audi due to family commitments last weekend, but it does seem pretty good.

The clay removes the junk out of the paint, and is really easy to use. I wouldn't have thought it would remove scrathes as you are then trying to remove the top layer of paint which the clay bar doesn't do.

The polish would fill the scratches and wasn't the easiest to put on and off, but it looks good and time will tell if it will last.

My brother recommended it to me (Saab nut!!) as his Carlsson was transformed by it.

I'll know more once I've finished the car and seen how it lasts, but so far I was impressed, especially regarding the price for the kit.

Cheers

Rob

[K321]

thanks Rob, i read the reviews on the elk parts page and i was taken in by it. I want my car to have a gloss finish like a wet look. Does your Audi look really good and deep paint finish> Is the balm a wax?

one last thing, do I try and use scratch remover X after or Before i use the claybar?

thanks

[markbigears]

K321, Megs scratch X should be used after the clay bar. This stuff is clear coat safe but will dull the paintwork due to its abbrasive qualities (ie: it puts smaller scratches in). You will then have to buff them out with a quality polish. This can take quite a long time but I have used this method to get an amazing swirl free glass finish. Have fun, Mark

[hutchingsp]

I think unless you have a lot of time, patience, and very strong arms you won't get too far by hand if you have more than very minor swirls.

I'd look at buying or borrowing a machine polisher (a dual action not a rotary) and going at it with that, it will cost a little more but 99% of the result you'll get with any product is in the preparation IMO, get that right and you needn't spend much at all on final finish products.

[Cactussed]

I've bought and used both the clay bar and auto balm.
Clay bar works the same as maguires from halfrauds, and glides on with water. I doesn't remove scratches (not designed to) but it does bring the paint up like glass. Very impressive product IMHO, although suspect this is clay bars in general, not bilt hamber in particular.

The auto balm I am less sure about. Used it on the M3 and the feel of the paint afterwards is beautiful. Really smooth and lustrous. Finish I am unsure of. Says on the tin that several applications are required to build up an even finish and whn buffing, mine looked a little 'mottled' I suppose. Not the hard clear shine of turtle wax etc but that is prob because it is a carnauba wax based product than a silicone based sealant.

Am going to put on another coat this weekend in theory (last was 2 months ago before work went berserk!) and see how it goes. Nice kit though, comes with clay bars, applicator pads and tub of balm and as I said, paintwork felt lovely afterwards.

Overall, I'd recommend the clay, unsure about the balm results.

[Cactussed]

Having read the link, I suspect my problem was leaving the balm on too long. I let it set for 5-10 mins rather than buffing off shortly after application. They are right though insofar as there is no white dust when buffing.

[K321]

thanks for the tips, i was going to wash the car tomorrow, (Saturday) but having had to do a 50 mile detour to get to my home as no les than 7 roads i encountered were flooded i think i will do it when summer arrives..if ever