Discussion
I've just bought some fine ValetPro clay and thought I'd give my car a once over (the car being a lees than lovely Mondeo); mainly to practice on.
I've only used a clay bar once before, but it was easy enough I thought. However, this time I can't seem to get it to 'bite' for want of a better term. It just glides over the paint work and picks up next to no dirt. I'm using the recommended lubricant from the same make.
What am I doing wrong? The panel I tried was damp, and I used a little lube. My only thought is it may be a bit cold and so not malleable enough?
Any help appreciated...
I've only used a clay bar once before, but it was easy enough I thought. However, this time I can't seem to get it to 'bite' for want of a better term. It just glides over the paint work and picks up next to no dirt. I'm using the recommended lubricant from the same make.
What am I doing wrong? The panel I tried was damp, and I used a little lube. My only thought is it may be a bit cold and so not malleable enough?
Any help appreciated...
Related to the previous reply, did you feel the paintwork first, whilst wet after rinsing, with clingfilmover your fingertips?
If not, and you're just assuming time passed since last done means it must need redoing, then that'd be one reason there's nothing happening.
If however, you have felt it, and it does need doing, then two possible explanations could be:
Clay is too firm, needing softened in warm water (two bits to interchange when the working one doesn't pick up)
Contaminants are too stubborn for the clay, requiring a more aggressive bar - Bilt Hamber original being my choice and recommendation.
If not, and you're just assuming time passed since last done means it must need redoing, then that'd be one reason there's nothing happening.
If however, you have felt it, and it does need doing, then two possible explanations could be:
Clay is too firm, needing softened in warm water (two bits to interchange when the working one doesn't pick up)
Contaminants are too stubborn for the clay, requiring a more aggressive bar - Bilt Hamber original being my choice and recommendation.
Thanks for that guys. I bought the valetpro as I've used some of their other products before and was impressed, plus the clay got a good review on detailing world.
The paint is OK, but I wouldn't imagine its ever been clayed in it's life. I bought the car in June and its ex-fleet on a 05 plate so although it didn't look too bad, I was expected the clay to really show it up.
My previous experience was on an mx-5 (with admittedly more ratty paint), and on that I had to go a square inch at a time it picked up so much crap!
That was a simple maguires bar. It may well be it wasn't warm enough though. I did struggle to kneed it properly...
The paint is OK, but I wouldn't imagine its ever been clayed in it's life. I bought the car in June and its ex-fleet on a 05 plate so although it didn't look too bad, I was expected the clay to really show it up.
My previous experience was on an mx-5 (with admittedly more ratty paint), and on that I had to go a square inch at a time it picked up so much crap!
That was a simple maguires bar. It may well be it wasn't warm enough though. I did struggle to kneed it properly...
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