Clay bars - amazing
Discussion
Quiet afternoon post footy so decided to go to town on the paint on my white 16 Plate 3 series, 12 months old but the paint was covered in tar spots and what looked like metal iron flecks (I think from the brake pads). Tar came off nice and easy with some remover and the clay bar was a revelation, very easy and amazing result. Car looks like new.
If you're thinking about it, spend a tenner and have a go.
If you're thinking about it, spend a tenner and have a go.
This was wash, tar removal and wheel cleaner, wash, rinse, dry, clay, wash, dry, polish. Autoglym super resin polish went on and polished of lovely.
It's a shame it's not a dark colour, my previous car was black metallic, that looked amazing night or day when polished up, the white just loos really clean if that doesn't sound daft.
It's a shame it's not a dark colour, my previous car was black metallic, that looked amazing night or day when polished up, the white just loos really clean if that doesn't sound daft.
SuperAd said:
This was wash, tar removal and wheel cleaner, wash, rinse, dry, clay, wash, dry, polish. Autoglym super resin polish went on and polished of lovely.
It's a shame it's not a dark colour, my previous car was black metallic, that looked amazing night or day when polished up, the white just loos really clean if that doesn't sound daft.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm sure Autoglym SRP isn't a top coat, and thus ought to be 'sealed' with a wax or similar product (Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection springs to mind). It's a shame it's not a dark colour, my previous car was black metallic, that looked amazing night or day when polished up, the white just loos really clean if that doesn't sound daft.
Mind you, I did spend an unhealthy amount of time on the detailing world threads a few years ago, before realising that at 4-500 miles a week it was rather futile.
Super Slo Mo said:
SuperAd said:
This was wash, tar removal and wheel cleaner, wash, rinse, dry, clay, wash, dry, polish. Autoglym super resin polish went on and polished of lovely.
It's a shame it's not a dark colour, my previous car was black metallic, that looked amazing night or day when polished up, the white just loos really clean if that doesn't sound daft.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm sure Autoglym SRP isn't a top coat, and thus ought to be 'sealed' with a wax or similar product (Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection springs to mind). It's a shame it's not a dark colour, my previous car was black metallic, that looked amazing night or day when polished up, the white just loos really clean if that doesn't sound daft.
Mind you, I did spend an unhealthy amount of time on the detailing world threads a few years ago, before realising that at 4-500 miles a week it was rather futile.
Super Slo Mo said:
SuperAd said:
This was wash, tar removal and wheel cleaner, wash, rinse, dry, clay, wash, dry, polish. Autoglym super resin polish went on and polished of lovely.
It's a shame it's not a dark colour, my previous car was black metallic, that looked amazing night or day when polished up, the white just loos really clean if that doesn't sound daft.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm sure Autoglym SRP isn't a top coat, and thus ought to be 'sealed' with a wax or similar product (Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection springs to mind). It's a shame it's not a dark colour, my previous car was black metallic, that looked amazing night or day when polished up, the white just loos really clean if that doesn't sound daft.
Mind you, I did spend an unhealthy amount of time on the detailing world threads a few years ago, before realising that at 4-500 miles a week it was rather futile.
I've also had white cars and found them to be quite unsatisfying to wax. It's also a pain to see the bits you've done.
I also generally clay the car once a year or so. It's a day of washing/polishing and waxing but it lasts ages and makes the car a lot easier to clean for months.
Edited by Speed addicted on Sunday 21st May 22:30
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
I beg to differ.
Not a patch on the real Clay Bar stuff.
Fine for a once over, but not for a good job
Can't say I've had too many problems with the one I'm using now, it leaves the paint glassy and smooth, and I deal with tar spots using Tardis, Iron with Dragons Breath.Not a patch on the real Clay Bar stuff.
Fine for a once over, but not for a good job
What do you not rate about them?
mr_spock said:
saaby93 said:
Why does no one else find that the bits of grit taken off by the clay bar can scratch the rest of the car
You have to turn and fold it often to present a clean surface. And don't use the whole thing at once.I wont use it unless i know i am going to be doing atleast a light machine polish afterwards. Something like Super Resin Polish will hide the marring but only for a while.
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
Blue Oval84 said:
I beg to differ. Not a patch on the real Clay Bar stuff.
Fine for a once over, but not for a good job
As already mention, Dragons Breath or Iron X. These were the next greatest revelation for me after the clay bar. I had very rough wheels post track day and discovered this product effortlessly restores the wheels to their former glory without harsh abrasion. Also works well on paintwork, paint occasionally develops little gold spots which are removed with this. Doesn't remove wax either.
Not forgetting the two bucket method, preferably with grit guards in.
Not forgetting the two bucket method, preferably with grit guards in.
Speed addicted said:
You're right enough, the SRP is polish and should be followed up with wax. I use the Autoglym HD wax with good results.
I've also had white cars and found them to be quite unsatisfying to wax. It's also a pain to see the bits you've done.
I also generally clay the car once a year or so. It's a day of washing/polishing and waxing but it lasts ages and makes the car a lot easier to clean for months.
SRP isn't really a polish either, I view it more of a pre-wax cleanser or a filler polish. I've also had white cars and found them to be quite unsatisfying to wax. It's also a pain to see the bits you've done.
I also generally clay the car once a year or so. It's a day of washing/polishing and waxing but it lasts ages and makes the car a lot easier to clean for months.
Edited by Speed addicted on Sunday 21st May 22:30
Before claying I would use chemicals like Iron X and Tardis to remove the majority of contaminants and then clay after.
After claying I would always recommend polishing as you can very easily leave clay marring (fine scratches).
The best clay is Bilt Hamber and you can use a spray bottle with a bit of car shampoo and water as a lubricant, you don't need this fancy "detail spray" at a ridiculous price.
Detailing season has arrived!
I have used the Bilt Hamber clay bar before - really impressed.
I then bought a clay mitt and was very impressed - I wash it out in soapy water during the process (similar to folding traditional clay). I find it just speeds things up due to the surface area covered.
I have used the Bilt Hamber clay bar before - really impressed.
I then bought a clay mitt and was very impressed - I wash it out in soapy water during the process (similar to folding traditional clay). I find it just speeds things up due to the surface area covered.
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