Clay question
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Clay question
I plan to use clay during my next cleaning/waxing job on the truck.
Is there a special clay I need to use? I know there are some clays sold in the wax and finish aisle but they any different from the childrens clay my kids play with which costs about $2 a pound?
Thanks
Is there a special clay I need to use? I know there are some clays sold in the wax and finish aisle but they any different from the childrens clay my kids play with which costs about $2 a pound?
Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Clay question
Don't know if they are different from modeling clay. Definitely not playdoh if that is what you are thinking.
You might risk some on your paint. Be sure to use a lubricant, like one of those touch up sprays or spray detailers to keep the surface and the clay wet and slippery. Water will also work in a pinch. Whatever clay you use should glide over the paint and not stick or catch as it moves. As you rub it should get slipperier at which point that section of paint is done. It should feel glass smooth to the hands.
You don't want the clay to stick as it slides across the paint since it will gum things up. I do not know if modeling clay will work. The clay that is used for autos seems to have the feel of mdoeling clay but may have a more "plastic" like surface than most modeiling clays I have played with.
Unless you plan to do this a lot, the cost of the clay kits isn't that bade since it can be reused. If you do have success with modeling clay let us know so some of the rest of us can try it.
Jim Henderson
You might risk some on your paint. Be sure to use a lubricant, like one of those touch up sprays or spray detailers to keep the surface and the clay wet and slippery. Water will also work in a pinch. Whatever clay you use should glide over the paint and not stick or catch as it moves. As you rub it should get slipperier at which point that section of paint is done. It should feel glass smooth to the hands.
You don't want the clay to stick as it slides across the paint since it will gum things up. I do not know if modeling clay will work. The clay that is used for autos seems to have the feel of mdoeling clay but may have a more "plastic" like surface than most modeiling clays I have played with.
Unless you plan to do this a lot, the cost of the clay kits isn't that bade since it can be reused. If you do have success with modeling clay let us know so some of the rest of us can try it.
Jim Henderson
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Clay question
I think the mothers bar I bought was 16 bucks, came with the instant detailer (you use that as the lubricant for the clay) and a small bottle of carnuba cleaner wax. Cut the bar in 3 equal pieces and if you don't drop it you'll be able to do 3 car's. If you do drop a piece and it gets dirt on it though, you need to chuck it. You'll need another bottle of the showtime instant detailer if you want to do 3 full cars with it, but that stuff is pretty cheap too.
Only thing I wondered is if I should have used the buffer and pre-wax cleaner before doing the clay bar. The clay gets off all the stuff you can't see and my truck had some spots (sap/deep smudges) that I feel I should have buffed out before doing it.
Anyhow, I know you were just asking but, IMO, paints more expensive then a little bar of clay from the autostore, so why take a chance on something bad happening. Also, somewhere in here I read a couple people saying the meguiars clay bar kept sticking to the paint and they said not to use it. I had no problems with the mothers setup. I'll be starting the 3 stage waxing tommorow and I'm hoping that comes out looking really good.
Gluck,
Scott
Only thing I wondered is if I should have used the buffer and pre-wax cleaner before doing the clay bar. The clay gets off all the stuff you can't see and my truck had some spots (sap/deep smudges) that I feel I should have buffed out before doing it.
Anyhow, I know you were just asking but, IMO, paints more expensive then a little bar of clay from the autostore, so why take a chance on something bad happening. Also, somewhere in here I read a couple people saying the meguiars clay bar kept sticking to the paint and they said not to use it. I had no problems with the mothers setup. I'll be starting the 3 stage waxing tommorow and I'm hoping that comes out looking really good.
Gluck,
Scott
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
