Clay bar questions?
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From: Lowsyana
Just make sure the surface is nice and clean. I wash with a microfiber mitt twice. Each wash I empty the bucket and start with new solution.
Make sure you use the provided clay bar lubricant and knead the clay fairly often. I have a tarp that I lay on the ground next to the part of the vehicle that I am working on at that time. If you drop the clay you will most likely have to throw it. It's not worth trying to clean it and re-use. It will scratch the hell out of your vehicle and if it's black like mine you will wish you hadn't.
You will be amazed how much better your wax goes on and comes off after claybar. I do mine twice a year and that's a little much, but I live within .5 miles of a major railroad yard also a major airport 15 miles away and 3 refineries. Pretty much the worst possible scenario.
What color is your vehicle? It looks like it may be black from your username...If you look in my gallery I think I have some picts of my black beast. I'd be happy to share my process for black vehicles. All 5 of mine are black so I get plenty of practice!
Make sure you use the provided clay bar lubricant and knead the clay fairly often. I have a tarp that I lay on the ground next to the part of the vehicle that I am working on at that time. If you drop the clay you will most likely have to throw it. It's not worth trying to clean it and re-use. It will scratch the hell out of your vehicle and if it's black like mine you will wish you hadn't.
You will be amazed how much better your wax goes on and comes off after claybar. I do mine twice a year and that's a little much, but I live within .5 miles of a major railroad yard also a major airport 15 miles away and 3 refineries. Pretty much the worst possible scenario.
What color is your vehicle? It looks like it may be black from your username...If you look in my gallery I think I have some picts of my black beast. I'd be happy to share my process for black vehicles. All 5 of mine are black so I get plenty of practice!
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Lowsyana
wickymustang...Not sure what you mean...I recommend clay bar on any vehicle before you put a quality wax on your vehicle. I would say this is especially needed for black vehicles
A quicktest to see how bad your paint surface is...Clean a small area 10-12 inches long. Get a plastic ziploc style bag and put it over your hand. Now run your fingers over the cleaned surface. The bag will tell you how bad your surface paint is.
Just make sure when you use the clay that you use the lubricant that comes with the clay kit. If you live within 10 miles of an airport or railroad then you will notice a major difference. The claying process doesn't take long.
Anyone that says that you can't clay a black vehicle without scratching it has never done it or doesn't know what they are talking about...Or Both(Grin)
I just clay'd my wife's Blk Mercedes and it came out gorgeous. Mercedes has fairly picky paint.
Let me know if you have more questions.
Raptor...Mothers claybar is easy to get and just fine. Just make sure you knead it for every panel you finish. I have a little hand press that I got at Harbor Freight that makes the kneading process quick.
Lane
A quicktest to see how bad your paint surface is...Clean a small area 10-12 inches long. Get a plastic ziploc style bag and put it over your hand. Now run your fingers over the cleaned surface. The bag will tell you how bad your surface paint is.
Just make sure when you use the clay that you use the lubricant that comes with the clay kit. If you live within 10 miles of an airport or railroad then you will notice a major difference. The claying process doesn't take long.
Anyone that says that you can't clay a black vehicle without scratching it has never done it or doesn't know what they are talking about...Or Both(Grin)
I just clay'd my wife's Blk Mercedes and it came out gorgeous. Mercedes has fairly picky paint.
Let me know if you have more questions.
Raptor...Mothers claybar is easy to get and just fine. Just make sure you knead it for every panel you finish. I have a little hand press that I got at Harbor Freight that makes the kneading process quick.
Lane
Last edited by LVEILLON; May 14, 2006 at 10:03 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Lowsyana
The process is above....Just a recap. Wash vehicle once with quality car wash like Mothers. Dry vehicle with MicroTowels...apply/mist claybar lube to 3ft area and drag clay bar flat across vehicle in ONE direction. Straight lines! After each section is complete knead clay till fresh and go on to next panel. Then Wash vehicle a second time with quality car wash like Mothers. Dry again and start wax process.
It's nothing really voodoo about this one. If you are going to go through the time to clay bar a black vehicle...PLEASE don't put some cheap off the shelf wax/polish. Order some good stuff from www.topoftheline.com. Talk to Irene! Go with a good Carnuba(Trade Secret)
You will have to wax every 60 days, but it goes on 100 times easier than the junk sold in stores and you wipe it right off with a diaper. You wouldn't believe the results.
Don't forget to do the ziploc bag test. The flat surfaces will be the worst. Don't use Microtowels to buff carnuba's because it strips the wax right back off.
Carnuba gives the best wet look for a black vehicle, but is a little more maintenance. I personally think that everyone should be putting fresh wax on their vehicle every 60-90 days. For two hours work it makes a difference.
I have picts in my gallery of my KingRanch with the above products.
Lane
It's nothing really voodoo about this one. If you are going to go through the time to clay bar a black vehicle...PLEASE don't put some cheap off the shelf wax/polish. Order some good stuff from www.topoftheline.com. Talk to Irene! Go with a good Carnuba(Trade Secret)
You will have to wax every 60 days, but it goes on 100 times easier than the junk sold in stores and you wipe it right off with a diaper. You wouldn't believe the results.
Don't forget to do the ziploc bag test. The flat surfaces will be the worst. Don't use Microtowels to buff carnuba's because it strips the wax right back off.
Carnuba gives the best wet look for a black vehicle, but is a little more maintenance. I personally think that everyone should be putting fresh wax on their vehicle every 60-90 days. For two hours work it makes a difference.
I have picts in my gallery of my KingRanch with the above products.
Lane
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Hi group
I have to say that LVEILLON has offered excellent advice for clay barring a vehicle. There is nothing that I would disagree with and I can't add much.
Clay Barring is a wonderful way to remove what soapy water won't dissolve. They are tacky enough to overcome whatever has stuck to you surface. The tackiness is the reason that a lubricant is necessary. It will drag if not lubricated.
Meguairs offers two grades of bar --- one "Mild" for most uses and one "Aggressive" (meaning tackier) for bigger problems. They recommend Final Inspection spray and wipe for the lubricant.
Many detailers will use other spray and wipes or soapy water for the lubricant but it's always best to RTL (Read the Label) and use what's recommended.
If you wish, visit my website at www.drdetailforless.com for products and more information.
Thanx for listening
I have to say that LVEILLON has offered excellent advice for clay barring a vehicle. There is nothing that I would disagree with and I can't add much.
Clay Barring is a wonderful way to remove what soapy water won't dissolve. They are tacky enough to overcome whatever has stuck to you surface. The tackiness is the reason that a lubricant is necessary. It will drag if not lubricated.
Meguairs offers two grades of bar --- one "Mild" for most uses and one "Aggressive" (meaning tackier) for bigger problems. They recommend Final Inspection spray and wipe for the lubricant.
Many detailers will use other spray and wipes or soapy water for the lubricant but it's always best to RTL (Read the Label) and use what's recommended.
If you wish, visit my website at www.drdetailforless.com for products and more information.
Thanx for listening
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