need some Clay Bar info.

[paulypaul]

I got the Mother's clay bar kit from Part Source because I have some rail dust spots forming around the body.

obviously I am going to want a clean surface to start. But do I want to use the clay bar on a dry or wet surface? if you have any other tips please pass them my way.


PS. I know this should be in the "APPEARANCE" section, but no one goes into that area of the board.

[91crxzc]

you'll want to use the clay on a wet lubricated surface

you can buy clay lubricant that is meant for clay

or you can use soapy water

eshine.ca has a good instructions

http://www.eshine.ca/articles.php

[paulypaul]

the kit came with a cleaning wax in a tube..........I will see if that is what I am to use.

[93GTCANADA]

get a spray bottle with soapy water. and spray as you go. thats what i did.

[curls]

The Mothers kit comes (came?) with 3 things:
- clay
- instant detailer
- cleaner wax.

Use the instant detailer as the lubricant for the clay (after washing the car completely). Then once the claying is done, use the wax (or your favorite wax/polymer). Done.

[AWDGuy]

The Mothers kit comes (came?) with 3 things:
- clay
- instant detailer
- cleaner wax.

Use the instant detailer as the lubricant for the clay (after washing the car completely). Then once the claying is done, use the wax (or your favorite wax/polymer). Done.

did a mazda 3 yesterday with this same kit and worked out well.

got all those 'rust spots' that was mentioned in another thread. This mazda 3 had lots of it.

[JDM EG6]

I love my clay bar, Be sure to buy a new one once yours gets too contaminated.

[Brit6]

Love mine too, works awsome, i got the meguirs set :)

[EvilDeadFan]

I have a Ricardo's clay bar from Eshine. Possibly one of the easiest to use. Doesn't break up like some others do.
I would have done my car this week, but I'll be doing a trip to Barrie and back, which is around 12 hours or so.. so I'll do it after that on Monday. ;)

[Me_the_princess]

the best (easiest) is to use the quick detail it comes with. I've been clay barring for awhile (2 white cars) and it works like a charm. The best secret I've figured out is patience. lol....... it may seems like you have to go over the same spot forever(rust from brakes) but it gets them out.
I spent the time to try and get all of them out 2 weeks ago and then put a good coat of wax on the car and the spots have been coming off with the wash mitt.

[curls]

I love my clay bar, Be sure to buy a new one once yours gets too contaminated.

I always split my claybar in two equal halves when I open it for the first time. Use one half until it's either too contaminated, or, until the first time you drop it. If you drop it, TOSS IT AWAY IMMEDIATELY.

[G-PWR]

lubricate the paint often. You can use quick detailer or just splash soapy water onto the surface to keep it lubricated.

[KGCCS]

For maximum lubricity, try using a clean bucket of car wash soap and use it when necessary to keep the paint nice and wet. What you don't want is for the paint to become dry and the clay to 'stick' to the paint.

[paulypaul]

thanks for the info guys

[Method]

Washed the car first, pressure washer, pressure soap, pressure washer rinse. Then 2 bucket method, hand wash, pressure rinse. (1 hour or so including drying)

Spent 3 hours claying my entire car, it was the first time I had done it, so I just took my time, went panel by panel, seemed to take forever. But the results were incredible. The paint from the winter had become dry, and felt rough. The car was only a year and a bit old. After the clay-bar it was immediately smoother, got rid of all those shitty little rust spots that appear and all the little blemishes, and even a bad blemish I thought I'd have to bring to a body shop, turns out it was just a hard almost tar that looked like a bad paint scratch. I used some gold class wax to finish it off, and I honestly can say I've never seen a car drink so much wax. Usually it just sits on the top, and hazes and you remove it. It's way smoother than just waxing alone, and you can see the clarity in the paint again.

Best $30 I've spent on car cleaning products(Mothers from CT, was a last minute thing). About 4-5 solid hours of work, but was worth it. Patience is key.

[theurgy]

Although Mothers and Meguiar's clay is readily available, I would suggest looking into a better grade clay like Ricardo's, Wolfgang or Sonus.
They pickup MUCH more contaminants and don't break up when wet.
I'll often clay as I'm washing the car.. I'll wash, rinse, then using soapy water again (from the fresh bucket) use that with ample soapy water.
Always be sure to wax or seal/wax after you've clayed as it will remove your wax layer.