Claying

[Mat]

I know it's probably the 3rd thread I've started today, but after the great response after cleaning the car the "normal" way I do it. I'm now thinking of tryin a more "professional" attempt next time (or as soon as i get the kit)

Anyway, I've never tried this claying business, and wondered if you do it when the car is wet or dry. I would have guessed dry, but looking at this pic, this bloke seems to be doing it whilst its still wet!

 

[Mat]

and also do you "rub" or "pat"

Again, I'd say pat, but on close inspection of the pic, it look like he's rubbed the clay towards him about 3inches

 

[olaf]

It needs to be lubed up, plentifuly is best! Best to use the recommended lubrication, although some people like to use their 'own mix'.

Have a look on the Clean Your Car forum, sure there will be a claying guide on there.

 

[Mat]

will do

also been given the link to detailing world forums so will check there too

 

[Reg]

Car needs to be as wet as possible to prevent the clay from scuffing or 'marring' the surface. Wash the car thoroughly and rinse it off, but don't dry it. Using a quick detailer (like Megs Last Touch, or whatever the clay comes with if its a kit), soak a 12x12" area. Take the clay (just use half a bar at a time in case you drop it - if it hits the ground it goes in the bin), work it in your hands to get some warmth into it and make it supple. Work it into a disc shape, put it onto the area you just soaked and move the clay back ad forth with just light finger tip pressure. Depending on how bad it is, you'll probably feel the clay trying to catch and drag at first, you might even hear it hiss. As you continue you should feel that dissappear, and leave the paint super smooth. You can't use too much lube! Check the clay very often to make sure it hasn't picked up any big bits, if it has, pick them out. When the surface of the clay is dirty, fold it in half, in on itself to give yourself a fresh clean bit to work with. Continue doing this until you can't reveal clean clay any more.

 

[Mat]

so it is a rubbing method then?

how long would you say an average car takes to clay?

 

[Reg]

About half an hour once your tuned in. Use the method I describe - I'm loathe to use the phrase rubbing motion because people interpret that as scrubbing, which it most certainly isn't. The clay is lightly rubbed in straight lines back and forth across the paint, and will lift contaminents as you do it.

 

[Mat]

cool, cheers for advice. Time to do more research now! Like how to get the rims super shiney, and then is there anything I should put on ne to protect em from brake dust/make it easeir next time to remove

 

[Reg]

Ribs? No idea what you are talking about mate.

 

[Mat]

Rims

soz, typo

also known as - wheels

 

[Reg]

Ah! Nice one - didn't think of that! Most sealants will work well at ptotecting your wheels and keeping them easy to clean, seems very subjective though. I use and like Chemical Guys Wheel Guard, CG Jetseal 109 also seems to hold up well.

 

[daniel_owen_uk]

I was doubtful about the clay, suppose like most people I was thinking "RUB A BAR OF CLAY ON MY CAR!!!"

Once you start you will realise how easy it is, and how insanely smooth the clay glides over, makes a great job too.

Start on an area that you won't see if you are worried (inside door?).

 

[Mat]

so you guys really clay the sills too? suppose thats a good idea really

 

[mattbeef]

clay everything even glass