T-Cut, Claybar or something else??

[FR_Simon]

Hi All,

Need to get the missus car cleaned up for sale and looking for some advice to bring the paint back to life. Its a 2004 Fiesta which has been well looked after bar being parked under tree's a fair bit (joy of allocated parking!). So when you look up close or feel the paint surface it feels rough from all the tree sap/fallout, from a distance it looks fine (benefit of silver paint).

So would you recommend T-Cut or Claybar'ing to clear out the surface and get the finish looking mint again??

Thanks!

 

[Mashburn]

If the colour doesnt need restoring as such, and you just need to clean all the crap off the paint making it feel smooth, then i would say clay is what you will need.

I'm by no means an expert though and i'm fairly new to all this, so maybe best to wait for someone more knowledgable to come along just to make sure!

 

[Davidsr]

Clay will take everything off the paint, so I'd go over it with polish and then wax/sealant afterwards

 

[Jim@WD]

As above, Simon.

Keep the area well lubed with whatever QD you buy with the kit - try and avoid letting the claybar 'drag'.. Very minimal pressure is used; if the peice you are working gets dirty, fold, kneed and turn it until you find another clean section. I'd defo go over the same area two or three times with clean(er) pieces of clay to make sure.

You have by now stripped any glaze/wax/sealants that were previously applied, so, a once over with AutoGlym's Super Resin Polish wouldn't hurt pre-sale

 

[FR_Simon]

Thanks for the all advice.

The paint colour is fine, its metallic silver with clear laquer over the top so sounds like T-Cut isn't whats needed. Being silver theres no noticeable fade just the clear laqueur coat that needs some 'restoration'. Its amazing how much cr@p can fall from the trees (and squirrels!!).

Any recommendations for a middle of the road claybar kit? Not going to be valeting a Ferrari anytime soon!


Thanks!

 

[jase20vt]

bilt hamber is what i use, no expert at detailing but i was impressed with results, and it uses tap waterr as a lube!!
heres what i v got

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350234788348&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

 

[Mashburn]

I used this one with no problems at all. And you only need to use water to lubricate.

http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/shop/viewproduct.php?product_id=86

 

[Jim@WD]

As above Simon.. although I've never tried the BH clay, I've heard good things about it

I'm currently using the Sonus Green kit. BUT, was lucky enough to receive the AutoGlym Surface Detailing Kit (contained the claybar in a fancy little AG tin, some Rapid Detailer (to use as the lube..) some Super Resin Polish and a few clothes/microfibres) I think it's RRP is £25? Available at Halfords etc..

Infact, bear with me one second..

*ADMIN, hope you don't mind me posting this link through to CleanYourCar... - remove if needed*

Simon, here's a small review I did on the AutoGlym claybar - http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=66096#top

 

[FR_Simon]

Thanks lads, Bilt Hamber clay bar it is then... will let you know how it goes once I get some time to do it!

 

[FR_Simon]

Hi All,

So I bought some Bilt Hamber Soft clay and ran it over all the painted panels a few times - it took a lot of running over sections to get them glass smooth. So after two hours graft and then some Auto Glym resin wax the car looked better than it came out the dealers! Have never used clay before but will definitely treat my motor at the end of winter, its incredible how smooth the finish is after treatment, water literally falls off.

Some gloss on the plastics/wheels and she was sold to the first punter to view, job done!

Thanks for the recommendations!