Proper method to clay

[Untouchable]

I am a newbie, first off. Hello


I want to know the best method to clay a car. I wash and then lubricate the area with diluted car wash formula, work it lightly and wipe dry.
I did this but noticed a lot of microscratches when I am done. This was brand new clay. Then I had a bit of wet sap on the fender that I tried claying and then it left a nice area of dull haze that looks like marring. Since my car is 4 months old Id really like to develop the correct method. What is the proper clay lubricant?The clay was zaino, not that it should matter.

also, how exactly does the clay work.

Thanks for your help.

Untouchable

[JaredPointer]

Originally Posted by Untouchable

I am a newbie, first off. Hello


I want to know the best method to clay a car. I wash and then lubricate the area with diluted car wash formula, work it lightly and wipe dry.
I did this but noticed a lot of microscratches when I am done. This was brand new clay. Then I had a bit of wet sap on the fender that I tried claying and then it left a nice area of dull haze that looks like marring. Since my car is 4 months old Id really like to develop the correct method. What is the proper clay lubricant?The clay was zaino, not that it should matter.

No, the brand of clay shouldn't matter, as they are likely made by a handful of suppliers. As far as the micromarring goes, there's a few things that could be the cause. Improper wash technique, dirty clay/not kneaded enough/contaminants on the surface, the marring may have already been there (dealer-installed) and you just noticed it, etc. etc. There's not really a "best way" to clay, but there's a best way for me personally. I clay after washing the panel, using the soapy water as a lube. I have found that for my routine, that uses less of my time, I spend less money (i.e. no clay lube purchases), and get as good or better results as I would claying as a stand-alone procedure.

Originally Posted by Untouchable

also, how exactly does the clay work.

Thanks for your help.

Untouchable

Clay grabs/pulls and/or shears off conatminants from the surface of the paint. The conatminants wind up in the clay instead of protruding from the surface of the paint - that's why it is very important to knead the clay thoroughly and regulary and never use dirty/conatminated clay.

[MagicCity33]

Depending on the package that my costumer selects I clay their car. I use to do this after every wash, but I've come to realize that time is money and many people here in Birmingham do not really under stand what a truly clean paint surface is. I keep pamphlets in my car to explain to them but they think it is a big hype.

I've been wondering what type of solution is in the clay lube. I was sick of buying little kits just to have the lube. I tried just using water but it left a little haze or wouldn't let the clay move freely. What is the ratio that you use to create your clay lub.?

Claying works wonders and I clay my own car everytime I wash it, which depends on when I can actually get to it. I normally do small areas at a time and as I go over the surface with my finger tips if the area is smooth to the touch then I wipe the area with a microfiber towel and move on to the next section.

Also if you get tired of purchasing clary bars there is product called Blackfire Clay Cleaner & Extender 16oz @ $9.95 each = $9.95 that I've purchased that has kept me from having to purchase anymore clay bars for quite some time now. I purchased the product from Classic Motoring (EBay). I've become an EBay junk for my products now.

Touch of Class On-Site Detailing

[joe.p]

I've been wondering what type of solution is in the clay lube. I was sick of buying little kits just to have the lube. I tried just using water but it left a little haze or wouldn't let the clay move freely. What is the ratio that you use to create your clay lub.?

I buy Megs last Touch Detail Spray QD by the gallon from ADS then dilute it 1-1 ..

[JaredPointer]

Originally Posted by MagicCity33

Also if you get tired of purchasing clary bars there is product called Blackfire Clay Cleaner & Extender 16oz @ $9.95 each = $9.95 that I've purchased that has kept me from having to purchase anymore clay bars for quite some time now. I purchased the product from Classic Motoring (EBay). I've become an EBay junk for my products now.

Touch of Class On-Site Detailing

Personally, I don't like the idea of using "dirty" or "rejuvenated" clay on any vehicle - be it my own or a customer vehicle. It's not worth it. Clay is too inexpensive a piece of the puzzle to try and penny-pinch on it in my opinion.

I also think that claying after every wash is a little much. I've lived and worked in Birmingham, and about two to three times a year would be sufficient in most cases. JMO.

[Poorboy]

Originally Posted by Untouchable

Since my car is 4 months old Id really like to develop the correct method. What is the proper clay lubricant?
Untouchable

This is an area of mixed opinion. Personally I believe that a dedicated lubricant for the clay, recommended by the seller of the clay, is the best and least likely to damage path to take. Since most people clay no more than 1-2 times per year on their personal car, the expense should not be a factor.
Some people will take short cuts and use a car wash mixture, but it really does not have the same lubrication properties. If you are a commercial detailer and going to be doing a full poish and detail afterwards on a customers car, using the car wash mixture can save a few $$$ down the line, and some micromarring that occurs will be removed during the polishing.
Another point can be that by using a dedicated QD/ lube you can often just wipe it off and move on to your next step. When using a car wash, it would be best to rinse and wash the car down before moving on, this is also a bit messier with all the water dripping and then the drying.
Just my outlook

[MagicCity33]

Has anyone heard of using final detail or speed wax as the lubricant for the clay?

[MisterShine]

Hi everyone,

I used the lubricant from Mothers one time, then tried just using water afterwards.

This sounds kinda stupid, but wouldn't a lube reduce the amount of contaminants picked up by the clay?

What has worked on four cars I have owned since 2000 is after a thorough wash and rinse, I keep the surface misted by the hose sprayer as I clay from panel to panel. Early on I occasionally had a clay stain if the surface was hot and I didn't keep it wet...but as I have gained more experience that has gone away.

When I was parked under trees alot I clayed once a month, now its a quarterly thing - similar to an oil change.

Keep it shiney!

[Jen@autogeek]

Originally Posted by Poorboy

This is an area of mixed opinion. Personally I believe that a dedicated lubricant for the clay, recommended by the seller of the clay, is the best and least likely to damage path to take. Since most people clay no more than 1-2 times per year on their personal car, the expense should not be a factor.
Some people will take short cuts and use a car wash mixture, but it really does not have the same lubrication properties. If you are a commercial detailer and going to be doing a full poish and detail afterwards on a customers car, using the car wash mixture can save a few $$$ down the line, and some micromarring that occurs will be removed during the polishing.
Another point can be that by using a dedicated QD/ lube you can often just wipe it off and move on to your next step. When using a car wash, it would be best to rinse and wash the car down before moving on, this is also a bit messier with all the water dripping and then the drying.
Just my outlook

I agree.