"How to Safely Clay Your Car Guide"

[elitedetailer]

Hi all,

I have started this new thread so that I could talk to you about the importance of claying your cars. :thumbs:

We will be ultimately talking about paintwork contamination and how to remove this from your precious 911.

The majority of paintwork contamination consists of tiny metallic particles. These particles normally come from the trains (wheels & brakes) as well as normal cars. The tiny bare metal particles are extremely hot and normally found in the air nearer the train tracks. They are basically exposed to the air during the braking of cars and train. Slowly but surely they manage to find their way imbedding themselves into the paintwork of our cars. This is often the case on brand spanking new cars before they even reach the dealership!

The above is a more severe form of paintwork contamination but extremely common.

Tree sap is also a common problem along with general industrial pollution.

On darker vehicles it is normally more difficult to spot the tiny bare metal filings but you can definately feel them. On lighter cars you can often see these particles and are normally brown. They are brown because they have basically oxidized and rusted into your paintwork. :nooo:

By now you may be worrying that your brand new 997 is actually slowly rotting away. Well, don’t worry guys, there is a cure as to getting your car back to feeling silky smooth again.

We need to basically perform a “clay bar treatment”.

Ultimately it is possible to compound your cars paintwork to remove such impurities but this is the incorrect procedure. Compounding will also remove unnecessary clearcoat thus “cutting” into your paintwork.

The best solution is a clay bar which will safely and effectively remove rail dust and industrial fallout by "pulling" it off the surface.

It also does not “cut” into your paintwork and will not create any damage if used correctly.

www.elitedetailer.com stock a clay bar called Zaino Z-18 Clay System (http://www.elitedetailer.com/product_info.php?products_id=118&cPath=) and is pictured below:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/elitedetailer/Elite%20Detailer%20Store/zaino-z18.jpg

In addition to the Z-18 Clay Bar you will need to use a lubricant. Here is an example of one: Meguiars Last Touch (http://www.elitedetailer.com/product_info.php?products_id=101&cPath=) as seen here:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/elitedetailer/Elite%20Detailer%20Store/Meguiars-Last-Touch.jpg

You will also need to pour the Last Touch into an empty spray bottle, i.e Meguiars Last Touch Bottle (http://www.elitedetailer.com/product_info.php?products_id=102&cPath=) and Spray Head (http://www.elitedetailer.com/product_info.php?products_id=105&cPath=39)



HOW TO USE THE CLAY BAR

Regardless of which mild clay bar you decide to use, it is imperative to use on a clean surface straight after washing your car. If there are any dirt deposits on your car then it is highly likely that you will scratch your paintwork while performing this procedure.

1. To begin with you need to pull and need the clay bar to get it nice and soft. Once you have done this, we are then ready to begin. If you are working in colder conditions, you can help soften the clay bar by letting it soak in a warm glass of water.

2. Spray the Lubricant solution onto the panel quite liberally. It is important to use enough lubricant as it is quite possible to lightly scratch the surface if under lubricated.

3. Now with your clay bar, gentley rub onto the surface in back and forth motions. Work in 1ft squares and take your time. Keep gliding the claybar across the wet surface until you can feel it is all nice and smooth.

This is illustrated below:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/elitedetailer/IMG_6002.jpg

4. Now with a clean Microfibre Towel (http://www.elitedetailer.com/index.php?cPath=43) wipe the surface.

5. Now “re-need” by refolding and pulling to create a clean side of the clay bar ready for the next section and repeat step “3” on the next part of the panel. This can been seen again below:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/elitedetailer/IMG_7681.jpg

It is also wise to clay your exterior windows/glass as shown below on a Mercedes rear screen:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/elitedetailer/Mercedes%20C200%20Sport/IMG_4924.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/elitedetailer/Mercedes%20C200%20Sport/IMG_4921.jpg

The soiled claybar:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/elitedetailer/Mercedes%20C200%20Sport/IMG_4918.jpg


It is important to to not reuse the clay bar once it has been soiled and I prefer to throw them away. When it is only slightly soiled it can be used to great effect on cleaning up wheels.

Here is a picture of a clay bar which has been soiled. The example shows the level of dirt which has come off a 2004 996 GT3 in Guards Red:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/elitedetailer/GT3RED5.jpg

Performing this process will not only make your car feel a lot smoother but in many cases enhance the appearance. It is also an important step before paint correction or any polishing is performed.

The clay bar is great for use on glass as well as the paintwork, especially in the corners of the windscreens where so often there is a build of dirt.

You can also use it to remove imbedded dead flies from the front of your vehicle including the wing mirrors as shown below:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/elitedetailer/IMG_5969-1.jpg


With regards to how often do you need to clay, well in most case twice a year is more than adequate.

Although this process is recommended on all cars of all ages, it is even a more worthwhile procedure for cars which kick up a lot on the rear end of the car.



Below is a simple diagram I have knocked up to illustrate what claying can do for your vehicle. Hopefully you will get the general gist of it.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/elitedetailer/CLayingDiagram.jpg

Here is a list of the products which can be used for the above process:

Sonus SFX Clay Sampler Kit A Beginners Clay Bar Kit example (http://www.elitedetailer.com/product_info.php?products_id=235&cPath=)

Meguiars Clay Kit (http://www.elitedetailer.com/product_info.php?products_id=30&cPath=33_56)

Zaino Z-18 Clay System (http://www.elitedetailer.com/product_info.php?products_id=118&cPath=)

Meguiars Last Touch (http://www.elitedetailer.com/product_info.php?products_id=101&cPath=)

Meguiars Last Touch Bottle (http://www.elitedetailer.com/product_info.php?products_id=102&cPath=)

Spray Head (http://www.elitedetailer.com/product_info.php?products_id=105&cPath=39)

Microfibre Towels (http://www.elitedetailer.com/index.php?cPath=43)


Detailing Clay Section (http://www.elitedetailer.com/index.php?cPath=33_56)



I hope this guide is helpful for you all. :thumb:

Regards
EliteDetailer :thumb:

[zollaf]

never knew there was so much involved in car care. will be in touch in the new year i think, as i would like to get my coupe gleaming again.

[Autostadt]

Roughly how often would a car need to be clayed?

[elitedetailer]

Roughly how often would a car need to be clayed?

Hi,

Twice a year is normally adequate.

Thanks
EliteDetailer

[hongkongstuey]

i got a clay kit, didnt need any insruction as its pretty obvious how to do it, came up with an excellent finish on a ten year old car. i would reccomend it, its very very easy, just do it inside the garage if you have enough room, in the shade if not

[Autostadt]

i got a clay kit, didnt need any insruction as its pretty obvious how to do it, came up with an excellent finish on a ten year old car. i would reccomend it, its very very easy, just do it inside the garage if you have enough room, in the shade if not


Was that on the Passat and how long did it take you?

[hongkongstuey]

was my old fiesta zetec, took a couple of hours, when the warmer weather comes along i'll do the passat, probably in a month or so, not doing it in the summer as not got a garage or enough shade, my fiesta hadnt been cleaned in months and after a 2 bucket clean and dry, it was clayed to within an inch of its life :biglaugh: came up mint, hadnt been polished in 4 years roughly, knew the previous owner

[tlionhart]

i got an ibis white A3. (new) and on my first day of collection there was these orange spots. Looked like rust! Used the clay bar and it easily came off. There are some spots left on the car, but i didn't bother doing them. I just took the large patches off.

Also you must re-wax the car after clay-baring! So choose a warm/cool sunny/cloudy day. If in the sun do it in shade. I would also say the bumper and bonnet gets most effected.

If you run of out the clay bar spray you could just use very soapy water (shampoo/wax as lubricant) Although i prefer the one in the bottle.

[curiousgeorge]

Thanks for this, I have some questions:

What if I can't feel any bumps when I run my finger over the paintwork? Does that mean it doesn't need claying?

What if I never clay my car?

[paul b]

Claying is not only to give the paintwork a nice texture, but it removes swirls. So if your car has swirls then it needs claying. Without a clay, over the years the swirls may build up.

[curiousgeorge]

Claying is not only to give the paintwork a nice texture, but it removes swirls. So if your car has swirls then it needs claying. Without a clay, over the years the swirls may build up.
Is that right? The diagram above shows that swirls are unaffected.

[hongkongstuey]

did my passat, just had enough lubricant to finish it thank god, couple of hours, weather and location werent on my side, too hot, but was in a shady spot, anyway, even if you wash your car you are just removing dirt/bird poo/similar easily removable stuff, clay kit will remove tree sap, tar in small quanities, will dig out some of the dirt from swirls, wont remove them, will just make them look less noticable

(obligatory flank shot) :biglaugh:

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/192/p210409131503q.jpg

[paul b]

I'm sure it was Stuey who posted a picture of a black Fiesta a while back? If I remember correctly that had swirls, and they were as near as makes no difference gone when he had finished it.

Black cars do get swirls pretty easily, my old Granada used to do that a lot. :aargh4:

[elitedetailer]

I just found this thread. Great write up I have many of the same habits when washing.

I have put off clay bar/waxing because I have a couple of paint chips that have a tiny area of rust forming on my trunk as well as a couple of chips that havent rusted on the hood. Would it matter to go ahead with the wax/clay bar or should I get the damaged areas fixed first?

Hi Ranana_Mine,

It's fine to Clay & Wax before you do the planned repairs.

Regards
EliteDetailer:beerchug:

[elitedetailer]

Claying is not only to give the paintwork a nice texture, but it removes swirls. So if your car has swirls then it needs claying. Without a clay, over the years the swirls may build up.


Hi Paul,

Claying does NOT remove swirls. It the process for basically deep cleaning the surface, for removing the swirls you would need to use abrasive compounds/polishes.

Regards
EliteDetailer :beerchug:

[hongkongstuey]

I'm sure it was Stuey who posted a picture of a black Fiesta a while back? If I remember correctly that had swirls, and they were as near as makes no difference gone when he had finished it.

Black cars do get swirls pretty easily, my old Granada used to do that a lot. :aargh4:
yeah it was my black fiesta that i first tried clay kit on, was really suprised at how much rubbish is left after you've cleaned it properly, passat was the same, even though its a bit dusty now, the car is still looking very shiny :biglaugh:

best thing i could say it either do it on a cloudy day or do it in a garage or workshop where the sun wont have been on it to warm the bodywork up. you will never regret doing it!!

[paul b]

for removing the swirls you would need to use abrasive compounds/polishes.
Like Farecla G10?

I treated the Octavia to a wash, clay, rotary with the G10 and polish (Autoglym super resin) before going to Silverstone. I used Meguiars smooth surface clay kit from Halfords. Got to say, I no longer feel I need a new bonnet to hide the bonnet scratches left by the previous owner!

[elitedetailer]

Like Farecla G10?

I treated the Octavia to a wash, clay, rotary with the G10 and polish (Autoglym super resin) before going to Silverstone. I used Meguiars smooth surface clay kit from Halfords. Got to say, I no longer feel I need a new bonnet to hide the bonnet scratches left by the previous owner!

Hi

Yes something like Farecla's G10 or Menzerna etc.

Regards
EliteDetailer

[davelincs]

a very good and easy guide to claying the motor,
thanks for that elite detailer, will be giving it a go

[curiousgeorge]

Will claying alone remove all the waxes and polishes present, or should I use a traffic film remover first?

[elitedetailer]

Will claying alone remove all the waxes and polishes present, or should I use a traffic film remover first?

Hi it depends what sealant/wax is on your car, if performed correctly it should remove it.

Regards
EliteDetailer:beerchug:

[sudspud]

Hi

Is there any Manufacturer you prefer to use?
What is a reasonable price to pay for a kit (Bar and lotion)

Cheers

[reeseyboy]

Christ! Even more to do! It never stops!

[henners38]

Is one clay bar enough to do the whole car with? And if so could it be re-used?