Clay Bar...

[1996BLKBauer]

So I recently bought a Meguiars Clay Bar Kit from my local Meijer after a friend of mine told me that it did wonders to the paintwork on his BMW. So I figured for $20 it was worth a shot. I was completely surprised at how well it really worked, I had no idea that my paint could feel that smooth without wax on it. To do my entire Explorer took a solid 2 hours, but the result was completely worth it. I am sort of upset that I did not try this before. So has anybody else used a claybar on their Explorer to such great success?

 

[BigRondo]

I have used the clay bar after learning about it here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278667

I was also amazed at how smooth the paint felt. I couldn't stop touching it.

How did it look after you waxed it? Mine looked amazing!! I need to do mine again and hopefully I can get it done before the snow flies!!

Here is my post from that thread:

OK, so I finally got around to doing the clay bar on my X. Not bad since I've had the kit for a month! I used the Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit. It comes with:

2 clay bars ( I only used 1)
Bottle of Quik Detailer (used as lubricant)
Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel
Sample Bottle of Cleaner Wax (I did the whole X and there is some left)

I have been washing/waxing cars for 30 years and never knew this existed. Thanks to EF I now know about and I'm never gonna look back! This is absolutely amazing. I have never felt anything so smooth in my life. After using the clay bar and before waxing the finish was a smooth as glass.

I was told by FloridaState to plan on a long day because you have to wash the X, clay bar the X, and wax the X. It was a long day. 9 hours long to be exact. But I also did the windows, inside and out, vacuumed, and cleaned the mats. Hey, I'm unemployed I had nowhere to go!

Here are some pics of the completed job. I still can't believe how this stuff works.

If you have never used this, you have got to try it. You won't be disappointed. I guarantee it.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

So has anybody else used a claybar on their Explorer to such great success?

once or twice

btw, the ceiling is around 7 feet above the hood in this picture.

 

[MONMIX]

Yes. Yes I have used clay bar.

BTW that is pretty sick Vroom

 

[IAmTodd]

No detailer's toolbox is complete without some clay.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

BTW that is pretty sick Vroom

mr. kevin, sir, you have have 3 chances to see it at AFN, and never showed ! even todd saw it this summer lol.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Wow, those paint jobs look so damn good. And yes after I waxed it It felt smoother then the glass on my truck, I was so amazed. I just wish my paint was not blistering all over because it would look 100x better.

 

[MONMIX]

mr. kevin, sir, you have have 3 chances to see it at AFN, and never showed ! even todd saw it this summer lol.

I know man I know. Being a father and a husband changed things for me.
Plus it is always the weekend we go on our family vacation.

 

[©H®I$]

I hope you didnt forget to wax after you clayed since it removes all the protective layers on your paint.

 

[Varsity]

Don't have any recent pictures, but this is all I got. Clay bars works awesome and I too am upset that I waited so long for one. It's kinda funny how many people have no idea what a clay bar is too, and the looks you get when you explain it are pretty funny too!

 

[preformer]

Don't have any recent pictures, but this is all I got. Clay bars works awesome and I too am upset that I waited so long for one. It's kinda funny how many people have no idea what a clay bar is too, and the looks you get when you explain it are pretty funny too!

Was wondering what else you use besides a claybar. I know you did the clay by hand but what about the wax? So no polish before the wax or anything? Did you use a machine for the wax. I have used a claybar before on my 98 xlt explorer so I know what they can do but really just lookin to see if you used a polish, like a swirl remover polish or anything else like a sealant and what type of wax. Type wise cann or syn.

 

[Varsity]

Was wondering what else you use besides a claybar. I know you did the clay by hand but what about the wax? So no polish before the wax or anything? Did you use a machine for the wax. I have used a claybar before on my 98 xlt explorer so I know what they can do but really just lookin to see if you used a polish, like a swirl remover polish or anything else like a sealant and what type of wax. Type wise cann or syn.

Nah, nothing before the wax. I'm sure more "experienced" people would say otherwise, but as an average joe, I just wax right after the claybar process is done. I used to use a super cheap wax called something like "KIT" and it came in a yellow container and was super cheap at AutoZone. It does well for the price, but since then, I swear by NuFinish polish(?) It's pretty much like the paste that comes in a can, but they consider it a polish I guess. Its pretty cheap as well and as far as wax goes, incredibly durable. Some people say it may not be as shiny or glossy as a show wax, but where I live, I need protection more, and its still glossy enough for me.

Never tried a swirl remover but I may give something like that a go in the spring time when I can hand wash again. I'm a little hesitant to use a buffer or orbital or any type of machine for waxing since there is somewhat of an art to it. At least to do it right. I feel more comfortable doing that stuff by hand anyways.

 

[2TimingTom]

My EX's paint is beyond help from claybar. I have a lot of what we call: "Colorado pin striping" down the sides of mine.

But for my cars that don't get driven "through" the woods, the claybar has done some amazing things. I once hit a big bug somewhere in the mid-west. It felt a grease spot on the windshield that soap couldn't get off. The claybar took care of it with no problems.

 

[preformer]

I can't wait till if warms up a bit so could clean her up. I'm a go clay bar,swirl remover and a nice sealant.