School Me on Clay Barring

[snoborder42]

So I've decieded to finally clay bar my ex. I've read online the basics on how to do it.

This is what I've got so far...

I'm going to clay bar the entire thing and then follow it up with this...

Do any of you detailing guru's have any tips?? Any dos and donts???

How much pressure do I need to use?? How often should I knead the clay??

Also, should I try to keep the clay bar away from the pinstripping?? Is the clay going to do anything to it???

Sorry for the long list of questions, but it's my first time doing some semi hardcore detailing. I've waxed the ex many times before, but never attempted the clay bar. I really need to protect my paint now, seeing how the stupid birds around here are using it for target practice

 

[Paraphoe]

I'm not a detailing guru, but it's a relatively simple process. I didn't press too hard, just kind of let the clay glide over the surface and do the work for you. Make sure to keep it wet/lubed so it slides easy over the paint. You can use water with Dawn dish soap in it instead of the bottle of detailing stuff. I would knead it when it flattened out to much - after a little bit of use the clay would get flat and then just kinda ball it up again. I had no problems with my pin striping, but when the clay went over it, tiny pieces of the yellow clay were left on the edges of the pin striping that I had to make sure to get off, so just watch for that.

It's an easy process, and you'll love the results. When I did it I kept one part of my truck un-barred just to see the difference at the end - amazing! Good luck!

 

[Black92LX]

it's a very simple process just very very time consuming to do it.
You will be able to tell if you are using too much pressure or too little.
As for kneading it just look at the bottom and you will be able to tell also if it starts dragging more with the same amount of lube you need to knead it.

 

[awdrocks]

Depending on the condition of the paint will determine how hard you need to rub it. It will take out all the oxidation and bumps in the paint. Just glide your finger tips over the treated area and feel for total smoothness, and look at it to make sure all the stains are off.

I use a spray wax to clay. If you haven't already bought the products I would suggest going to a detail store and buying the clay bar and spray wax for claying. Be careful not to drop it. If you do make sure you clean it good because a rock in the clay could give you a nasty scratch. Periodically turn the clay over and mix it up.

There are about three types of clays, again depending on the condition of the paint you will use a harsher to smoother one. I use the blue bar which is a not harsh clay and leaves a nice finish.

If you are going to use water for the lubing I would use de-ionized water (DI water). You could also call a detailing shop to see if they sell it. Its like .14cnts a gallon. Regular tap water if you let it dry will leave nasty spots on your paint. Especially if your car is black. If you have a soft water system you could also use that.

Do it in the shade. Do not clay in the sun light.

You can also clay your windows.

 

[kars85]

Cut the clay into 2 or 3 pieces. If dropped, that piece is done...no questions asked. Don't waste your time looking for debris b/c even if it looks like you've got all of it out, small pieces will still leave micromarring on your trucks clearcoat.

 

[Flounder]

Since the above folks pretty handily covered the issues, I'll just leave you with this: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-clay.html

It should fill in any gaps, though I don't anticipate there will be many, if any.

And despite what Autopia may say, you don't need $40 synthetic foam clay. Good old Meguiar's or Clay Magic will do.

 

[Gator Jeff]

Cut the clay into 2 or 3 pieces. If dropped, that piece is done...no questions asked. Don't waste your time looking for debris b/c even if it looks like you've got all of it out, small pieces will still leave micromarring on your trucks clearcoat.

x3 on that. You drop it, you're done with that piece. It sounds like everyone has already covered the rest of the details.

 

[awdrocks]

Cut the clay into 2 or 3 pieces.

Good idea.

 

[MONMIX]

I just want to repeat what Paraphoe said
Use Dawn soap and water as your lube. Keep it well lubed.
What I do is, I wash it totally with Dawn, then I rinse. Then I soap up one pannel at a time and then clay bar then rinse.
The ONLY time you should ever use Dawn is if you are going to follow up with a good wax job, which if you are claybaring you should be doing any way.

 

[snoborder42]

I just want to repeat what Paraphoe said
Use Dawn soap and water as your lube. Keep it well lubed.

I have read that it is vital to keep it well lubed. But is there any reason to use dish soap vs the detailer that came in the kit???


Good advice so far, keep it coming...

 

[Essex4x4]

Good Choice Of Wax>>>>meguiars 2.0

I wouldn't use dish soap use the detailing spray. When the spray runs out throw the bottle and clay bar away and get a new one. You should be able to clay your car a few times before the spray runs out. I use the exact same wax and clay bar.
As a rule of thumb i when the detail spray is gone i throw the clay bar away too. My reason is even though the clay may look clean after 4-5 cars its not, and every contaminent or piece of dirt will cause swirl marks the next time you use it.

 

[Flounder]

Dish soap strips existing wax as well as other chemical fallout that may be on the surface. True, the clay bar also strips the same, but using, e.g., Dawn, you essentially get twice the cleaning and perfecting power.

It's a terrible every-day cleaner because it will strip your wax and most synthetic sealants. But, when "priming" your surface, you can't go wrong. Just make sure you wax shortly thereafter as you don't want to ride with a naked clearcoat.

 

[Essex4x4]

^^^^GOOD POINT^^^^

While your at it you should also think about cleaning the engine, ie SIMPLE GREEN Just be carefull if you do decide to clean the engine, water kills.

 

[MONMIX]

Dish soap strips existing wax as well as other chemical fallout that may be on the surface. True, the clay bar also strips the same, but using, e.g., Dawn, you essentially get twice the cleaning and perfecting power.

It's a terrible every-day cleaner because it will strip your wax and most synthetic sealants. But, when "priming" your surface, you can't go wrong. Just make sure you wax shortly thereafter as you don't want to ride with a naked clearcoat.

Thanks. Word for word that was going to be my exact answer.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

I had done a write up on deteailing my ex. If you can do a search for it, it has some great stes in it. First I used Dawn to strip it completely, and that should be the last time you use it. I rubbed it very gently over the entire body of the ex, meaning the clay bar. Kept it well lubricated with a liquid type polish or spray that comes with the clay bar kit. Main thing is after you have clayed your ex or whatever, wash it again with a mild soap like a car wash type soap... Then do a light compound and then wax it several coats. Makes it shine like there is no tomorrow...

 

[MONMIX]

Hey BBQ
welcome back.

What are you driving now a days?

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

Hey BBQ
welcome back.

What are you driving now a days?

PM sent...

 

[BIGHVM]

Why cant we get this product over here in the uk?
Anyone fancy exporting it, all you gotta do is drop a line in the uk section!
I use autoglym polish and then the super finish high gloss after, but what if I clayed it first?

I am considered a nutter by my wife, she cant understand why I can spend a week cleaning the car!
Well you have to wash the dash board and all the plastic, clean the windows inside, and the rubbers and..........................you know the deal- I cant help it, I love my Ex!
Thats life!

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

Why cant we get this product over here in the uk?
Anyone fancy exporting it, all you gotta do is drop a line in the uk section!
I use autoglym polish and then the super finish high gloss after, but what if I clayed it first?

I am considered a nutter by my wife, she cant understand why I can spend a week cleaning the car!
Well you have to wash the dash board and all the plastic, clean the windows inside, and the rubbers and..........................you know the deal- I cant help it, I love my Ex!
Thats life!

If you have never clayed a vehicle, you sir are in for a treat... I would be glad to pick up a package or 2 for ya and send it to ya in England or wherever you are. Just shoot me a PM and we will try and set something up...

 

[snoborder42]

So I finally got the time to clay bar and wax the Expo and all I have to say is Holy S*$#!!!!

I'll let the picture do the talking...

The paint looks awesome now (minus all the deep scratches that won't come out), especially since it is original, so that makes it about 16.5 years old now. I just wish I had done this years ago...