clay bar

[lytefall]

I just want to confirm a couple things real quick before I start this process.

1. You can clay any painted surface? Is that correct? Including painted plastic trim? Or only body metal?

2. What about the backup sensors? Do I mask around them? Just be careful? The sensor is circular with a painted portion about the size of a nickel in the middle?

2b. When I wax do I avoid the sensor or can you wax right over them?

Thanks

[Murr1525]

1. Anything smooth and glossy. Textured Plastic can be clayed if needed. So glass also..

2. Clay wont hurt..

2b. You can wax them if they are painted. More a matter of residue build up, etc. So just wiping out the crevices well, etc.

[lytefall]

Thanks. Also. The "Ultimate" Quik Detailer? Is that replacing the Quik Detailer that comes with the clay bar kit?

My local Meguiars retailer only carries "Ultimate" Quik Detailer in a black bottle. I wanted to pick up some extra lubricant for when I clay bar and all Meguiars stuff was on sale so I bought it under the hopes it is the same thing or at least can safely be used as clay bar lubricant

Thanks

[Murr1525]

Not really, still want the QD for claying.

You could cut your clay into a smaller piece, and use some soapy water in an emergency.

I guess the UQD would be a real emergency kind of thing...

[lytefall]

Ok. Thanks for the advice

[lytefall]

I just finished claying the car. It took me about 1.5hrs. Not too many contaminants that I could see which isn't overly surprising because the car hasn't even been on the road a week yet. As per a lot of recommendations on here I used the QD liberally and went through the majority of the bottle but only 1 clay bar. It's unfortunate that the local Meguiars retailer doesn't carry QD and only has UQD as I could pick it up locally without having to buy the whole kit again since I have a unopened bar and a lightly contaminated bar now. I guess I will just have to order online.

Now I know what people meant when they said that you don't know what smooth is until you clay the car. I thought the paint was smooth before but it quite a difference now. Very impressive.

How many supreme shine towels do you usually use in the course of claying a car? I found by about halfway done the car the towel included was almost too wet to completely dry the areas I worked on as I finished the car.

Thanks again for everyone who gave me advice on the topic!

[bmrfan]

QD is the preferred lubricant for claying.

Have you tried Canadian Tire? They carry a competing brand of detailer spray (hint: red bottle) that works fine.

I have been told UQD is actually TOO lubricious - causes the clay to "hydroplane" over contaminants rather than remove them.

[lytefall]

Thanks for the tip

[Murr1525]

UQD also puts a very slick polymer coating over the things you are trying to remove.

As far as the towels, ehhh.. 1 or 2, depends.

[ahooah48444]

You can also use final inspection full strength, last touch 1:1 ratio, and even heard Ultimate wash and wax anywhere is a heck of a clay lube.