Clay bar gurus - questions

[duckvett]

I'm sure it has been asked many times, but what is the proper technique for using the clay bar? I know about lots of lubricant (Quik Detailer came in the kit), but do you use straight back and forth strokes, circular motions, or what? I am trying to remove tiny water marks on dark green and I had a bad experience with an early version of Meguiar's Clay. It was so sticky it just stuck to the paint and created a huge mess . This new, white clay bar glides over the paint better, but it doesn't seem to be removing the water spots. I plan on using #9 next, or I have some #83 if #9 doesn't take them out.

Suggestions?

[Mike Phillips]

For the most part, it really doesn't matter. Detailing clay is non-abrasive in that by itself it will not scratch the paint, this being true you can move the clay bar in any direction you like or what fits the panel the best.

"Let the panel be your guide" -Mike Phillips

[duckvett]

Thanks, Mike.
I just found a great write-up by jbirk over in the "Show-Off" forum. He was writing to two 14 year old detailers ( who did a great job on a C6 Corvette), and went into great detail about using the clay. I learned a lot from just from that one post - this is a great place!

[MaximusZTS]

Do you have a link to the post you are talking about?

[vettemaniac]

Originally posted by duckvett
Thanks, Mike.
I just found a great write-up by jbirk over in the "Show-Off" forum. He was writing to two 14 year old detailers ( who did a great job on a C6 Corvette), and went into great detail about using the clay. I learned a lot from just from that one post - this is a great place!

Yeah, Jbirk helped us a ton!!! Don't worry, you'll get the hang of the clay real quick. Just make sure to keep the paint and the clay wet with the QD.

[vettemaniac]

Originally posted by MaximusZTS
Do you have a link to the post you are talking about?

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14147

Sorry, didn't see your post before.