Step 2

[JCT]

Need some help in understanding Step 2 "Cleaning or Surface prep" of Meg's 5-step paint care cycle.
The products listed are Paint cleaners to remove below surface defects and Clay to remove above surface contaminants.
Question:
Do you have to use both products ( Cleaner/Clay) to accomplish step 2 or is it giving you an option of using one, depending on the type of defect you are trying to correct?
Appreciate any help you can provide.
BTW this is a great site, lot's of great info by some awsome folks.

jct

[Murr1525]

Re: Step 2

Clay wont fix defects. Clay removes bonded on gunk to give a smooth surface.

A paint cleaner will remove dirt from the pores/imperfections and depending on the product, will remove swirls/scratches.

So they both do different things, and you will want to do both. Clay first, then paint cleaner.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Step 2

Check out these links,

Meguiar's FAQ on claying

How often do I need to clay my car's finish?

What it means to remove a scratch out of anything...

Usually, you wash and dry your car and then feel the horizontal surfaces for little bumps, if discovered then you need to clay the paint. Do this first then if you see swirls, scratches and etchings in the paint and you want to remove them that would be the next step.

You remove the bonded contaminants first and then go after the defects "in" the paint.

Wash
Inspect
Clay
Clean - Clean means to remove defects, not wash the car
Polish - Optional
Wax
Maintain

[JCT]

Re: Step 2

Murr/Mike
thanks for clearing that up for me!!

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Step 2

Maybe you'll have a chance to attend one of our Saturday or Thursday classes, we have people drive up from the San Diego area all the time...


Saturday Classes for 2009
All Saturday Classes are Open Classes, any Registered Member can attend by signing up for a class by replying to the sign-up thread.

2009 Saturday Class Schedule



Thursday Night "Open Classes" for 2009
2009 Thursday Night "Open Garage" Schedule

[JCT]

Re: Step 2

Mike,
thanks for the offer, i may take you up on it.