Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

[newcar2009]

I recently purchased a car and would like to keep it looking awesome. I know that if you feel environmental impurities on your surface you can use the smooth surface clay kit to remove them. My question is should you only use the clay on the areas which are dirty, or can I use it over the whole car? Will it harm the finish if there's no dirt for it to remove?

thanks

[Murr1525]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

Its fine, and being a new car, you certainly will want to go over everything.

Just use plenty of lube, and you'll be fine.

Also, I like to cut the bars of clay in half. If you drop it, dont re-use it, so you might even put down some paper/cardboard to work over.

[Zuke]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

Clay the whole thing! Paint, Glass, Rims, It will be safe on all surfaces!

[newcar2009]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

Can I use the same side of the clay for the whole car? Paint and Glass? Or should I switch sides or re-need it midway?

[Murr1525]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

You want to make like a little patty, and then fold in the dirty side when it gets dirty.

However, I tend to find that the clay patty stretches out a bit as I work, so I refold it when the patty gets too thin. That tends to happen to me before it gets too dirty.

You can do paint and glass at the same time. You will want to do the wheels last, or save an old piece of clay for them in the future.

[xantonin]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

How do you know when it is "too dirty"?

[Calais]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

I cut the clay into 1/3's and shape it into a patty. Use a lot of lube, I use diluted Gold Wash shampoo. As long as the paint is properly lubricated it should not abrade your paint at all. Use it on your whole car.

When you start seeing it getting a dark brown or grey color to it, it is time to fold it over and use a fresh section. You would be surprised how much life you can get out of a claybar if you fold it neatly.

[Murr1525]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

Usually if I can see individual pieces of something, I fold it in.

[newcar2009]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

Hey Calais, what's the ratio of water to Gold Wash Shampoo for the dilution?

[xantonin]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

How often can you fold it in?

Doing my dad's car it got thin a lot and got some chunks and so I folded it in a lot...

[Murr1525]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

Can fold it as often as you like. Dont think it really uses it up any faster.

I would use Qd for claying, the soap can break down the clay.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

If used properly,with plenty of lubricant or QD,absolutely not.

[Calais]

Re: Can smooth surface clay kit harm your paint?

Hey Calais, what's the ratio of water to Gold Wash Shampoo for the dilution?

To be honest, I used trial and error until it was super slippery. I filled the cap a couple of times and poured it into an empty Simmoniz QD bottle.