Clay usage

[Belinda3]

So I've been noticing and reading that everyone likes to clay, so obviously I'm going to try it, but want I want to know is, after you clay the hood of your car, do you throw that piece out?
Since it picked up debris and dirt, I'm assuming using it on the trunk or wherever wouldn't be good and could maybe scratch the car?
When should you throw it out?

Sorry for the dumb questions, but thanks.

[HemiMopar]

Re: Clay usage

The clay should be able to do a full car, perhaps one or two more depending on size and condition of the paint. The package comes with two pieces so at minimum you should get two cars out of it. The key is to knead the clay between sections so as to work the debris inside of it and start with a clean piece on the surface.

One very important thing to remember is if you drop it you better throw it away.

[fzr confused]

Re: Clay usage

if you wash the car and get all of the dirt off, the clay wont get too "dirty" with dirt, but it will pick up the above the surface contaminants which "shouldnt" scratch the paint as long as you knead it often. if you clay on a dirty surface like sand then yes, it can scratch the paint, which is why a good wash first should remove that. also, use a lot of lube and it wont scratch at all. 1 piece works for 2-3 cars unless you drop it, which then picks up dirt and that WILL scratch the paint.

[Belinda3]

Re: Clay usage

Thanks guys.

When kneading, I assume you mean I should turn the clay inside out right?
Basically turn the clay inside out when I find that there's too much debris on it?

[Andy M.]

Re: Clay usage

Thanks guys.

When kneading, I assume you mean I should turn the clay inside out right?
Basically turn the clay inside out when I find that there's too much debris on it?

Just knead the clay back into a ball, after that flatten it back out and resume claying. Like everyone else here has said, if you drop it on the ground get rid of it as it will pick up everything it touches when it hits the ground.

Hope that helps,

Andy

[Murr1525]

Re: Clay usage

The clay kit comes with 2 piece, I like to cut those pieces in half to use them.

You can work over cardboard if needed incase you drop one.

I tend to describe it as making a ball with the clay, then flattening it out to use. Then, the clay will tend to become dirty/stretch thin as you use it. When needed, you simply fold the dirty side in, so you have a clean ball again. Then flatten, and move on.

[02zx9r]

Re: Clay usage

I do it like everyone else mentioned. If there is any big pieces of dirt or grit you can pick those peices out before kneading it again.

But you should be able to get a couple of cars out of a piece of clay.

[CieraSL]

Re: Clay usage

Have you watched this video: How to Clay Bar ?