Claying, Tactile or Visual?

[PCC]

I still haven't clayed the new Honda, it feels pretty smooth after I wash it but I have been using Quik Detailer on it quite a bit (if that makes any difference). Because it is a single car garage/driveway, the Honda ends up staying in the garage and the Mazda gets driven more often because it's in the back of the driveway.

While I may not clay the Honda at this time, I'm definitely considering claying the Mazda. If the car looks pretty good, is claying more for the tactile senses and not as much for the visual sense?

Thanks.

Patrick

[Justin A]

Re: Claying, Tactile or Visual?

I clay for functionality - I don't want ANYTHING on the paint to get caught in my pads while I'm polishing, so I clay to remove anything that may be stuck to the paint. The fact that it makes the car shiny is a latent function for me.

[Megafast13]

Re: Claying, Tactile or Visual?

I would recommend claying both cars. Even though one may be "new" you don't know how long it sat in a parking lot for sale...

Claying is done to provide the absolute best results when it comes to polishing, waxing, etc. It is also better for the paint and clearcoat when gunk is not stuck to it.

But on a visual side, the reflections and such will be more even and the paint will feel more smooth.

[Murr1525]

Re: Claying, Tactile or Visual?

Well, you can look at it a few ways.

1. Yeah, it will feel smoother. If you haven't felt smooth, clayed, cleaned, and waxed paint before, you'll be surprised.

2. Yeah, it will look better. Having all the dirt off the surface helps get better gloss and reflections. When I wash and clay the car, it looks freshly waxed. Then I clean/polish/wax it....

3. Yeah, your waxes will tend to work better since they are bonding to the paint, not to dirt on the paint.

[Caress Detailing]

Re: Claying, Tactile or Visual?

Even if claying doesn't "enhance" visually, it sure as heck makes applying any LSP easier.

IMO, claying is a NECESSITY for any details professional or hobbyist.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Claying, Tactile or Visual?

Before doing any serious detailing,I consider it essential.

It doesn't take long for contaminents to bond.

Before I could get clay,I used paint cleaner.A week after using the paint cleaner,the clay still removed something and made the surface very smooth.

[PCC]

Re: Claying, Tactile or Visual?

Thanks guys, I wasn't thinking about it from the right angle.

Functionality...

best results when it comes to polishing, waxing ...

waxes will tend to work better...

makes applying any LSP easier...

As soon as I can get a little extra time I think I'll break the clay out and give it a shot.

Patrick

[CieraSL]

Re: Claying, Tactile or Visual?

Have you ever clayed a car before? This is a great video to watch regarding the use of the Smooth Surface Clay Kit:

How to Clay Bar

My apologies if I am giving you info you already know.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Claying, Tactile or Visual?

The good thing is that it's easy,quik and fun and everybody will get the same results.Just use plenty of lube/QD.You might typically find that you'll use nearly a full bottle for a car the size of a mazda miata or honda fit/civic.......you get the idea.

[PCC]

Re: Claying, Tactile or Visual?

.Just use plenty of lube/QD.

Thanks Eddie, I picked up a few extra bottles of Quik Detailer so I think I've got 3 or 4, I assumed that it was better to error on the side of a little too much QD (compared to too little).

Patrick

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Claying, Tactile or Visual?

IMHO you will be pleasantly surprised after you clay and wax the vehicles. The difference will be immediate. I remember the first time I clayed. When I was done with the detail, it was like wow, why didn't I do this before.

Good luck.

[Poki]

Re: Claying, Tactile or Visual?

Having leftover bottles of QD is a good thing too! You can use it for touch ups between washings.