Cold weather working

[wifpd4]

Is there a point where clay becomes too hard and may damage paint? It was 35 yesterday and it was difficult to knead the clay. Laying it on a halogen fixture helped. Will it become too hard and swirl the paint? Lubricating did not seem to be a problem. Quik detailer sprayed just fine. Perhaps folks a little more north would share some advice.

Thanks,

[james0509]

Re: Cold weather working

I try to use the clay bar as little as possible during the cold seasons because I encounter similar problems. I usually leave the clay bar in my room to keep it nice and warm but once I start working on the car it will eventually get pretty stiff.

What I usually do is to bring out a small container full of hot water with a small tea towel, I soak the tea towel in the hot water and wrap the warm towel around the clay bar when it gets cold.

Hope this helps.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Cold weather working

I would also be concerned about the wax at that low temperature.

[cnfowler]

Re: Cold weather working

I do a similar thing as James. I keep a bucket of hot water nearby. When its time to knead the clay, I put it in the hot water and knead it underwater. This softens it up and helps with kneading.

I would imagine as long as the clay isn't frozen, it shouldn't cause any problems. I have a heated garage, so I don't have to worry about a frozen clay bar.

Colin

[Flash Gordon]

Re: Cold weather working

I keep two seperate (1/3) bars in zip lock baggies in my front pockets when its super cold like this. You will be amazed how pliable a clay bar gets after sitting next to your junk for an hour or so

Also, when claying, if possible, have the section your claying facing the Sun. This will help keep your panels warm, in turn keeping your clay from getting cold and hard as fast. When it does become stiff, switch to your other bar

[wifpd4]

Re: Cold weather working

I would also be concerned about the wax at that low temperature.

The sun was out and I waited until air temp reached 50.

Still too low???

(was using M21, if that would matter)

[Marine Toys]

Re: Cold weather working

I was wondering this also, as it is pretty stiff to start with , but as I worked with it became more ply able.

On another note,

How do you know when it is time to get a new one?
how do you know when yours needs to be replaced?

[Flash Gordon]

Re: Cold weather working

How do you know when it is time to get a new one?
how do you know when yours needs to be replaced?

As long as it still performs your good to go
If you drop it on the driveway or use it to remove tar, toss it

[Marine Toys]

Re: Cold weather working

Thank-you, it looks pretty dirty
Is there any way that it can introduce more scratches with the dirt on it?

[Flash Gordon]

Re: Cold weather working

Thank-you, it looks pretty dirty
Is there any way that it can introduce more scratches with the dirt on it?

Good question Tricky answer > I think I know what you mean by being dirty looking. My expierence has been to continue working the clay and the dirty look will dissipate

I'm sure others will feel you should toss it. Back when I first started using clay 15 years ago I did also, but have since come to the conclusion that it wasn't nescecary

[james0509]

Re: Cold weather working

Thank-you, it looks pretty dirty
Is there any way that it can introduce more scratches with the dirt on it?

You should replace the clay bar when you can't get a clean surface on the clay even after kneading.

[tguil]

Re: Cold weather working

Back to the OP. This is right from the "detailing guru". Makes sense to me and I think that it would apply to clay too.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2999

IMO if you are a "hobby detailer" and live in cold climates, prep your car/truck for winter before the cold hits and then rely on washing (coin op and ONR) when possible and maybe apply a coat of Ultimate Quick Wax. If you have a really warm day get out the NXT, ColorX or the burgundy bottle cleaner wax. Claying and thorough details are warm weather activities.

But then I'm an "old guy" and it took me a long time to get smart.

Tom

[wifpd4]

Re: Cold weather working

Thanks for all the fine answers.

Many of the articles speak about the optimal working range, what is the absolute lowest "surface" temperature wax can be applied and it will bond to the clear coat given you have plenty of time to apply it, plenty of time to let it dry and plenty of time to let it cure?

[tguil]

Re: Cold weather working

Like I mentioned earlier, I'm and "old guy" and I have been polishing and waxing cars/trucks for over 50 years. The lowest temperature that I have applied wax to a total vehicle was about 50 degrees. I've done partial "get trough the winter" touch ups when temperatures were in the 40's. I've always had a garage to work in

Tom

[Johnson]

Re: Cold weather working

Is there a point when clay gets to old? I have had it for a couple years and used it once or twice. it doesnt look dirty, but the kicker is, I have a feeling the floor and the clay have meet a time or two.