is claying needed here?

[dc2_]

yo quick question

is claying really needed if ur about to work on paint with swirls?

i mean my car and my dads car both have been worked on with uc,polish

our cars always feel smooth...just wondering if i should still clay my car(by the way i wetsanded my car before since i didnt like the orangepeel look)

my mom has on 08 pontiac g6 which has only been washed n waxed all the time we have had it..wen i wash n wax it i can easily feel that it needs claying even after wax...lets say i was gonna buff it...wat would be the downfall about not claying?

[dc2_]

Re: is claying needed here?

another way to ask is...

wouldnt compounding remove the contaminents that claying would?since i would be removing clear

[wifpd4]

Re: is claying needed here?

another way to ask is...

wouldnt compounding remove the contaminents that claying would?since i would be removing clear

You would think that, but a contaminated surface will make your paint correction efforts less effective.

You, as you already understand, are trying to make a smooth glass-like surface upon which you will eventually place a coat or two of wax. Clay-barring will help you work towards that goal. Remove the contaminates and then work your magic on the clear coat/paint.

[wifpd4]

Re: is claying needed here?

I always try to back up what I say with something from an expert. Here is a brief comment from Mr. Stoops in which someone asked about using a clay-bar or a cleaner first.

Re: clay bar or deep cystal cleaner?
A clay bar is designed to remove above surface bonded contaminants - all the stuff that makes your paint feel rough to the touch. Proper use will make your paint feel literally as smooth as glass. Also, removing that junk from the surface will make your paint cleaner easier to use, and more effective as well.

A paint cleaner such as DC Step 1 Paint Cleaner, SwirlX, Ultimate Compound, etc will not be terribly effective on these bonded contaminants but will do an outstanding job on the below surface defects like swirls, fine scratches, etchings, etc. Once you've clayed the surface pull the car into the sun so you can critically evaluate the finish visually. This will give you an indication of what you're up against.

Claying should be done with Quik Detailer or similar for proper lubrication. Water alone doesn't generally provide enough lube for this purpose. You may see cases where people claim that's all they use and "haven't had a problem yet". Seem whenever people deviate from manufacturer recommendations they always qualify their statement with the word "yet". Gee, why is that????

Fabric softeners and dryer sheets tend to leave a film on microfiber towels and that film can lead to streaking when working on your paint. Not a good thing. Best to just wash them with a good quality liquid laundry detergent in warm water and then machine dry them on a medium setting. Also, do not mix microfibers and terry cloth towels in the same wash. The terry cloth will lint off and the microfiber will act as a lint trap. You'll spend a few days with tweezers trying to get all the terry lint off your microfibers.
__________________
Michael Stoops
Internet Technical Specialist
Meguiar's Inc.
(800) 854-8073 xt 175
mstoops@meguiars.com

It should also be noted, that depending on the condition of your paint, it may be necessary to clean the paint, then clay-bar and then clean again. I can find some references to that situation, if you need.

[wifpd4]

Re: is claying needed here?

Holy cow, I must'a got up too early this morning. I re-read your first post. I see you refer to three different cars. If you wet-sanded your entire car, I wouldn't think clay-barring would be needed. Just in the areas you may not have wet sanded.

Your mom's car on the other hand may benefit from some clay-bar action. Not sure about your dad's. The sure way to tell if you need to clay-bar is place your hand inside a plastic baggie and gently wipe over the surface. If it drags or feels rough, time to clay-bar.

I know you know, but it bears repeating, the sequence is wash, clay, clean, polish(optional), wax and perhaps wax again. Using a clay-bar will remove wax.

[dc2_]

Re: is claying needed here?

thanks very hepful... well definately my moms car needs claying and ill see wats up with my dads