Clay barring (and wax removal question)...

[mrscratchandswirl]

1) My friend tells me that wax should be removed before claybarring. Is that true? I guess I can see that...i mean, if the bar removes contaminants from the paint, then you should be at the paint. Then again, I'm sure he didn't mean remove clearcoat, so you're not at the paint anyway...Help. I'm confused.

Do I remove the wax before using the claybar? If so, how? I know enough to never use dawn dishwashing soap on car. My friend says use rain-x self dry car wash.

What should I do?

2) Also, the meguiar's claybar box says to spray the quick detailer on the car before claying, but so I use a rag to spread it around or do I just spray and use the clay bar?

3) Lastly, do I cut the clay bar into smaller pieces or just knead the giant bar?

thanks in advance for any responses.

[Pro01]

Re: Clay barring (and wax removal question)...

i'll try to answer it..

1) not really sure..i usually just clay it..

2)just spray and use clay bar...but use enough spray..make sure the surface is lubricated

3) depends..if you never clayed a car b4, i think just use the whole bar..coz there'll be a lot of contaminant on it later..

hope this helps..

[wifpd4]

Re: Clay barring (and wax removal question)...

Clay-barring will remove wax. Just thoroughly wash the car in advance of claying with a quality automotive car wash.

It is essential to maintain lubrication and it's easily obtained and maintained by working the clay in one hand and having the spray bottle of Quik Detailer (or other product of your choice) in the other hand. Spritz a small area, not an entire panel and not a whole side or whole car. You must concentrate your attention to an area no larger than 2' X 2', smaller until you get a feel for the process. Your goal is to create a smooth as glass texture on your paint (clear coat) by removing bonded contaminates. The clay should glide over the surface. If you feel bumps, concentrate your attention there; but lubricate. If the clay slows or stops, you don't have enough lubrication and you can mar the surface. When an area is complete, then wipe with a microfiber to remove the excess lubricant. Remember your goal is to produce a smooth surface, the foundation of all the work that follows. Seek the best, get the best.

Usually you will make a clay bar 2" X 2" and probably not larger than 3" X 3" and an minimum of an 1/8" thick. Slightly larger than the fingers and thick enough not to be wearing a hole through the clay. The clay larger than your fingers isn't really performing a useful purpose, since it will not have any downward pressure. You do not need to be extremely aggressive with pressure. A clay bar slightly larger than you finger tips is helpful when working over curves or other profiles on the car body.

If you drop the clay bar to the ground, it's done. Do NOT use it again. The clay will pick up contaminates and will scar your paint if you use it again. Often folks work above a piece of cardboard laying on the ground. Always inspect your clay often and kneed it up often to create new clean area of the clay.

Do a search for clay, but be sure to review this video.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42524

[mrscratchandswirl]

Re: Clay barring (and wax removal question)...

thx for the replies. I clay barred the car today. Definately feels smoother, removed some of the water spots I had, but not all. I can't help but feel i scratched my car up some, but I may be just seeing stuff that was already there because I DEFINITELY used enough quik detailer. the clay was sliding all over the place I used so much.

thanks for the help.

[Murr1525]

Re: Clay barring (and wax removal question)...

Yeah, dirt can hide a lot.