clay bar

[lytefall]

I just want to confirm a couple things real quick before I start this process.

1. You can clay any painted surface? Is that correct? Including painted plastic trim? Or only body metal?

2. What about the backup sensors? Do I mask around them? Just be careful? The sensor is circular with a painted portion about the size of a nickel in the middle?

2b. When I wax do I avoid the sensor or can you wax right over them?

Thanks

[Murr1525]

Re: clay bar

1. Anything smooth and glossy. Textured Plastic can be clayed if needed. So glass also..

2. Clay wont hurt..

2b. You can wax them if they are painted. More a matter of residue build up, etc. So just wiping out the crevices well, etc.

[lytefall]

Thanks. Also. The "Ultimate" Quik Detailer? Is that replacing the Quik Detailer that comes with the clay bar kit?

My local Meguiars retailer only carries "Ultimate" Quik Detailer in a black bottle. I wanted to pick up some extra lubricant for when I clay bar and all Meguiars stuff was on sale so I bought it under the hopes it is the same thing or at least can safely be used as clay bar lubricant

Thanks

[Murr1525]

Re: clay bar

Not really, still want the QD for claying.

You could cut your clay into a smaller piece, and use some soapy water in an emergency.

I guess the UQD would be a real emergency kind of thing...

[lytefall]

Ok. Thanks for the advice

[lytefall]

I just finished claying the car. It took me about 1.5hrs. Not too many contaminants that I could see which isn't overly surprising because the car hasn't even been on the road a week yet. As per a lot of recommendations on here I used the QD liberally and went through the majority of the bottle but only 1 clay bar. It's unfortunate that the local Meguiars retailer doesn't carry QD and only has UQD as I could pick it up locally without having to buy the whole kit again since I have a unopened bar and a lightly contaminated bar now. I guess I will just have to order online.

Now I know what people meant when they said that you don't know what smooth is until you clay the car. I thought the paint was smooth before but it quite a difference now. Very impressive.

How many supreme shine towels do you usually use in the course of claying a car? I found by about halfway done the car the towel included was almost too wet to completely dry the areas I worked on as I finished the car.

Thanks again for everyone who gave me advice on the topic!

[bmrfan]

Re: clay bar

QD is the preferred lubricant for claying.

Have you tried Canadian Tire? They carry a competing brand of detailer spray (hint: red bottle) that works fine.

I have been told UQD is actually TOO lubricious - causes the clay to "hydroplane" over contaminants rather than remove them.

[lytefall]

Thanks for the tip

[Murr1525]

Re: clay bar

UQD also puts a very slick polymer coating over the things you are trying to remove.

As far as the towels, ehhh.. 1 or 2, depends.

[ahooah48444]

You can also use final inspection full strength, last touch 1:1 ratio, and even heard Ultimate wash and wax anywhere is a heck of a clay lube.

[STRIFE]

Re: clay bar

Reg QD is good as clay lube, ONR is economical as well, in a pinch you can use GC wash....but I don't want to deteriorate my clay too fast.
UW&WA is just toooooo expensive to use as clay lube, currently $15 a bottle at Canadian Tire & it's on sale too