What's going on? help!...please

[Callaway23]

What's the difference?

What is the differences between the bug and tar remover? the paint cleaner? and the clay? meaning: what do they do and how do they work?

Also can you use the clay in just one spot? and Do you have to use one clay bar per time?

[Tim Lingor]

Re: What's the difference?

Originally posted by Callaway23
What is the differences between the bug and tar remover? the paint cleaner? and the clay? meaning: what do they do and how do they work?

Also can you use the clay in just one spot? and Do you have to use one clay bar per time?

Each of the products you list have specific purposes.

Claying removes the bonded contaminents above the surface.

Paint Cleaners are more for cleaning the paint of oxidation, in some cases removing swirls if it the particular product contains diminishing abrasives, and other contaminents.

Bug and Tar Remover is designed to remove tar or bugs from the paint's surface from specific areas. It is used to remove the heavier tar etc before claying the paint.

Here is what you should do. First wash and dry the paint. Go around the car and assess the paint's needs. If you see road tar, use the Tar and Bug Remover in those areas. Be sure to wash those areas again. Follow with claying the entire car. Much of the bonded contaminents can not be readily seen though it may affect the overall quality of the finish. But these contaminents instead can be felt. Claying should remove most, if not all of these contaminents (overspray, rail dust etc...). Then after claying, use the paint cleaner like DC#1, ColorX etc...to clean the paint.

Finally, yes you can use clay only in certain areas if you want. The clay can be saved and used repeatly until it becomes dirty and must be discarded.

I hope this helps!

Tim

[Callaway23]

so...

Clay removes oxidation and so does paint cleaners...? Why not just get one or the other? I mean which one works better? Also, which is better colorx or dc1? what are the differences if any?
thanks,
Justin

[Callaway23]

Also,

Would cleaning with clay or paint cleaner in one spot make the rest look dull? Rewash areas after using bug and tar remover? Does bug and tar remover also work on tree sap? Does pollen stain? ( maybe those yellow spots?!)

DO I NEED THIS STUFF FOR A NEW CAR?? (like bought less than a month ago..when it came off the truck in plastic new) Meaning like paint cleaner..clay.....etc.?

Not to do with time ...but just the need . All I know I really need to do is get that one spot off. Otherwise my car doesn't feel bumpy or look cloudy. I mean as far as I know.

[rusty bumper]

Clay removes oxidation and so does paint cleaners...? Why not just get one or the other? I mean which one works better? Also, which is better colorx or dc1? what are the differences if any?

Clay was not designed as an oxidation remover, but in some cases, if the oxidation is heavy, then clay might remove a portion of it. If your car has never been clayed, then I would suggest that you try it before using a paint cleaner.

As for using a paint cleaner, you may not have any oxidation yet, but DC #1 (or ColorX) will ensure that your paint is clean below the surface of it. Then, you will have a good foundation for the polish (Optional)/ wax step.

ColorX is a little stronger cleaner than DC #1, but if your car is fairly new, then DC #1 should do the job.

DO I NEED THIS STUFF FOR A NEW CAR?? (like bought less than a month ago..when it came off the truck in plastic new) Meaning like paint cleaner..clay.....etc.?

Here's what I would do if I were you.

If I had your car, I would not hesitate to Wash, Clay, Clean the paint with DC #1, Maybe use a polish, and seal that good looking finish with a wax like NXT.

By doing the above steps, you will help to ensure that your car looks new for years to come.

Do the hard part now, and the paint maintenance will be easier down the road.

[Tim Lingor]

Originally posted by Rusty Bumper
Clay was not designed as an oxidation remover, but in some cases, if the oxidation is heavy, then clay might remove a portion of it. If your car has never been clayed, then I would suggest that you try it before using a paint cleaner.

As for using a paint cleaner, you may not have any oxidation yet, but DC #1 (or ColorX) will ensure that your paint is clean below the surface of it. Then, you will have a good foundation for the polish (Optional)/ wax step.

ColorX is a little stronger cleaner than DC #1, but if your car is fairly new, then DC #1 should do the job.




Here's what I would do if I were you.

If I had your car, I would not hesitate to Wash, Clay, Clean the paint with DC #1, Maybe use a polish, and seal that good looking finish with a wax like NXT.

By doing the above steps, you will help to ensure that your car looks new for years to come.

Do the hard part now, and the paint maintenance will be easier down the road.

I swear I just read that somewhere before!

[Callaway23]

?

You are saying claying wasn't intended to remove oxidation. What exactly does it do? Why use it? Does it scratch?

you said:
"As for using a paint cleaner, you may not have any oxidation yet, but DC #1 (or ColorX) will ensure that your paint is clean below the surface of it."

Below the surface...what exactly does that mean ? I don't want to wear down the surface to get to something under the surface. I don't even know if the spot is under the surface.

All I wanted to do is really just get this tiny yellow spot off. It doesn't feel bumpy. How do I get that off?

And, if I take these other steps. What are they doing for me?

You also said:
Do the hard part now, and the paint maintenance will be easier down the road.

How would it be easier?

THANKS for answering "all" my questions and for your time.
Justin Corvasce

[Mike Phillips]

Re: ?

Originally posted by Callaway23
THANKS for answering "all" my questions and for your time.
Justin Corvasce

Hi Justin,

Take some time to thoroughly read this,

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

It will answer most if not all of your questions.

Thank you for taking the time to read the above.