first time using clay kit before detail

[jatee]

first time using clay bar tonight. what a difference! just finished my brilliant black hemi wagon using smooth clay kit, deep crystal polish and nxt 2.0. when i looked at the hood and saw the stuff on the garage wall as if i was looking in a mirror i had to sign on and share.

[Carfire]

Re: first time using clay kit before detail

That is great. I still remember my first time using clay. I was surprised how much bonded contaminants there were and how easy the wax came on and off.

[jatee]

Re: first time using clay kit before detail

thanks carfire. had fear of using the clay bar as i did not understand it until i watched the how to video. once i started i was amazed how easy it was. you are right on the money with how easy the wax was. on and off was a total different, and much easier experience than ever before. the 3 step process raised my already bueatiful wagon to a new level. i was impressed.

[gb387]

Re: first time using clay kit before detail

Anyone using clay for the first time is usually hooked the first time around - clay will really make a difference in how a vehicle looks and feels of course topping with the proper products as you did helps but you clay once you will forever!

[jatee]

Re: first time using clay kit before detail

that brings up a question. how often is it that you use clay?

[JTOWN]

Re: first time using clay kit before detail

Anyone using clay for the first time is usually hooked the first time around - clay will really make a difference in how a vehicle looks and feels of course topping with the proper products as you did helps but you clay once you will forever!

that said.. what bout a silver misty colour whose contaminets hardly show through???

nice work and cant wait to get cracking on to claying for the first time...

[Murr1525]

Re: first time using clay kit before detail

If the contaminants are there, they are affecting the reflection and the ease of applying products.

As far as how often, take a good look and feel your car now. This is when it is going to be smoothest. When it starts to drift away from that, you can start to consider reclaying. Could take 6 months if your car is garaged, could be tomorrow if you drive past a spray painter or other junk in the air.

[jatee]

Re: first time using clay kit before detail

hey jtown,
the flipping paint is as smooth if not more than the glass when you finish believe it or not. and it is so easy to do i kick myself for not trying it sooner. like i said, i was hesitant because i had some thought that i would screw up my paint somehow but just keep it really wet with detailer spray and wipe it back and forth, circles, or what ever. your not putting any pressure on it. you really can't screw it up. all the extra detail spray all over everything made my black plastic look great too.

[gb387]

Re: first time using clay kit before detail

that brings up a question. how often is it that you use clay?

I clay once a year, that said you will have to feel the surface of your vehicle to find when its best to clay. Any horizontal surface like the hood, roof and trunk is your best option for finding bonded contaminates. Here is how you do that, drag your hand over the surface of the vehicle and it feels rough to the touch (after a wash) its time to clay. To aid in feeling these tiny bumps (bonded contaminates) you can place you hand inside a plastic sandwich bag and then feel the surface of your vehicle this make the contaminates much easier to feel.

that said.. what bout a silver misty colour whose contaminets hardly show through???

nice work and cant wait to get cracking on to claying for the first time...

Yes, I have clayed many colors including lighter colors and I find that it does make a difference. Makes removing those tiny little 'rust' colored spots easy to remove.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: first time using clay kit before detail

Congrats. The clay makes a tremendous difference in the paints finish. The preperation is the key to a highly reflective finish. Your pic looks great. Good job.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: first time using clay kit before detail

that brings up a question. how often is it that you use clay?

Good question!

From the homepage you can quickly and easily find both Hot Topics and How To Articles. Look for this on the homepage


Have Questions? Looking for Answers?
So much good, practical and helpful information in the "Information Station" like these two forum groups and the List 'O Links thread.
Hot Topics
How To Articles


Click on Hot Topics and the below article is a Sticky

How often do I need to clay my car's finish?

Because your question comes up all the time it's a question that's answered in Hot Topics

Here's a teaser picture from the article linked to above.