TOGWT

imbedded metallic particles from a paint surface - Not true it only removes surface contaminents


Automotive Detailer’s Clay:
Even new cars that have been setting on a car dealerships lot for a few weeks can accumulate surface contamination; don't assume a vehicle that looks good is contamination free. Acid rain, road salt, tree sap and airborne contaminants are very detrimental to a vehicles paint film surface. Brake dust or rail dust are very small, almost microscopic particles of steel, iron or their alloys. These particles carry a positive charge (due to friction) while the vehicles they land on are carrying a negative charge. The vehicle surface becomes a magnet, attracting and bonding the ferrous metal particles to the vehicle surface.

Moisture and temperature create a corrosive chemical reaction with the metal particles (see Reactivity). The corrosive chemical compounds generated then proceed to etch (corrode) the clear coat, penetrating and spreading the corrosives through the paint film system (and the sheet metal), which results in erosion of the paint surface and corrosion, which shows on the surface as rust spots or blooms

First used by Japanese auto manufacturers the technology was passed on to the US market in the late ‘90’s. Detailing clay bars, are actually a malleable plastic that allows the bar to be kneaded.

Clay is not a replacement for polish or a compound; it is a mildly abrasive surface cleaner, with an average particulate size of 1- micron (dependant on aggressiveness) of Kaolin abrasives that polishes and exfoliates contaminants by shearing and encapsulation, to remove surface pollutants and abrades the debris from the paint film surface leaving behind an ultra-smooth surface that will make your paint protection adhere better and improve its durability

How it works- detailer’s clay is formulated to remove surface contaminates, (i.e. it will selectively abrade any surface high points, it’s an abrasive in an applicator (the malleable clay bar) the clay lubricant is doing the same thing for the clay's abrasives as the oils in a polish, which is working as a surface lubricant. Contrary to popular belief it does not pull the metallic particles from the paint surface. The abrasives 'shear' the surface contaminates i.e. the top of the metallic particle, leaving the rest imbedded in the paint, allowing it to continue generating damage, the sheared particles are encapsulated by the clay. I recommend an acid neutralizing wash followed by a corrosion inhibitor. You will find that a proper acid neutralizing wash opens the paint fissures (pores) and will remove most of the imbedded ferrous oxide deposits and the remainder comes off very easily by clay encapsulation
(See also A, B C Decontamination System – http//:www.autoint.com

Most manufacturers colorize (these colours vary by reseller) the plastic to identify differing abrasive strengths (i.e. Green Clay is a fine abrasive clay, Clay Magic Blue is a medium - fine abrasive, whereas the Red is a medium abrasive) It is also very effective on paint over-spray, if the over-spray is particularly heavy, you may want to seek the assistance of a professional.

a) Fine- clay that abrades or shears light surface or imbedded paint contamination and encapsulates it.
b) Medium-clay that is used to remove heavier surface contaminants (bird excrement and bug reside) it is slightly more abrasive than the fine grade and abrades the paint surface, while the clay encapsulates it
c) Medium to Heavy duty- clay that is used to remove paint over-spray; it contains a slightly stronger abrasive that abrades the paint, while the clay encapsulates it

There are only a couple manufactures of clay and patents protect the technology, with some subtle difference
(Elastic and Poly) in consistency and firmness, a recent court hearing found components of the “elastic clay” to be a patent infringement and the judge ordered sale of the product to be halted. (In the United States, Auto Wax Co. (now owned by Illinois Tool Works Inc.) owns the US patent rights for detailing clay

Auto Wax owns six patents relating to clay products and provides private label clay to many of the detail industry’s leading companies - http://www.automagic.biz/specialt.htm

As a result, all of the Polybutene (Polyisobutylene) or plastic clay being manufactured now comes from the same factory in Japan, which as the only patent holder has a monopoly on the market. Meguiars, Mothers, Sonus, Zaino, et al get their clay either from Japan or from a US licensed manufacturer.

But the formulation can vary significantly, mainly;
1. Density or plasticity
2. Abrasive particulate size
3. Abrasive used (i.e. Kaolin, diatomaceous earth, etc)
4. Abrasive density ratio (abrasive content to clay)
5. Colour (to identify differing abrasive strengths)

In general, softer clays are safer and easier to use, due to finer abrasives used, firmer clay cleans better with a little more risk of scuffing or scratching. There are many variations in the formula, the two technologies are "plastic" and "elastic", and there are patents on each, that have been challenged by each patent holder, When used correctly, the final result is the same with both plastic and elastic formulations.

Does the paint surface require the application of detailer’s clay - place some saran wrap or a zip lock bag over your hand and rub across the finish lightly. Every snag you feel is below surface contaminant that the Detailers Clay bar can remove but you may not be able to see.

How to use automotive clay- the best way to describe the proper method for using detailer clay is to use plenty of the lubricant and aquaplane the clay bar over the surface in straight-line motions. Inspect the clay surface often and fold (knead) clay to present a clean surface to the paint to avoid scratching; when the clay surface becomes really soiled (it becomes more difficult to find a clean surface by kneading, discard and use fresh clay.

To prepare paint surface to accept a wax /polymer sealant and not adversely effect there durability or optical properties takes a combination of products; detailer’s clay will remove the surface contaminants, used in conjunction with decontamination and neutralization system (http:// www.autoint.com) to clean the micro fissures left in the surface and a mildly abrasive chemical cleaner (Zaino Paint Cleaner or Klasse All-In-One) to clean the surface and restore the paints gloss.

Clay Storage – Detailer’s clay should be stored in a dry place at inside room temperature (70 –degrees) store in a plastic baggie or a plastic soap travel case (some vendors supply a storage case with product) Mist the clay with a Quick Detailer (QD) and place the piece(s) of remaining clay in the storage container, and close the lid or seal tightly.