CL-S6

iTrader: (3)

When clay baring your car were do you start? from the front of the car to the back? or from the top and work your way down so you wont contaminate the bar as fast from more road dedris being on the lower half of the car? also how long can you use the same bar for?

csmeance

i do hood, frnt fenders, fronnt bumper, then do trunk, rear fenders, then roof and lastly doors. This way I remember where I was and can ensure that I didn't miss anyting. Just remember to lube alot and to have the car cleaned before claying so the paint will not get marred.

exceldetail

I usually start with the hood. Work from the center back towards you. When you get to the doors, start on the roof, always work back towards yourself (From the FARTHEST point, to the closest point), just make a lap around the car!
I clay everything above the blue line.....

LoveMyTL-S

Why don't you clay below the line? (You knew someone would ask)

jlukja

Also, regarding the direction in which you clay, is it just your preference or is that the "best" way? I ask because I've clayed my TSX a few times and I've always started at the highest point and clayed front to back in a somewhat back-and-forth manner.

exceldetail

Well, maybe I should rephrase. If the car needs an entire clay, due to just pure neglect, such as lack of scheduled washes, or never been polished or waxed, I will certainly take the few extra moments and clay the entire surface.
However, you will find most particulates wont adhere to vertical panels, particlularly between washes. Its when they have the opportunity to adhere and and make a home, that they offer the most damage. And that is most often made available on horizontal surfaces.

As for direction of claying, I prefer to do all my polishing, claying, sealing in the same direction of travel. Always in lineal motion, front to back, fore/aft, however you wish to acknowlege it. This, in my opinion, present less opportunity for light refraction which will show. Take for example the difference between regular binder paper vs. graph paper, and I will think you see what I mean.

CL-S6

iTrader: (3)

thanx for all your help exceldetail.

CL-S6

iTrader: (3)

Quik question, after im done claying my car do I hafto apply polish to it or can a just wax it?

Hawhyen51

I would highly recommend polishing after claying. Claying can cause some marring and polishing will remove it as well as other surface defects like swirls, oxidation and previous wax applications. Polishing will also give the paint surface gloss and reflectivity.

lusid

Which means..... go buy a PC as your life will be easier..

I'll have to invest in one of those someone soon.