heyya

just a random question i've been meaning to ask, but never got around to.

i've clayed my car before with a mothers clay kit after a wash. it comes with the clay and the detail spray.

is it normal for it to be leaving streaks? i always have to detail spray the whole car after to get the streaks off.

is this normal? or am i not using enough spray to begin with.

thanks

 

Is it visable clay streaks or is it the QD streaking? Clay doesn't streak if there is enough QD used .. and for clay to streak you will feel it drag on the paint.

 

I'd have to see photos to see exactly what you mean by streaking. If you don't use enough lube, or too much pressure, or anything more aggressive than a fine grade clay bar then you can get marring of the finish. And if you're working on an Acura, then even fine grade clay can mar the finish. If you've done that though, you typically can't correct it with a quick detailer.

Some clay bar lubricants can leave actual streaking when you wipe them off...kind of like what you get after drying your vehicle. The best clay lube I've found for being very slick, yet leaving no residue or streaks after wiping it down is Dodo Juice Born Slippy.

 

To me, a complete detail noob (you guys would probably die if you saw the streaks on my car) it seems like its what the clay is leaving behind. The only reason i say that is because i can wipe it right off with some more detail spray.

So I'm assuming I'm not using enough spray when I'm claying?

 

I'm also a noob at all this stuff but from what i've read, you spray the lube, clay that area then buff the area you just did with a clean dry microfiber. I think that would polish out those streaks you're getting.

 

If the streaks are clay color yes.

 

Streaks, or does your car look like it got dipped in the Krispy Kreme conveyor belt?

 

It sounds like you may not be using enough lubricant.

Here's a tutorial on using a clay bar that may help.

 

What your seeing may be a result of the lube and the contaminants being left behind, mixed in with the lube. This is totally normal. And as you stated, its removed with additional QD. Perfectly normal. Usually if you clay a cool surface, small area like a 2x2, 3x3, and wipe away with a clean dry MF, this problem is resolved. Key is making sure you dry the area before it starts evaporating.