Video Link

I created this today, as I was reading a thread and someone wanted to know how to clay.. Don't recall which thread it was though.

Hopefully this will help a few users, I know there are some videos out on how to clay, but it never hurts to show it again!

Have fun and LETS DETAIL!

 

Wow! That easy???? I could've done that a long time ago! Thanks lusid!

(I don't know when I said that bro, but I do remember saying it! Shhh! Our secret!)

 

There are instances where you will need a more aggressive piece of clay. The Mothers Kit is a "fine" grade clay, so if your paint needs a lot of work, I'd go online and purchase a more aggressive clay and then give it a shot.

 

Andy, couple additional tips. Go in one direction to reduce the potential for marring.
Also minimize the amount of clay, should be about the size of a pancake that fits in the palm of your hand. Retain the clay position at your fingertips for best control.
Excellent video though!

 

I'll try to update that in the future. I always thought It was more then one direction. Nice to know though

 

Hey my accolades for your efforts thoguh! Seriously, hats off to you!

 

Hey my accolades for your efforts though! Seriously, hats off to you!

 

OOOppppppps.......

 

You are way to click happy Pat.

 

Great video! So the dirty stuff that you clay off from your car, doesnt it stick to your claybar?

 

If your paint is dirty the clay will show that. If your paint is clean It really doesn't show any dirt. Just look after you make a few swipes you'll notice dirt / no dirt.

 

autogeek has a youtube video on claying as well. you can just search for autogeek

 

lusid, nice job on the video . . . another thing to keep in mind; use plenty of lube and use little to no pressure. You will feel a little resistance at first and after the 3rd or 4th pass the clay should just glide over the surface.
Yah, all da contaminants from the paint goin' stay on da clay.

 

Yah, I've never really noticed any marring on the paint so.. I never really changed the way I clay'd my cars.

who knows! Video > Picture so enjoy

 

Excellent! When you are claying dark color cars with aggressive clays, its mars!!

 

Nice post and since we are on the topic of Clay. I bought Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay and it says it is a very fine clay that can be used all the time and will not remove wax. Well this is not really what I was looking for. I wanted a clay aggressive enough to tackle a car that had never been clayed before and had obviously alot of contaminants. I went out and bought a Meguiars Clay bar at the local Auto store. It worked well and I am pleased with it. My question is, is the Megs clay essentially the same as the Ultra Poly Clay that I already had or is there a difference and when would you want to use the Ultra Poly clay? Thanks Guys

 

My understanding of clay is this. There are different levels of clays and different levels of abrasiveness to each type of clay. Since you bought Ultra Poly Clay this tells me it's a very fine clay like you mentioned, and It's there to tackle simple jobs and to keep your paint clean. If a car has not seen a clay bar in YEARS my understanding is to use a more aggressive clay because a fine clay wont do anything to the paint contaminants.

So Very fine clay - should be used on paint that's been maintained and cared for.

Aggressive clay - should be used on paints where it needs a lot of work, or a car that's never seen a clay bar in its life.

Hope this is right lol...

 

In addition - If you notice a difference in performance from Megs to Pinns I think the Megs seems more abrasive.

 

Ultra fine clay is used periodically, for "instances" or when your really contaminant anal and aprehensive about using clays.
Fine clays are used satisfactorily in low emission and /or low industrial fallout areas, on a semi annual basis.
Medium clays are use quite the opposite as fine, high exposure to the elements or for severely neglected cars. Alot of cars close to the beach areas require aggressive clays due to salt and fog, which we all know attracts just about everything.
Then theres super duty clay bars, used by body shops and the like for overspray and severe contamination. (We dont go there as Ziners)

 

Since I have a WDP, is it safe to clay in two directions (horizontal and vertical)? I got a big event coming up and would like to make the car shine. Hoping to get pay today to get some stuff install. What product from your site do you recommend for claying/waxing? Thanks.

EDIT: By the way, this car has never seen a claybar! The original owner took pretty good care of it, but I see contaminants and swirls.

 

claybars will not take out swirls, but will eat contaminants alive.

swirls are fixed using a machine + polish + correct pads. They can be done by hand but it's hard hard work.

 

I'll take a shot here . . . BTW, it's recommended to polish after claying to remove any marring

• Clay - Excel Fine Grade Clay
• Polish - FS Body Shop, Optimum Polish or Compound or Poorboys SSR line
• Sealant - FS UPP

 

Let me add the Four Star Swirl Mark Remover, especially if detailing by hand..
Nice job Haw........

 

PS. Danny your PM box was full last time I tried to msg you. Clear out thanks!

 

I noticed what I think is marring after using a more agressive clay to remove some stubborn rail dust. Is that Four Star Swirl Mark Remover really that effective by hand? I have been thinking about a UDM but I won't really use it enough and only have a few spots that have some micro scratches.

 

Cleared.