Detailing: How to Claybar/Favorite Product

[ZakkBaker]

Geez from reading a bunch of detailing threads...I'm gonna have to go claybar mine. Never have done it before.
So Wash, Clay, Polish, Wax?
And should I keep it away from the badges or what?

 

[SmokedRam]

Geez from reading a bunch of detailing threads...I'm gonna have to go claybar mine. Never have done it before.
So Wash, Clay, Polish, Wax?
And should I keep it away from the badges or what?

Yup, you can technically clay any non porous material...I even had some nasty bug guts that didn't come off on my mirror housings, the clay took them right off. Just make sure you use a lubricant, like a detailing spray and don't get stingy with it. Once the clay slides right over the panel you're claying, it's done.

 

[ZakkBaker]

Okay, So just like the video. Decent pressure, and back and forth a few times. And stay away from black plastic? I doubt my truck has ever been clay barred and its 11 years old. Is an excess of dirt and crap going to get on the clay bar, Do i need to rinse or wipe off the Bar after every section(door,door,hood,tailgate,etc)

 

[ZakkBaker]

And is this stuff available at an Auto parts store? I've seen them on the websites, and man does the Adams stuff look sweet but its expensive! Lol. Could probably spend a grand just gathering up all their cleaning stuff I'll probably just decide between Mequires and Mothers depending on price? Seeing those are 2 popular ones.

 

[SmokedRam]

Okay, So just like the video. Decent pressure, and back and forth a few times. And stay away from black plastic? I doubt my truck has ever been clay barred and its 11 years old. Is an excess of dirt and crap going to get on the clay bar, Do i need to rinse or wipe off the Bar after every section(door,door,hood,tailgate,etc)

All you need to do with the clay is knead it and fold it after every panel. I used it on my black plastic mirror housings and all my glass. As for the pressure...let the clay do the work...don't use circular patterns, go left to right and right to left.

And is this stuff available at an Auto parts store? I've seen them on the websites, and man does the Adams stuff look sweet but its expensive! Lol. Could probably spend a grand just gathering up all their cleaning stuff I'll probably just decide between Mequires and Mothers depending on price? Seeing those are 2 popular ones.

Right now, Autozone has the Mothers California Gold Kits on sale for $14.99...comes with two 80 ounce clay bars, detailing spray and a microfiber.

 

[ZakkBaker]

Ahhh sweeet! I'm gonna have to stop by after class and get some. Will have to wait til it warms up to use it though Since youre on here...Could you help me with picking some other washing/detailing products? Or would you like me to PM you Smoked?

 

[SmokedRam]

I've used a couple different brands. I really like the Mothers California Gold Wash N Wax, I just started using the Mothers California gold Spray Wax, it's good stuff too. For touch ups, the Mothers California Gold Quick Detailer is good too. For tire dressing I use the Armor All Spray Foam, on my interior, I use Armor All Cleaning Wipes, then hit it with Armor All Detail Wipes. Can't beat the convenience of the wipes for sure and no mess application.


I was using stuff from a detailing shop, but getting their stuff is too hard for me, because their shop is 30+ miles from my house. So, I started using the Mothers and I am really liking it so far.

 

[ZakkBaker]

Okay, Ill check out what Mothers stuff I can get. Ill start with that brand, Thanks Smoked As far as just simple wash soap, any thing special or will any random one from wal mart work. I cant remember which one is in the garage right now... And what about tire cleaner for ya? And have you seen those grit filters in store? Those seem very useful! I wanna do the 2 bucket method, so ill pick some up at wally world. 100 bucks at Adams!

 

[SmokedRam]

Okay, Ill check out what Mothers stuff I can get. Ill start with that brand, Thanks Smoked As far as just simple wash soap, any thing special or will any random one from wal mart work. I cant remember which one is in the garage right now... And what about tire cleaner for ya? And have you seen those grit filters in store? Those seem very useful! I wanna do the 2 bucket method, so ill pick some up at wally world. 100 bucks at Adams!

The wash n wax is all I use for soap...for tire cleaner, I have an extra mitt I use for my wheels and tires, I do it the old school way...get on my knees and scrub them with the wash n wax. When they dry, I hit them with the tire foam.

the 2 bucket method is great! The Mothers Wash N Wax is about $10 for a jug of it. Smells like bubble gum, lol.

 

[03MopaRamman]

Voted, and Miss Froggy since he went AWOL. Hope he's doing Well!

 

[ZakkBaker]

The wash n wax is all I use for soap...for tire cleaner, I have an extra mitt I use for my wheels and tires, I do it the old school way...get on my knees and scrub them with the wash n wax. When they dry, I hit them with the tire foam.

the 2 bucket method is great! The Mothers Wash N Wax is about $10 for a jug of it. Smells like bubble gum, lol.

Just checked Autozones site. $20 for that Mothers kit Maybe its not a nationwide sale? Ill still ask at the counter tomorrow. Do you have those grit grate things Smoked? And tire cleaner is safe for the black plastic under the hood? To make everything shiny like.

Okay sweet! Ill check it all out! Thanks for the help Smoked, I really appreciate it. I'll just watch some vids and read some more forums to figure out what order and how to do everything so it looks nice I dont wanna bombard you with questions anymore lol!
And sorry for turning the clay thread into cleaning supplies...

 

[garner]

For clay you can also use a magna sponge or speedy surface prep towel. Does pretty much the same job without all the hassle of clay

 

[SmokedRam]

Just checked Autozones site. $20 for that Mothers kit Maybe its not a nationwide sale? Ill still ask at the counter tomorrow. Do you have those grit grate things Smoked? And tire cleaner is safe for the black plastic under the hood? To make everything shiny like.

Okay sweet! Ill check it all out! Thanks for the help Smoked, I really appreciate it. I'll just watch some vids and read some more forums to figure out what order and how to do everything so it looks nice I dont wanna bombard you with questions anymore lol!
And sorry for turning the clay thread into cleaning supplies...

It's listed at $19.99, but in their circular, it's listed as $5 off with a $19.99 reg price. No, I don't use the grit grates. I have A LOT of 4 gallon buckets at my house (I work at an oil company and got about 200 of them for free)

As for tire shine under the hood, I use a water based dressing for under the hood, but I really don't do my engine much. As a matter of fact, I still have a whole bottle of water based dressing from the detailer I mentioned earlier that I haven't even used any of yet.

When cleaning it, I've used simple green, diluted with water and a rag, then dress it with the Shine All stuff I have. Meguire's has a cleaner specifically for engines, I might give it a try myself.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/g14816-engine-cleaner/

 

[ZakkBaker]

Shoot! Share some buckets with us. lol

I may just try that Mequiars one as well. Looking at 3 local shops, finding the better prices and going to pick everything up on the way home tomorrow. So for engine bay cleaning it just looks like you cover all electricals, lightly spray the bay, use some soapy water and your brushes, then spray the Mequiars engine cleaner? Then hose off and towel dry, Right? lol

My engine bay is all muddy, If it wasn't bad I suppose you could skip the hard washing steps and just Mequiar spray it and wipe?

 

[CumminsCrazed]

Meguiars mild and aggressive detailing clay....its the "professional/detailer" line of clay, more clay and 2 options of "strength"

 

[dpinvidic]

Why is claybaring so good

Not sure I understand "WHY" the clay works so well.
Is it because it acts like a very fine abrasive?

I just ordered the Maguires product.
Dan

 

[Slidder]

When I detailed cars for my cousins dealership I always used a purple clay bar
At home I use the mothers kit
Can't tell any difference between the two

I also just use regular water rather then a spray detailer, wash the vehicle after with a wax based car wash and finish with a fresh coat of wax

Although I disagree about using water for a lubricate with a clay bar, I respect your right to do it your way.

After about 10 years of detailing, I thought I knew at least how to clay a vehicle. However, after reading this article I found about two days ago, it has totally changed the way I view claying any vehicle. It is a long article but I have to totally agree with everything that was in it.
What will decontamination remove that washing will not? - Autopia Detailing Wiki - Autopia

Now I need to find out what is the best decontamination product.

If you really stop and think about it, a clay bar only slides along the surface of the paint ~ "slides." It is not designed to be used so you push the clay bar into each section of the paint in an attempt to "pull or suck" out any thing that is deep or semi-deep within the paint. As the article states, all you are doing is taking the top portion of things off of the paint and again, leaving the other half deep within the paint.

What really gets to me is when a person or a couple buy their brand new car or truck, they are standing there, wide eyed and proud of the shine the dealer put on it. IF they only knew enough to take the back of their fingers or put your fingers in a plastic bag and gently slide across the new paint, they will feel almost every section of their new car needs to be clayed. However, the sad part is that the salesman, or finance manager, etc will never have them check their vehicle to see if it indeeds needs claying.

I just bought a 2014 1 ton Dodge diesel, had it three weeks and traded it for a 2014 2500 Diesel which I picked up three days ago. Both of these vehicles needed clayed but I was told I would have to pay to have this done. No Way! I clayed both of them myself. However after reading this article, I now know I did only half the job of claying.

 

[jivy26]

You can probably get away with just claying seeing that your truck is 2012. If you have any swirl marks or small scratches then go ahead and polish. I usually do 2 stages of polish, 1 with some mild grit and then a cream polish. Make sure and use a orbital buffer. They won't leave any swirls. I use a 15lb orbital and everything comes out perfect everytime. Polishing by hand is gonna be a ***** so just prepare yourself if thats how you have to do it. Like I said though, if everything looks good and the surface was just dirty but no swirl marks or scratches, clay and then wax.

I have a 2004 and noticeable swirls so my steps would be Mild Grit polish then cream polish then clay bar then wax?

 

[ramstein]

Not sure I understand "WHY" the clay works so well.
Is it because it acts like a very fine abrasive?

I just ordered the Maguires product.
Dan

The detail spray works to "float" the clay on top of the paint, and the clay captures the dirt and grit so it doesnt scratch the paint

 

[soldiercowboy]

So what is the best step by step process to clay bar and can you clay bar windows and black plastic trim parts or just paint and chrome parts

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