Question about my first try at claying.

Mr Bacchus · #1 (**Post Link**) 24-04-10

Hi All,

This may be a real stupid question but I am going to ask it anyway.

I am about to start my first attempt at claying but want to know if there is any problem with this process:

All the prepwork, washing etc
Claying (just bought a Meg's kit)

Leave overnight, then start again tomorrow.

Quick wash again
AG SRP
Dodo wax

Is there any issue with the overnight break? Trying to optimise the time I have available but also to wax in the early morning before the sun comes (as if!). Any negative to not polishing immeadiately after claying.

Cheers

dabsafc · #2 (**Post Link**) 24-04-10

Wouldn't have thought so as long as you dont leave it overnight anywhere it might get covered in a corrosive substance like say - volcanic ash! Doh!!

Seriously it will be fine, the paint isnt protected but if you're not out driving it then i wouldn't worry and just make sure you get plenty of polish and 2 coats of wax on it tomorrow and it'll look

I used the megs kit on mine last year when i bought it and it came up a treat

Mr Bacchus · #3 (**Post Link**) 24-04-10

Thanks. Thats a hell of a shine you have there, lovely.

If I can escape work during daylight hours I will get started!

10,500RPM · #4 (**Post Link**) 24-04-10

Originally Posted by dabsafc

I used the megs kit on mine last year when i bought it and it came up a treat

Very nice.

Leaving an overnight gap between calying and polishing isn't a problem but a gap between polishing and waxing can cause bonding issues depending on the environment i.e airborne solvents with all the DIY going on in this fine weather.

**edit** Leave plenty of time for claying (especially your first session) and enjoy it, it can be a very relaxing process.

twissler · #5 (**Post Link**) 24-04-10

Just make sure you don't leave any clay marks on the car overnight or you'll have to get the clay out again to get rid of them.

Use the quik detailer and go round the car again with an MF cloth to make sure there are no marks left behind, should only take an extra ten mins.

twissler · #6 (**Post Link**) 24-04-10

Oh, and don't forget the pics.

Mr Bacchus · #7 (**Post Link**) 25-04-10

Well thats it almost done. I have to say it there were a few surprises:

Did not expect it to be a 'smooth' process, I thought I would feel the clay dragging on the paint.

Could not believe the amount of crap that ends up on the clay. Defo worth doing.

Need to improve my technique to find clean areas of clay.

Clay was not as sticky as I imagined it would be, probably due to my technique again.

I will be putting a second coat of wax on this evening and then possibly posting some pics if I think it is worthy. Car currently locked in the garage as the weather god has decided today is a Lotus day.

springbok · #8 (**Post Link**) 25-04-10

Claying is fun, isn't it?

If the clay was not sticky then your technique is good and you are using sufficient QD as your lubricant.

GIZTO29 · #9 (**Post Link**) 25-04-10

Originally Posted by Mr Bacchus

Well thats it almost done. I have to say it there were a few surprises:

Did not expect it to be a 'smooth' process, I thought I would feel the clay dragging on the paint.

Could not believe the amount of crap that ends up on the clay. Defo worth doing.

Need to improve my technique to find clean areas of clay.

Clay was not as sticky as I imagined it would be, probably due to my technique again.

I will be putting a second coat of wax on this evening and then possibly posting some pics if I think it is worthy. Car currently locked in the garage as the weather god has decided today is a Lotus day.

It does drag if theres not proper lubrication and did you hear the clicking noises of the crap being removed? A good tip is to keep the clay in warm water to keep it soft.
I cut my megs clay into 3 pieces.

Mr Bacchus · #10 (**Post Link**) 25-04-10

Well thats me done. Struggled to get a pic without reflections of telegraph poles and other nasties so this is the best I can manage, lots of clouds.

I'm quite pleased with the result but realise that there is a lot of room for improvement if I compare with other cars on this forum. Nice to try something new.

Roswell · #11 (**Post Link**) 25-04-10

What colour is your car Mr B?

Mr Bacchus · #12 (**Post Link**) 25-04-10

It is Titanio Mr R, although pic does makes it look more like black.

Roswell · #13 (**Post Link**) 25-04-10

Originally Posted by Mr Bacchus

It is Titanio Mr R, although pic does makes it look more like black.

I like it! I'm a big fan of grey cars, particularly Alfas.

Mr Bacchus · #14 (**Post Link**) 25-04-10

Its a nice colour, sometimes it appears to be a chocolate brown colour, other times more dark grey. The big plus is it never looks dirty, even when it is. One day I will escape the office and get to a meet and you can have a closer look.

Roswell · #15 (**Post Link**) 25-04-10

Originally Posted by Mr Bacchus

Its a nice colour, sometimes it appears to be a chocolate brown colour, other times more dark grey. The big plus is it never looks dirty, even when it is. One day I will escape the office and get to a meet and you can have a closer look.

There's a SW driven by a bloke with a beard round my way somewhere. I've seen it a few times but never up close.

One day I'll organise another meet.

twissler · #16 (**Post Link**) 25-04-10

Looks really good. And when it's cloudy it doesn't show off the shine that well so it well done on a good job. very nice.

dabsafc · #17 (**Post Link**) 26-04-10

Originally Posted by Mr Bacchus

Well thats me done. Struggled to get a pic without reflections of telegraph poles and other nasties so this is the best I can manage, lots of clouds.

I'm quite pleased with the result but realise that there is a lot of room for improvement if I compare with other cars on this forum. Nice to try something new.

Very shiney

Which polish and wax did you use?

MPH · #18 (**Post Link**) 26-04-10

I must say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread. It inspired me to get off my lazy bum and clay my car. Its the first time I have done it and am glad I did. The clay even got off the tiny specks of tar/brakedust that have been stuck to my arches for ages

Some SRP to hide the swirlys and finished with some megs wax and I am well chuffed with the outcome

Should be looking good for Brooklands on saturday.

Thanks again all

GIZTO29 · #19 (**Post Link**) 26-04-10

Originally Posted by MPH

I must say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread. It inspired me to get off my lazy bum and clay my car. Its the first time I have done it and am glad I did. The clay even got off the tiny specks of tar/brakedust that have been stuck to my arches for ages

Some SRP to hide the swirlys and finished with some megs wax and I am well chuffed with the outcome
Should be looking good for Brooklands on saturday.

Thanks again all

If you suffer Tar also try Autosmart Tardis or Valet Pro Citrus Tar & Glue Remover