Clay away - You'll be impressed !

[mikeyw]

Guys,

Been thinking about claying my GT but 1st decided to practice on the wife's 4yr old 307.

All I can say is WOW - what an amazing product clay is. It took me 15mins to do the whole car and the paintwork is now glass like and feels brand new to the touch. I'm going to bang some meguirs wax on it now to seal the car again but I can highly recommend claying to anyone....should bring those older Alfa's up a treat

It's a strange sensation at first as you move the clay over the panels it feels like it's moving over very fine sandpaper but after a few seconds it changes to a silky smooth movement as the cr@p is removed by the clay.

Anyway try for yourselves - you'll be impressed

[CK888]

Impressive stuff isn't it, I've been using clay for a couple of years now and it's also good on the alloys and windows.

[ian grant]

Sounds good.

What clay do you use, is there any particular brand you recommend?

Cheers.

[PaulR]

I have never used clay - but now I am tempted.

Paul.

[mikeyw]

Originally Posted by ian grant

Sounds good.

What clay do you use, is there any particular brand you recommend?

Cheers.

I used Poorboys but Sonus is meant to be good as well. Try on Ebay - should be able to get some for less than a tenner delivered.

Probably get half a dozen clays at least from a pot - i'd be tempted to go 1/2's with a mate as you probably only need to clay once or twice a year.

[mikeyw]

Originally Posted by PaulR

I have never used clay - but now I am tempted.

Paul.

The older the car - the more contaminents on the paintwork !

Go for it

[ian grant]

Originally Posted by mikeyw

I used Poorboys but Sonus is meant to be good as well. Try on Ebay - should be able to get some for less than a tenner delivered.

Probably get half a dozen clays at least from a pot - i'd be tempted to go 1/2's with a mate as you probably only need to clay once or twice a year.

Thanks very much, I'll take closer look at that.

[Gary Slegg]

Originally Posted by PaulR

I have never used clay - but now I am tempted.

Paul.

Me too

[jonwood79]

I bought some clay ages ago but it's still in the box waiting to be used because I'm a lazy ****.

Think I'll give it a go now, though!

[julian]

Hi folks - been considering using clay for a while, but can I ask the experts a couple of questions? Firstly, how does it work - do you simply rub it over your bodywork? Also do you need some sort of lubricant (oh er) as some sell kits on e-bay that include it.
Thanks in advance - Julian.

[ACAPULCO AL]

I tried it for the first time last year. It really is great stuff, particularly for the lower flanks of the car which are most prone to getting caked in grime. I would definitely recommend it. Easy to use as well

Julian, you need to use it with lubricant - the one I've got comes in a spray bottle like Flash/kitchen cleaner sort of thing. Otherwise the clay just sticks to the car. What to do with the clay? Simply rub it in a sweeping motion over a lubricated area a few times until you feel the "roughness" underneath start to feel smooth as glass

[mikeyw]

Originally Posted by julian

Hi folks - been considering using clay for a while, but can I ask the experts a couple of questions? Firstly, how does it work - do you simply rub it over your bodywork? Also do you need some sort of lubricant (oh er) as some sell kits on e-bay that include it.
Thanks in advance - Julian.

Like everything they try and get you to purchase some expensive lube spray....totally OTT....all you need is a weak mixture of car shampoo and water in one of those Plant mist spray bottles....works a treat

Just spray the panel then glide the clay over it until the resistence disappears after a couple of seconds.

This may help....

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcZRj509Ir8

Mike.

[julian]

Thanks guys - will order some from e-bay. Thanks for the tip Mike.
Cheers - Julian

[Pud237]

Originally Posted by Gary Slegg

Me too

Ditto

[classicgal93]

Thanks Mike, I think I'll give it a try too

[shiny_car]

clays come in different grades of coarseness, though usually only described as 'fine' and 'coarse'. for paint in poorer condition, you would consider a coarse grade; fine grade for paint in better condition. you would also AVOID a coarse grade on dark coloured and soft paints because it can create unsightly swirls.

a 'lubricant' is a must.

i use Meguiar's clay (it is a fine grade), which includes Detailer spray lubricant as part of the 'kit'. note, i am no means an officianado of car detailing!

as with any paint work, claying is but one step in several to create a top quality finish. you would ordinarily clay after washing the car thoroughly. then you'd follow with a polish (to remove any swirls or marks), then a wax or sealant. polishing is best done by machine (orbital or rotary polisher), which for most people means employing a professional detailer. there is far more science/technology to it than most people appreciate.

the vast majority of people neglect the paint. of course, it's difficult to be motivated to maintain a top quality finish if the car is a daily driver, exposed to extreme weather conditions. but there are other people who are fastidious, and do not think twice about constantly detailing their cars. it can be a hobby/passion, just like being an alfisti. plus, it can greatly improve resale value if the car is fully maintained.

[sirocco]

I use/d Sonus grey clay, works brilliantly!

[ady006]

I think i'll have a look at this gear

[nomad]

Originally Posted by ady006

I think i'll have a look at this gear

You can't smoke it Ady !!

[Stori]

I have been using clay bars for over 15 years....They really work but most people, traditionally, would not listen.....

Picture of my 19 year old Alfetta GTV which I sold in 2002

0n which I used a clay bar and Zymol Carbon wax...NB Zymol concours wax does a better job!

A pictures on my Alfa 147 in 2002 ...Clay bar and Zymol Concours wax

Front

Rear

[Al Faromeo]

Stori, that car looks amazing!


They both do...

[sirocco]

Originally Posted by Stori

I have been using clay bars for over 15 years....They really work but most people, traditionally, would not listen.....

Picture of my 19 year old Alfetta GTV which I sold in 2002

0n which I used a clay bar and Zymol Carbon wax...NB Zymol concours wax does a better job!

A pictures on my Alfa 147 in 2002 ...Clay bar and Zymol Concours wax

Front

Rear

Pity about the clueless and arrogant cretins at 2ymol who are now threatening non-profit detailing organisations and non-registered retailers with legal action [who by the way in the sweeping majority offer nothing but praise and reccommendation for the company] for simply publishing the name "Zymol" on their websites. Yep, that's right. Absolutely unbelievable...
I have bought waxes from them before, but no longer. Swissvax is just as good anyway.
Nevertheless, your Alfa looks stunning mate (as you'd expect for the price of the wax).

[lowejackson]

For those with an interest in clay and (US) patents http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5727993-fulltext.html

[Probusterrace]

I used Meguiars clay with their Quik detailer spray for the first time just before NAD.

Very satisfying process but ultimately a waste of time doing it that week as anyone who went to NAD will appreciate!

Cleaning the car and waxing was easier afterwards though.

[lee16v]

Originally Posted by nomad

You can't smoke it Ady !!