Claying - fapping scratching the paint!

[Giles]

Now those who know me know I'm a firm believer in the 'karcher pressure washer' car 'detailing technique.

Ie, dig out the pressure washer, spay car, put pressure washer away.

Anyhow - I do actually have all the gear, just never bother to use it.


But... the misses has an mgf, It needs love and attention inside and out.

Outside the paint is a bit dull, lots of swirls etc.
So we washed it, I got the clay out, started working on a wing, and just found it was picking up contaminants and leaving scratches.

What was I doing wrong, and how should I use this damn stuff?

I was basically using the lube, and kind of dabbing it. Is this right?

Any pointers please chaps.
Ta

[Gaz86]

no don't dab it, you rub it untill the surface feels like glass.

it picks up the **** as it passes accross it and takes it into the clay.

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

[WheelyBigCheese]

You keep the surface well lubricated and with little pressure glide over the paint, you will feel a resistance on bad areas.

The car must still be dirty or wind has blew grit it on the paint after you washed it?

[Giles]

Ah. That video was good.

It was outside, but not windy.

It was clean, in so much as it had a good wash, but maybe not a 'detailing' good wash.
So I'll spend a bit more time washing next time.

That video has actually made me think I wasn't using enough lube and was also pressing too hard, so dragging the 'contaminants' through the paint.

Cheers for the repsonses guys. Think I'll give it another go next weekend.

[Benn]

Like in every walk of life, the more lube the better..

Work the clay well in your hands so its warn and soft. Use it on a panel then rework it in your hands so its a different bit that will touch the next panel, the dirt will work its way to the center of the lump.

[Gaz86]

heavier clays for muckier cars too, I had to purple the fiesta on the skirts and sides it was horrific what was coming up.

[Benn]

Yeah, dont use to hard on crappy paint tho, can pull the paint off..lol

Do it every time you wash it and you'll be amazed at the difference and it gets easier and nicer every time.

[Gaz86]

I wouldn't recommend purple every wash, that stuff is really gnarly.

[Benn]

No, a light/mild one is best for weekly/fortnightly uses.

[Paul]

That video has actually made me think I wasn't using enough lube and was also pressing too hard

I love the quote button

[Giles]

lmao @ Paul.

Noted Benn & Gaz.

[mk3convertible]

Great video, might try some clay. Usually happy with jet wash, sponge & a quick polish, but the clay takes it to another level.

Loved the Karate Kid style wax on/wax off the bloke did on the first clip on the bonnet (right hand - clay, left hand - microcloth), "wax on, wax off daniel son."

[MikeWarner]

Fold the clay regularly and throw it away when dirty, or straight away if you drop it. The clay should glide over the paintwork.

[Tazzy]

are you using water based clay or detailing based clay?

as already said, apply lots of liquid then lightly, with 2 fingers, glide the clay over

id also recommend using the meguiars paint cleaner before hand to et off any lose grit

the clay bar should reduce the sharpness of scratches to make them less visible

[Benn]

id also recommend using the meguiars paint cleaner before hand to et off any lose grit

the clay bar should reduce the sharpness of scratches to make them less visible

You are ment to Clay before any kinda of polishing goes on.

[spanishfly]

A good tip is, use the clay straight after washing the car, while it's still wet. Helps with lube and saves having to dry it

[Benn]

That's when i do it, with a spray of QD.