about perfect paint.
Clay Bar
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 4
From: Always in my lane.
Clay Bar
This has probably been addressed at one time here but I cant find the info. I would love to know the proper way to use a clay bar. My Z is black and hood looks like crap, so im looking to cure this soon. The summer sun shows quite a bit. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 83
Likes: 2
One suggestion for your black Z...I have a black convertible, and it does have some chips in it. All the waxes I used left white dried wax in those chips, just highlighting all the imperfections. I tried Turtle wax "Black Box". It is the greatest thing since sliced bread for a black car...it make the finish look like new!
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Wash the car as normal. Rinse well. Make a extra rich bucket of car wash (two caps of wash vise one) and soap up one area of the car. Flatten the bar out into a pancake and just rub it on the soapy area until the paint is silky smooth. Then move to the next area. I rinse each area to prevent it from drying.
After the clay bar treatment, you can use some ICE wax.
WARNING! If you drop the bar on the ground,,,throw it away!!
BC
After the clay bar treatment, you can use some ICE wax.
WARNING! If you drop the bar on the ground,,,throw it away!!
BC
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
Meguiares............
Been using clay bar for 20 plus years since it first came out. Yes the Nippons get credit for its discovery.
First is to prep the clay bar. I flatten it and fold it over several times like a you would a terry cloth removing wax. As the clay gets contaminated with the bits of crap that was embedded in your paint it will discolor and you'll need to fip or fold it over to a clean side. Clay bar has limited life.
You'll need a lubricant. Soapy water will do , but I use the spray on detailer wax ( I buy it by the case so i have it around). This lets the clay bar slide easily across the paint surface.
Bill's correct in if you drop it on the ground , throw it away.
Just read the directions on whatever product you get. Really helps .
First is to prep the clay bar. I flatten it and fold it over several times like a you would a terry cloth removing wax. As the clay gets contaminated with the bits of crap that was embedded in your paint it will discolor and you'll need to fip or fold it over to a clean side. Clay bar has limited life.
You'll need a lubricant. Soapy water will do , but I use the spray on detailer wax ( I buy it by the case so i have it around). This lets the clay bar slide easily across the paint surface.
Bill's correct in if you drop it on the ground , throw it away.
Just read the directions on whatever product you get. Really helps .
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,735
Likes: 1,203
From: Wisconsin
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: OC Calif
St. Jude Donor '10
Out of the sunlight, and using any spray detailer will work best. BUT! clay bar is only 1 easy step on your way to a good looking car or hood in your case. IT WILL NOT REMOVE swirls and fine scratches, which is what I'm assuming you are looking for. Clay bar is to remove fine dirt particles trapped when the car was waxed.
You have to cut the clear coat- using a buffer with Swirl/Fine Scratch remover, then Machine Polish compound (again with the buffer)- then wax.
check Youtube - search 'junkman2008' and watch his videos
You have to cut the clear coat- using a buffer with Swirl/Fine Scratch remover, then Machine Polish compound (again with the buffer)- then wax.
check Youtube - search 'junkman2008' and watch his videos
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
All depends ........
All depends on the condition of the painted surface. I would venture to say that 'color' sanding is a step that has always brought great rewards for abused paint. Not only eliminate the surface blems but the 'orange peel' as well. All my vehicles get 'color' sanded. Granted no all can accomplish or are successful at the task or are even willing to sand on their paint but its a skill that really shows up.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 4
From: Always in my lane.
Is that Turtle Wax Black a new product? I know you said it works well, I may try it. And if it has black pigments, im sure it covers the swirl/scratches well. Thanks. (tell me more)!!
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
Apply stag 1, let haze, apply spray detailer and remove step 1 and detail spray.
Apply stag 2, let haze, spray detailer and remove step 2 and detail spray.
Step 3 one final coat of detail spray, stand back and
I think I paid $20 for it at the local Auto Parts Store. It works even better if applied with and orbital hand waxer/polisher
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
Last edited by TrplBlk01; May 7, 2010 at 03:23 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 277
From: Springfield MA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12, '19, '21
