A fast question regarding using a clay bar
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,956
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From: Camden SC
A fast question regarding using a clay bar
So I am getting ready to strip the wax off my C6 and get it ready for Rejex. My plan is to wash the car with Dawn, then clay bar, and a second wash prior to the Rejex treatment.
My question is that I have heard you can use Dawn as the clay bar lubricant. Usually I use spray detailer to lubricate, but if I can use Dawn instead then rinse, that could save me a step. If I can use the Dawn, I plan to use it full strength.
Any thoughts?
My question is that I have heard you can use Dawn as the clay bar lubricant. Usually I use spray detailer to lubricate, but if I can use Dawn instead then rinse, that could save me a step. If I can use the Dawn, I plan to use it full strength.
Any thoughts?
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I have used Dawn to wash and remove the wax and you can use a teaspoon mixed with water in a spray bottle to lubricate the clay bar although I have been using detailing spray...no need for full strength dawn
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 809
From: West coast CA
So I am getting ready to strip the wax off my C6 and get it ready for Rejex. My plan is to wash the car with Dawn, then clay bar, and a second wash prior to the Rejex treatment.
My question is that I have heard you can use Dawn as the clay bar lubricant. Usually I use spray detailer to lubricate, but if I can use Dawn instead then rinse, that could save me a step. If I can use the Dawn, I plan to use it full strength.
Any thoughts?
My question is that I have heard you can use Dawn as the clay bar lubricant. Usually I use spray detailer to lubricate, but if I can use Dawn instead then rinse, that could save me a step. If I can use the Dawn, I plan to use it full strength.
Any thoughts?
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 475
Likes: 56
Dawn is a degreaser. By using it to wash the whole car, you can dry out the weather stripping, causing cracking. In my opinion, it's not worth the risk. But it can be used as a lubricant, when diluted, for claying. I still wouldn't recommend it, but you can do it.
Last edited by Audacious Nick; Feb 17, 2013 at 04:36 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 695
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From: NoVA
The real risk with dawn is it doesn't provide encapsulating lubrication like a good car wash. Ideally you want to wash with a good quality wash, then once all the dirt is off the car, use the dawn. In reality, the clay is going to strip whatever wax you have on it so you'll be fine even without the dawn wash. I'd still use a good QD for claying. Its no fun having to polish out marring due to carelessness while claying.
Simplify
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: forging ahead...making up for lost time and embracing each day thankful to be alive.... nj
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At the risk of a good thrashing I will ask anyway...(and I did search "clay bar" and found nothing useful)
What is a clay bar....
Why would you strip wax....
What is Rejex.....
What is the desired end result?
Any and all help would be appreciated....
What is a clay bar....
Why would you strip wax....
What is Rejex.....
What is the desired end result?
Any and all help would be appreciated....
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Clearwater Florida
STRIP WAX: We strip the old wax as preparation for applying new wax.
REJEX: Product that protects surfaces and discorages stuff from sticking. Supposedly developed for aircraft, many use it on their cars and / or wheels. Works well for helping keep chrome wheels looking good. Crud rinses off easier.
END RESULT: Having the shiniest and cleanest Corvette, of course!
Last edited by florida john; Feb 17, 2013 at 06:19 PM.
Simplify
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: forging ahead...making up for lost time and embracing each day thankful to be alive.... nj
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
~~~ CFOT Book Folder ~~~
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CLAY BAR: Clay bars are used in removing embedded and desposited "crud" on car's painted surfaces. Found in most auto parts stores, rubbing the wetted surface with a clay bar smooths the surface noticably. We use this to prepare the car for wax or protectant,
STRIP WAX: We strip the old wax as preparation for applying new wax.
REJEX: Product that protects surfaces and discorages stuff from sticking. Supposedly developed for aircraft, many use it on their cars and / or wheels. Works well for helping keep chrome wheels looking good. Crud rinses off easier.
END RESULT: Having the shiniest and cleanest Corvette, of course!
STRIP WAX: We strip the old wax as preparation for applying new wax.
REJEX: Product that protects surfaces and discorages stuff from sticking. Supposedly developed for aircraft, many use it on their cars and / or wheels. Works well for helping keep chrome wheels looking good. Crud rinses off easier.
END RESULT: Having the shiniest and cleanest Corvette, of course!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,004
Likes: 4
From: Eagan MN
thank you. Crystal clear...no pun intended. I was reluctant to ask as I have taken a licking or two....your response was greatly appreciated. Guess I'm off to autoparts store tomorrow. My red vette looks all scratched up no matter how many times I wax her. Hopefully this will help. I have to wax by hand,...does that matter?
1. Wash thoroughly
2. Clay Bar using detail spray as lube (I bought Macguiers sp? clay bar kit and followed directions...comes with detail spray).
3. Polish (I did it by hand)
4. Rejex...available online...not sure any auto parts stores carry it.
5. Wax if desired (I did not).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 8,022
Likes: 8
From: Stafford VA, home of our wolf den. No house break ins to date.
use a car wash soap as a lubricant. . its got to be slick..thats why i use Zaino's z7 as a lube..its has some of his polish in it.. and i use distilled water in the the spray bottle..only 2 tea spoons of soap in a quart... using distilled water rules out mineral contamination.. just a little extra fix for a job well done.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 647
Likes: 1
From: Willow Springs IL
use a car wash soap as a lubricant. . its got to be slick..thats why i use Zaino's z7 as a lube..its has some of his polish in it.. and i use distilled water in the the spray bottle..only 2 tea spoons of soap in a quart... using distilled water rules out mineral contamination.. just a little extra fix for a job well done.