:cool:
Clay bar step??
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,732
Likes: 2
From: Yes .....VA
Clay bar step??
Gonna do a couple of Zaino coats on the Vette this weekend. Been using Zaino since last year. Quick Question for those of you who have done the Clay Bar thing.......Did you really notice an improvement after doing it? I am considering the step but am wondering if it will enhance my gloss at this point. :confused:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,555
Likes: 9
From: Indiana
Re: Clay bar step?? (vette5)
You really should have clayed before putting on the first coat of Zaino. The best test is to just feel the freshly-cleaned paint surface with your fingertips. If you can feel any grit or roughness, chances are the finish would benefit from a claying.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,913
Likes: 60
From: Twin Cities, MN
Re: Clay bar step?? (Jerry Velders)
I just clayed the whole car last night. It helps, even on cars that already have Zaino on it. It isn't as effective as doing it first, but it helps. Here's a pic of my baby.
2 coats of Z1, and 4 coats of Z5.
2 coats of Z1, and 4 coats of Z5.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Re: Clay bar step?? (vette5)
I'd ask Sal. I'm told you can Clay Bar anytime but you'd remove some of your Zaino. But in the long run it may be worth it. I'm thinking about using the clay again just because I saw how much improvement it made. After all those years (and coats of carnuba wax) the vast majority of surface imperfections were hidden under all that WAX. Once I washed of the Carnuba I used a little plastic glove that came with my Clay Bar (Clay-Magic). I ran my hand over my hood and it felt like gravel. After using the clay bar I probably removed 75% of the grit. I just wish I had more time and engery to do it again but I was so anxious to get my Zaino on that I didn't re-clay the car. Maybe this fall when the weather is cooler and I'm looking for vette projects to do.
To answer your question - It's very important to prep the surface (Clay Bar) no matter what wax/polish your going to apply. But I think Zaino responds better with a virgin surface. It will be worth your effort.
Good luck
Tom
USAF Retired
To answer your question - It's very important to prep the surface (Clay Bar) no matter what wax/polish your going to apply. But I think Zaino responds better with a virgin surface. It will be worth your effort.
Good luck
Tom
USAF Retired
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 3,525
Likes: 0
From: Kenton TN
Re: Clay bar step?? (vette5)
You need to feel your paint with your palm and finger tips to see if it nees to be clayed, there is not set time or schedule for claying. When your car is completely clean just rub the rear of the car with your fingers, if it feels bumpy you need to clay those areas.
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