there is a post in c5 general discussing claying and while i have some clay and lube i'm hesitant to use it . in the discussion some one mentioned they use a ''block'' instead . how about someone elaborating on the subject and telling us more about the ''block'' . if i choose to use a ''block'' how do i know if i'm buying a good one or a bad one ? wifes cars all feel smooth to the touch and not ''bumpy'' at all . uuhhh, guess i'll do a search while i'm here , thanks . . . peace

 

When you indicate "Block" is that referring to block sanding to flatten the orange peel in the paint? That is a world of difference from using a clay bar to remove surface bonded contaminates.

 

I responded to that thread. The "Block" they are referring to is like a foam pad that is in place of a clay bar, its content helps remove things, like a clay bar. It's a different spin on the clay bar. Not exactly new technology. I did review here on the Forum on a very similar product about 10 years ago. It worked, but did leave behind some contaminants.
There was a patent on Clay Bar technology and anyone manufacturing them had to pay some pennies to the patent holder, and if they didn't, it was a visit from their lawyers.
Ok, so working a clay bar is nothing to get nervous about. Make sure the car is thoroughly washed, not stuck on dirt, especially in the little nooks and crannies.
In my shop we use a mix of a capful of car wash soap and water in a 16oz spray bottle.
Spray a 2'x2' area of he hood and gently move the bar across the soapy water mix, do not clay a dry surface. You can use light pressure, but do not jam the bar down onto the paint surface. Evil Twin has done a very nice job of describing how to do it. Follow his instructions and you will not go wrong.
Inspect the bar before starting a new panel to make sure there is no sand/dirt on the surface of the bar. I will fold the bar over every two to three panels. I also recommend not playing music, you need to hear what is happening. A piece of dirt caught on the surface of the paint, will make the bar "scream." If you hear that you stop inspect the bar remove the dirt and fold the bar to a new surface.
It is not as scary as you think.
Hope that helps

 

another probably dumb question , does claying also remove my zaino coatings or just dirt ?? cars are REALLY smooth and i'd hate to create more work for this old [77] man . . peace

 

The 'Block" I am guessing is the Nano Sponge.

I have never clayed before but I have used the Nano pad. I used the fine grade Nano pad and got very good results. The care was in good shape prior.

The overwhelming one advantage I see is that when the clay gets dropped you should throw it away. With the Nano Sponge just rinse it off and use it again. Plus the clay is kneaded a lot and the grit just get hidden in the clay with the possibility of surfacing to due harm.

I am by no means an way or even remotely a authority on this.

It is my understand that claying or Nano sponge does remove and wax or sealant.

I defer to Grzldvt1 in that he is in this business of car care.

I also heard that the medium grade Nano can leave some small scratches that will need polishing. I did not experience this with the fine grade.

BTW it might be fine and then xtra fine not sure of the labeling but the finest grade is what I used.

 

I am a dinosaur. LOVE clay, Hate imitations. Clay gives me a tactile feel, that the blocks/mitts/pads don't.


No it won't remove you Zaino. It might degrade it, but some will remain.

Clay doesn't remove dirt, it removes bonded contaminates.

 

I like clay.

 

I still use a clay bar.

 

I started off with clay bars years ago. After I tried a clay sponge never bought a "bar" again.

 

This

 

Very good post, yes drop the clay bar on pavement/concrete and toss it. I recommend people put out a large plastic sheet underneath the car, or silly as it sounds newspaper around the car, if the clay bar gets dropped it is falling onto a clean surface, knead it and you are off and running

 

I've heard good things about them- a real time saver and decently long lasting. I got enough stock of clay bars to last awhile- not sure when I'll try one.

 

I use clay initially on a heavily contaminated surface. From that point on, I use the nano-sponge as long as the surface has not been heavily re-contaminated (baggie test will pretty much tell what's going on).

Once a year I use the nano sponge on the Vettes while doing a wet wash with sudsy car wash in a two-bucket system. Rinse, wash, rinse, apply more sudsy car wash and then a quick 'nano-sponge' wash, rinse again. Takes care of the wash and de-contam in pretty much one step without much more effort. Car comes out looking great, paint is mirror smooth and ready for whatever the next step needed, if any.

 

I have clayed a lot. Last year I tried a nano sponge and did not think it worked as well as clay. I tried it because I too drop clay on occasion. I still have it and will try again.