babaron Posted January 14, 2012 Share Posted January 14, 2012 Does an IPA wipedown do basically the same thing as claying? If so, which you prefer and why? If not, what exactly does it do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J Tegeler Posted January 14, 2012 Share Posted January 14, 2012 claying removes the contamination on the paint. IPA wipe down will remove wax or polish residue to get all oils and otehr product off to lay down a fresh coat of wax or sealant on bare paint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug123 Posted January 14, 2012 Share Posted January 14, 2012 IPA wipedown and claying are two different things for two different purposes. The IPA wipedown is to remove any previously used product from the paint, like waxes, sealants, or glazes. The idea is to clean the finish off so that you can reapply products, or, to get ready for your machine polishing session so that any residual product will not get into the polishing pads. Basically, it gives you wax-free/sealant-free paint. The clay removes small particles that are embedded in the surface of your clearcoat. When you remove these, the finish is smooth as glass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babaron Posted January 14, 2012 Author Share Posted January 14, 2012 So then ideally you should do both before polishing, right? Claying does not remove old wax or polish? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J Tegeler Posted January 14, 2012 Share Posted January 14, 2012 the clay will also remove old wax and polish. ideally one would do an IPA wipe after polishing to get any remaining oils off the paint to lay down the sealant/wax on bare paint for best protection Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc2hill Posted January 14, 2012 Share Posted January 14, 2012 So then ideally you should do both before polishing, right? Claying does not remove old wax or polish? IPA or a Dawn wash to remove the old protection first. Clay only if you don't pass the baggie test. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris@Adams Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 So then ideally you should do both before polishing, right? Claying does not remove old wax or polish? Clay in my opinion will remove some of the old wax, that being said yes I would do both! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GXPaycheck Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 IPA, clay (if needed), polish. You can clay without IPA but that just puts more crap in the clay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric@thompsonracing.us Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 I usually do a 2 Bucket Wash using about 2oz Adam's Car Shampoo and 1-2oz Adam's APC. This will give you a good, clean base to work with. I follow it up with clay, using the baggie test to determine where and how much to clay. Follow up with either Revive Hand Polish, or go through the full PC/Flex process. Seal paint, then enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gencoupe3dot8 Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 You are talking about two different cleaning processes. Claying Claying removes particles from your paint (single stage or clear) so that when you polish you can have confidence that those particles will not be picked up and mar the surface you are trying to correct. (It can also removes some particles not possible in a wash -- like sap, etc). As others have mentioned, doing a baggie test (slipping your hands in a baggie and lightly going over your paint with your hand in the bag) will tell you if claying is indicated. This is usually a must when you first get a new car (rail dust,etc), and after some period of time outside or in "bad" conditions. IPA wipe down IPA can be used in several different points in the process. One of the most common is after the polish and before the sealant and wax, to remove any oils from the polishing process. (This also gives you a good idea of the state of your correction) IPA can also be used after a wash (non-dawn) to remove wax and fillers so you can see where you are before you start the correction process. This is especially true if you have bought the car from a dealer (they may use fillers to cover poor buffing or other issues) Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug123 Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I would say that you only clay as needed, but always strip the finish with an IPA wipedown or Dawn wash. If you clay just a little, there is a chance that you won't get all the sealant etc. off the finish. I have tried it both ways, and found in my case that the IPA wipe down gives me a little faster correction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE Mook Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Two different beasts although Clay can do some of what IPA does, but IPA can't do what Clay does. The brood here has already mentioned what's up. If you want to eliminate the IPA Wipedown, then simply add 4oz. of APC to your wash bucket. That should be enough to strip off any remaining wax or sealant. Mook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssbusdrvr Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 OK have only been around here for a few months but why waste a good IPA shouldn't you drink it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc2hill Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 OK have only been around here for a few months but why waste a good IPA shouldn't you drink it? Silly rabbit, the other IPA - Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Save the good IPA for after you're done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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babaron
Does an IPA wipedown do basically the same thing as claying? If so, which you prefer and why? If not, what exactly does it do?
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