In this thread we will cover off how you can use detailing clay to restore a finish and the benefits from using detailing clay on your car.
Remove contaminants from the paint to result in a clean surface
The concept of using detailing clay may be new to you and you might be thinking, “What is detailing clay and what can detailing clay do for my car?”
Detailing Clay is designed to; Remove contaminants that washing alone cannot remove (industrial fallout, brake dust, tree sap, light water spotting) Prepare the painted surface for paint correction also it can be used on glass.
How Does Auto Detailing Clay Work?
Before taking to the vehicle with a Clay Bar ask yourself "Does the vehicle need claying?" Read on further to justify putting in the extra work. Detailing clay is used with a clay lubricant such as Adam's Detail Spray. This combination allows the clay to glide over surface of your paint and collects the particles embedded in the clear coat. Used properly, detailing clay is completely safe and nonabrasive.
What Does Detailing Clay Remove?
If your car is brand new or a classic and not kept in a climate controlled bubble your vehicle is under constant assault from the elements. This will definitely vary if your car is a show car with the occasional outing vs. a daily driver. Brake dust, industrial fallout, acid rain deposits and rail dust all can adhere to your vehicle. These contaminants often contain metal particulates. These contaminants then oxidize, and they allow rust to spread beneath the clear coat. Detailing clay removes these contaminants in order to keep the paint healthy and vibrant.
Detailing Clay also removes stubborn sap, tar, and bug guts. However you will always want to try washing with a high lubricity car shampoo first (Adam's Car Shampoo or Rinseless Wash) try the least aggressive method first. Detailing clay works wonder on glass as well. Try some the next time you’re washing your windows. You’ll be amazed at the results!
Do You Need To Clay?
As mentioned in other threads try the baggie test: This a simple test that will indicate whether or not you need to clay. Wash and dry your vehicle, put a plastic sandwich bag over your hand and very very lightly rub your fingertips over the paint. If it feels gritty or rough, your paint is contaminated.
Use a high quality detailing clay bar, like Adam's Detailing Clay Bar, and a clay lubricant to clean your paint before applying wax or polish. Waxes and paint sealants will adhere evenly to clean paint and the shine will be more uniform and vibrant.
Clay is available in 200g bars. On average, a vehicle will need to be clayed once to twice a year.
NOTE: To optimize both the quality of your claying and the clay's useful life, avoid soap and water as a lubricant. They will prematurely deteriorate today’s clay compounds. Use only clay lubricants. A good clay kit, like Adam's Detailing Clay Kit, contain both the detailing clay and it’s corresponding lubricant.
Follow these steps:
Wash and dry your vehicle. Spray a small area with clay lubricant Gently rub the clay bar back and forth across the wet area. It will grab at first. This means that it is pulling contaminants out of the paint. When it glides freely, the paint is clean. Wipe the area with a microfiber towel and use the clay lubricant to remove any clay residue. Rub your fingers across the paint now; it should be as smooth as glass. If it’s not, repeat the process. Reshape the clay bar as needed to expose a clean surface. Keep the clay well-lubricated. Continue these steps until you’ve clayed the entire vehicle. Store the clay bar in its original case if possible, or in an airtight plastic bag. Spray it with lubricant to keep it moist.
Overall, claying your vehicle is an easy process and will assist in restoring shine followed by a good polish and sealant/wax combo. If you apply common sense and don't rush the result will be perfect everytime.
On another note, there are many other 'alternatives' to an actual clay bar. These alternative come in clay mitts, clay towels, clay pads etc. We have tried and tested these products and found that each have their pro's and con's. Some products induced heavy marring of the paint, others required heavy pressure etc. With all things detailing, it has to be fun, fit your budget and most of all you have to be comfortable using the product on your pride and joy. If you've found your claying solution and love it and it gives you the results you want, stick with it!
If you have any questions or maybe want us to cover off something in this thread in more detail. Let us know.
Question
AmyAtAdamsAustralia
In this thread we will cover off how you can use detailing clay to restore a finish and the benefits from using detailing clay on your car.
Edited by Joseph@AdamsAustraliaRemove contaminants from the paint to result in a clean surface
The concept of using detailing clay may be new to you and you might be thinking, “What is detailing clay and what can detailing clay do for my car?”
Detailing Clay is designed to;
Remove contaminants that washing alone cannot remove (industrial fallout, brake dust, tree sap, light water spotting)
Prepare the painted surface for paint correction also it can be used on glass.
How Does Auto Detailing Clay Work?
Before taking to the vehicle with a Clay Bar ask yourself "Does the vehicle need claying?" Read on further to justify putting in the extra work. Detailing clay is used with a clay lubricant such as Adam's Detail Spray. This combination allows the clay to glide over surface of your paint and collects the particles embedded in the clear coat. Used properly, detailing clay is completely safe and nonabrasive.
What Does Detailing Clay Remove?
If your car is brand new or a classic and not kept in a climate controlled bubble your vehicle is under constant assault from the elements. This will definitely vary if your car is a show car with the occasional outing vs. a daily driver. Brake dust, industrial fallout, acid rain deposits and rail dust all can adhere to your vehicle. These contaminants often contain metal particulates. These contaminants then oxidize, and they allow rust to spread beneath the clear coat. Detailing clay removes these contaminants in order to keep the paint healthy and vibrant.
Detailing Clay also removes stubborn sap, tar, and bug guts. However you will always want to try washing with a high lubricity car shampoo first (Adam's Car Shampoo or Rinseless Wash) try the least aggressive method first. Detailing clay works wonder on glass as well. Try some the next time you’re washing your windows. You’ll be amazed at the results!
Do You Need To Clay?
As mentioned in other threads try the baggie test: This a simple test that will indicate whether or not you need to clay. Wash and dry your vehicle, put a plastic sandwich bag over your hand and very very lightly rub your fingertips over the paint. If it feels gritty or rough, your paint is contaminated.
Use a high quality detailing clay bar, like Adam's Detailing Clay Bar, and a clay lubricant to clean your paint before applying wax or polish. Waxes and paint sealants will adhere evenly to clean paint and the shine will be more uniform and vibrant.
Clay is available in 200g bars. On average, a vehicle will need to be clayed once to twice a year.
NOTE: To optimize both the quality of your claying and the clay's useful life, avoid soap and water as a lubricant. They will prematurely deteriorate today’s clay compounds. Use only clay lubricants. A good clay kit, like Adam's Detailing Clay Kit, contain both the detailing clay and it’s corresponding lubricant.
Follow these steps:
Wash and dry your vehicle.
Spray a small area with clay lubricant
Gently rub the clay bar back and forth across the wet area. It will grab at first. This means that it is pulling contaminants out of the paint. When it glides
freely, the paint is clean.
Wipe the area with a microfiber towel and use the clay lubricant to remove any clay residue. Rub your fingers across the paint now; it should be as smooth as glass. If it’s not, repeat the process. Reshape the clay bar as needed to expose a clean surface. Keep the clay well-lubricated.
Continue these steps until you’ve clayed the entire vehicle.
Store the clay bar in its original case if possible, or in an airtight plastic bag. Spray it with lubricant to keep it moist.
Overall, claying your vehicle is an easy process and will assist in restoring shine followed by a good polish and sealant/wax combo. If you apply common sense and don't rush the result will be perfect everytime.
On another note, there are many other 'alternatives' to an actual clay bar. These alternative come in clay mitts, clay towels, clay pads etc. We have tried and tested these products and found that each have their pro's and con's. Some products induced heavy marring of the paint, others required heavy pressure etc. With all things detailing, it has to be fun, fit your budget and most of all you have to be comfortable using the product on your pride and joy. If you've found your claying solution and love it and it gives you the results you want, stick with it!
If you have any questions or maybe want us to cover off something in this thread in more detail. Let us know.
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