Clay 1st time

I always use it after a wash, while the car is still wet and use the hose water as lube. It washes away the dirt better and leaves a cleaner surface, less scratches.

 

Yeah just make sure to wash the car before you clay it. The last thing you want is to be rubbing dirt and debris over your paint. Other than that, just make sure to lube up the panel with the spray to ensure a nice smooth glide, but don't use too much or the clay won't work as effectively. Also remember to fold the clay over constantly. I tend to use a new side of the clay every couple turns.

 

I like to do small sections at a time, not a full panel. Just keep the clay lubed and clean and you'll be amazed at the results.

 

get ready to be amazed.

 

I've done it this way too. saves the detail spray.
You can use just a spray bottle with just h2o also. just keep the panel wet.
I only use half of the clay block at a time. and I also keep it in a plastic zippy bag to keep it from drying out. If you drop it on the ground then throw that piece away,
Move the clay in the direction of the airflow when driving (front to back) NOT CIRCLES.
Pay attention to the clay too. When it starts getting dirt in it then it's time to fold it in half for a fresh face.
It really is amazing what a difference it makes. especially the first time you use it.

 

Keep the clay clean, lubed.. Go sideways left to right, right to left. It makes a HUGE difference. You'll be rubbing the clay on your paint and it'll be going slow, once the clay starts pulling all the gunk off your paint hold onto the clay! that'll fly off it'll be so smooth. Try to not clay in direct sun, you'll spend more time wiping away the dried on detail spray lol. I have the mothers kit too, works great.

 

Be very abundant with your lube. You do not want it to stick and scratch if it catches a dry spot.

Always use a clean part of the clay, if it ain't got a clean part then get rid of it and use a new piece.

 

Haha you think silvers bad? Shit imagine the pain I go through with my black SN LOL. Clay is your friend for any vehicle!

 

Great thread ... I've never tried it either planning in doing my truck paints still new on the car .

 

Everyone pretty much covered it. I just usually use a dish soap and water mix for claying, stripping off all the old wax to start fresh.

 

I was gonna say something before but I didn't know what level of detail you were going after. If you've got about 150,000hrs to kill then you can do my spring/fall exterior detail process. It's what's kept my truck looking the way it does being a daily driver since day one through hot summer sun and salt ridden winter roads.

1.Wash thoroughly and get everywhere. Wheel wells and all that, every crack and crevasse (I think that's how it's spelled.)
2. Wax using cleaner wax. I like Meguiars, it's always worked great for me.
3. Seal with Meguiars Synthetic Sealer 2.0. This gives protection and another layer.
4. Wax using Meguiars Caranauba wax for the final step.

So with this you've basically got 3 protective layers to be washed off before you get back down to your clearcoat. Like I said, this has kept my truck looking the way it does with original paint through the horrible conditions that IL has in the winter time and the beating sun in the summer.

EDIT: THere's no need to do this more than two or three times a year.

 

Clay is abrasive it will cause some minor marring even when done properly. Lube it up and have fun removing all the contaminants. When it gets dirty fold it up and use another side.

 

Here are a couple of my tips:

- Mix a little bit of car wash soap and distilled water in a spray bottle. Works great as a lube (you don't need expensive detailing sprays or "clay lube").

- Use the bag test (sandwich bag over the hand) before and after to feel the results.

- You can use something like Iron-X to decontaminate the paint before cleaning. It's not required, but the subsequent clay barring will go faster and easier.