Clay bar & Liquid Paint Clenaer Q's

FLdude · 11-11-09, 07:43

Hey guys, what's the difference in using the clay bar or liquid paint cleaner for step 1? Is one more aggressive than the other? Should the Paint cleaner be used after the clay bar?

steelwind101 · 11-11-09, 08:25

The claybar removes above the surface contamination.

Liquid paintwork cleaner removes below the surface contamination.

You really need to use both or atleast use a polish with chemical cleaning action to achieve clean paintwork and optimum clarity of the paintwork.

a.k.a. Patrick · 11-11-09, 08:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelwind101

The claybar removes above the surface contamination.

Liquid paintwork cleaner removes below the surface contamination.

You really need to use both or atleast use a polish with chemical cleaning action to achieve clean paintwork and optimum clarity of the paintwork.

Bingo, hit that nail on the head.

FLdude · 11-11-09, 09:07

Ok, thanks for clearing that up. So I'll be doing:

Wash
Clay bar (mothers)
Liquid Paint cleaner (megs or mothers step 1)
Polish (megs or mothers step 2)
DG #105 TPP
Maintaining with Aquawax when washing 1x/month.

Sound like a plan? I'll probly do the whole process 1x/yr on my wife's car b/c we plan on trading it in a few years, but do it 2x/yr on my car b/c I plan on keeping it long term.

yakky · 11-11-09, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLdude

Ok, thanks for clearing that up. So I'll be doing:

Wash
Clay bar (mothers)
Liquid Paint cleaner (megs or mothers step 1)
Polish (megs or mothers step 2)
DG #105 TPP
Maintaining with Aquawax when washing 1x/month.

Sound like a plan? I'll probly do the whole process 1x/yr on my wife's car b/c we plan on trading it in a few years, but do it 2x/yr on my car b/c I plan on keeping it long term.

Not sure about the Mothers, but I know the Megs Step 2 has lots of oils that will not play nice with the DG #105. You could grab some DG501 and kill steps 3 and 4 in one shot.

FLdude · 11-11-09, 09:49

did not know that. I don't see the 501 on their website... did you mean 601? Which is their polish bonding agent. I see what you mean, I need a polish with some cleaning ability right? Then top with DG 105 TPP. So... Wash, Clay, Cleaner Polish and then DG 105.

yakky · 11-11-09, 10:08

Duragloss Marine RV Polish #501 cleans, polishes, and shines gelcoat fiberglass boat and RV finishes. Duragloss durable boat and RV polishes.

Don't mind the RV designation, its fine for cars too.

FLdude · 11-11-09, 11:04

Interesting. I contacted Mothers, and asked them what I should use inbetween the Clay bar and reflections wax. They said nothing. Clay bar to reflections.

yakky · 11-11-09, 12:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLdude

Interesting. I contacted Mothers, and asked them what I should use inbetween the Clay bar and reflections wax. They said nothing. Clay bar to reflections.

Honestly though, I think you'd be much better served by going with Poliseal and Optimum Car Wax. Poliseal is a good cleaner, decent polish and nice looking sealant all in one. Your main goal seems to be time savings and ease of use, that is where Optimum rules. I was just throwing the 501 out there since you were sticking to the Duragloss line. DG is cheaper, but Optimum is much easier to use.

FLdude · 11-12-09, 03:57

I keep learning... Didn't realize the spray waxes (wet & dry type) have come a long way it seems. So many options, brands and combos my lord. The only thing I'm 100% sure about is using the use of a clay bar twice a year. I think for a "final" protectant coat I'm going to do some kind of spray waxy after each wash. So i guess the thing I don't understand or haven't figured out is

1-do I even need a product inbetween clay bar & spray wax
2- What kind of paint cleaner/polish should I use?

yakky · 11-12-09, 04:27

You do need a cleaner. But since you want to save time, just go with the DG501 or even DG101 if you are scared of the RV sticker. The AIO (all in one) will provide the base protection and you can just top with Aquawax.

2x year:
1. Wash
2. Clay
4. DG501 (or 101)
5. Top with AW

Every two weeks (I know you said month, I can't agree with that!)
1. Wash
2. While drying top with AW

Jim D. · 11-12-09, 01:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLdude

Interesting. I contacted Mothers, and asked them what I should use inbetween the Clay bar and reflections wax. They said nothing. Clay bar to reflections.

After claying, you only really need a "cleaner" if your paint condition, color and any other contributiong factors (including how much time you want to spend or how OCD you are) warrant the use of "cleaner."

A cleaner wax -- and Reflections Car Wax is really considered a cleaner wax, albeit a mild one -- often times is all you need.