Correct Claying

[MarylandVW]

Once I put the QD on the car, and begin claying, what is the next step? How do I know when to stop claying? Should I do the plastic bag test? Will that be the determing factor for when I should stop claying?

Next question, do I just wipe the QD and clay off with a towel? Do I wash it off? This was where I had problems with my first claying job.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanksgiving is coming up, and I will have plenty of time to clay the car thuroughly. Thanks.

[Guess My Name]

Form the clay into a flat oblongish rectangle.

Thoroughly wet small area (1 sq ft) surface with QD.

Move clay back and forth over area (Front to back). Do not press down let the clay do its job.

While surface is still wet feel with fingers or plastic baggy and check for crap. The clay will glide freely over smooth surfaces which should be an indicator as well.

Wipe up QD with clean MT.

If you clay entire car I would rewash the car to remove any residue and QD that may have dried. If you did small areas say the hood I QD the hood again with another MT.

Search Clay and read about it at the manufacturers sites. Also check the Autopia site and read what David B has written.

[carguy]

yep - I agree with guess_my_name. I find there is a distinct sound ("sshhhh shhhh shhhhh") in the first few strokes - and this can be felt too - as if you were wet-sanding with light sandpaper - and it then goes away - you feel NOTHING and you hear NOTHING. That is all it takes - the clay bar works very quickly - even on pretty built-up old grime. You shouldn't need more than 3-4 passes with light pressure. More rubbing won't do you any good, and WILL start to introduce scratches.

With the clay bars I've tried (Mothers and AutoSol) they only leave any residue at all if the surface starts to get too dry. If you're seeing smearing of the clay, you need to use a little more detail spray.

[MarylandVW]

Thanks carguy and GuessMyName. I appreciate the help. I will be claying the car this weekend (hopefully, the Turkey will be out of my system by then ).

Best regards.

[Guess My Name]

Out of system? I hope it is good turkey. I had visions of BAD Turkey pasts with that reply.

[Intermezzo]

The only thing I would add is that it is a lot less costly to use a half-capful of car wash soap mixed with 16 oz. of water as the lubricant instead of QD spray. Other than that, have fun! Claying is probably the easiest and most enjoyable step in prepping your paint. It's the damnedest thing. Just swipe it a few times and feel your paint become smoooooth.