Claying for the first time

dc52nv

dc52nv

New member
I'm as novice as it gets when it comes to car detailing. I'd like to step my game up a little and clay my vehicle. I have washed my car every week since I first drove it home from the dealer. I have an 06 Acura TL in diamond white pearl. The paint is in pretty good shape with minor swirls. It still shines like crazy from just washing it.

I've done some reading on the necessary steps after clay but am unsure on which products to use and in which order. I will be doing everything by hand. If you could help me choose the best products to apply by hand and the order to do them in it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance. :autopia:
 
I used clay to my car for the first time this past week, with how clean I kept my car it was very easy and took maybe 40 minutes. Having a maintained car will save you hours of headache... I took some clay to my moms 2011 cts this weekend. My second time using clay and her car has never even been washed... I used literally a whole bottle of lube and spent about 2.5hrs. Having the right type of clay would have saved some major time. Lesson learned for sure. I learned while claying you can really feel when the surface is smooth. Don't just wipe it all over the car, wait til the area you are working feels completely smooth before moving on to a new section.
 
Bypass the rookie step (qd) and use water instead. I think you'll find water gives you a better bite

You're going to love the outcome
 
Claying without lubricant may cause marring so unless your polishing afterwards its safer to use some kind of lube ,even if its just car soap for lube.IMO

You will love how smooth your paint feels after claying!Your neighbors may think your strange watching you caressing your car!:D
 
dc52nv said:
I'm as novice as it gets when it comes to car detailing. I'd like to step my game up a little and clay my vehicle. I have washed my car every week since I first drove it home from the dealer. I have an 06 Acura TL in diamond white pearl. The paint is in pretty good shape with minor swirls. It still shines like crazy from just washing it.

I've done some reading on the necessary steps after clay but am unsure on which products to use and in which order. I will be doing everything by hand. If you could help me choose the best products to apply by hand and the order to do them in it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance. :autopia:
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have fun claying...let us know how long it takes.
 
A claying tip..

Claying should be done with plenty of lubrication otherwise you'll feel the clay stick or bite occasionally and this can impart surface defects.

Because of using quite a bit of lubrication clay lube cost will add up.

Mix 1 ounce of liquid car wash in 30 ounces or so of clean water, mix thoroughly, and spray away....a very effective alternative clay lubricant...
 
Thanks everyone for the claying tips. Which products would you recommend that I can use by hand after I clay? I plan on using a non abrasive clay since it's my first time.
 
dc52nv said:
Thanks everyone for the claying tips. Which products would you recommend that I can use by hand after I clay? I plan on using a non abrasive clay since it's my first time.
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Go with the poly clay from pinnacle and after claying I give the car a waterless wash and start with a layer of a AIO like Blackfire TPnS or DG 501. And top with your favorite sealant or wax.
 
Mothers is a great mild claybar.Blackfire claybar is also a really great claybar that is more aggressive but will not leave marring(the only cars Ive found it to marr on really soft Prius paint).

Ive found blackfire clay really needs a propper clay lubricant. Soap and water is not enough to prevent marring for this one.
 
dc52nv said:
Thanks everyone for the claying tips. Which products would you recommend that I can use by hand after I clay? I plan on using a non abrasive clay since it's my first time.
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Do you have your clay yet? I use the Nanoskin Autoscuber...its faster and better then a claybar for several reasons. I dont use a claybar anymore.
 
I would stay away from the claybar alternatives for your first time.These blocks and towels and autoscrubbers can really marr some paints up even if you know what your doing. Your looking for something mild I get from your thread.
 
dd1101 said:
No need to waste money on nanoskin scrubber, I am sure its a great product but being a newbie I say check this kit out.

Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit
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Ive tried that and other claybar systems...they dont even compare...btw dont drop your clay. btw I have done atleast 30 customer details with my Nanoskin Autoscuber so far. Trust me its not a waste of money...its a time saver and money saver. Have a fun time claying.
 
dc52nv said:
Thanks everyone for the claying tips. Which products would you recommend that I can use by hand after I clay? I plan on using a non abrasive clay since it's my first time.
Click to expand...
What are you looking to do? Polish and then wax?
Just wax ?Or a sealant?

Or dont you know yet?:inspector:
 
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