Part 2 - How to use detailing clay

How to use detailing clay - Part 1

Mike Phillips demonstrates how to use detailing clay to remove above surface bonded contaminants off the surface of your car's paint to restore a smooth as silk finish.

If your car is parked outside for any length of time each day then over time "Above Surface Bonded Contaminants" will land on your car's paint and if not removed in a short amount of time will bond to the paint like glue and they won't wash off. That's where detailing clay comes into play. Detailing clay will safely remove above surface bonded contaminants so your choice of wax will last longer and thus protect longer as well as restore a high gloss finish.

Products Used:

Porter Cable 7424 XP
Wolfgang 8 oz. Swirl Remover Combo
CCS 6.5 Inch Smart Pads™ Dual Action Foam Pads by Lake Country
Cobra Indigo Microfiber Polishing Cloth
Brinkmann Maxfire Dual Xenon Rechargeable Swirl Finder Spotlight
3M Automotive Performance Masking Tape

Part 2 of a 2 part video series.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Detailing
• Clay
• How
• To
• Remove
• Swirls
• Show
• Car
• Finish
• Best
• Wax
• Autogeek
• Mike
• Phillips
• ShowCarGarage

[Shawnbfromsd]

Does this procedure change for cars with a satin finish?

Also how would you procede just prior to taking your car to be painted?

[autogeek]

@Shawnbfromsd

Everything changes with a satin or flat finish, that's the problem with satin finishes is they are trickier to maintain. Your second question would be better asked on our discussion forum as it's a better place to hold complex discussions. Join AutogeekOnline . net -Mike

[shibu2020]

hi , Mike

Just wanted to know whats usual life cycle of a clay bar in general assuming if its extensively used for exterior detailing in every 2- 3 months ??

Also i understand we got to fold the clay pattie once it gets the grime and contaminents but how do we make out that theres nomore clean spot left after moulding it turn by turn , i.e. no matter which way i fold , theres already dirt &grime collected over it from my previous clayying??

[autogeek]

@shibu2020

Great questions!

How long a clay bar will last depends upon how contaminated the paint on your car is. The longer the paint has been neglected the more contaminated it will be and the shorter the usefulness of your clay bar as it undoes the damage from neglect.

At some point the clay will be so filled with contaminants that you'll want to throw it away and start with a fresh bar of clay. Nothing lasts forever... -Mike

[AntonyTrickrider]

Cant you just buf out the contaminations wit a fast or dep cut rubingcompound?

[autogeek]

@AntonyTrickrider Using a rubbing compound will remove above surface bonded contaminants but it will also remove perfectly good paint. I think I explained that somewhere in the video? Regardless, one of the benefits of using detailing clay is you can remove the above surface bonded contaminants without removing paint like a compound or polish will do. -Mike

[MrGoldenwaffler]

@NETWizzJbirk Ya, this is why I specifically said "delivery brand new" ... the condition of a new car finish after let say, a paint sealant application has been performed, which often includes using clay bar , fallout remover or both. Also, I was talking about a used vehicle finish condition, pre- detail condition. Before one can go slather finishing wax all over it, you must use a clay bar to remove road contaminants - which a new car obviously does not have - yes I am aware of transit dust.

[NETWizzJbirk]

I put new, clean soapy water on the car and clay with my right hand. With my left hand I smear the watery clay residue stuff around to ensure there are no dry spots and feel the surface continuously.

[NETWizzJbirk]

@MrGoldenwaffler New cars have bonded contaminates... lots of them from shipping, packaging, being in the factory, stored at the car dealer... See for yourself.

[MrGoldenwaffler]

@AntonyTrickrider Unless the car is delivery brand new, before doing anything as far as paint correction or even protection, , you always need to use the clay bar.