If so, how? I have heard horror stories about how it can scratch the paint but I have seen how beautiful it smooths the paint!

I want to do it myself ans I am a beginner so I dont want to screw up a fairly new paint job! Suggestions wwould be greatly appreciated!


[Modified by ITRbroham, 8:23 AM 9/10/2001]

 

As long as you're using enough of the lubricant they give you, you'll be ok. Just take your time with it and be smooth. When I use the Mothers clay bar I probably use more of the lubricant than I should, but thats just me. It sure feels good when your done though, and put some wax on afterwards.
Good luck


[Modified by winglessR, 1:14 PM 9/10/2001]

 

If you use Mothers brand clay, do NOT use their lube. It's not a lube at all. It's their Detailer, and not slick at all.

It's best to make your own with a mixture of car wash soap and water in a spray bottle. It's works, and since you will be washing your car afterwards, it will rise right off. Soapy water is the slickest thing you can use for clay that will rise off completely.

P.S. Four important points:

1. Don't rub hard with the clay. Glide it over the surface.

2. Turn the clay to get clean surface. Clay is expensive, so use it right. Old clay don't sit well anyways.

3. Use lot's of lube (see above).

4. Don't drop it on the ground. If you do, don't think you can pick it back up to use again. Advise, cut it into pieces so if you trash one, you still got some fresh ones.

Happy Detailing. Got more Qs, just post.

 

So Drew.....I should Clay the car before I wash it or after?

 

Use the clay after you wash (the car). Using soapy water worked ok for a friend of mine, but I really do like using the detailer spray that Mother's provides. I used two bottles of detailer for one car though, as it is important to keep wet the part that you are claying. The only reason I wasn't too cool with using water is that clay is basically mud, and once you start adding water to the mixture, it becomes even more muddy, and less cohesive. Just be sure to use it fairly lightly on the surface, and do keep it wet. I toweled off the area once I was done, and then moved on to the next. Once finished, give it a good coat of wax, since you'll be removing the current coat with the clay. It's amazing what that clay can do to your paint. Touch a section that you have done, then touch a section not yet done... it's really wild. Last tip: As you rub the clay slowly on the car, you'll actually feel the gritty texture of the old surface. Once it feels smooth, you've clayed it enough. Sounds odd, but once you try it, you'll know what I mean. Good luck.

 

Clay rules...Just make sure you open the Mother's box..cause some fools jack the the clay inside..I love the stuff..Sure it takes longer but it really works..hehe

 

THe clay bar rules...the mothers detailer they give you to use with it works ok, just use a good amount. The whole car will take a LONG time, so be prepared to spend some time on it.

 

Both.

 

Yes, if the box look like it has been opened. Double check. That does happen sometimes.

 

I actually like Napa's clay bar. They give kindof a small amount, but it works very well. If you drop the clay bar, don't use it. Thats where the scratches come from. And, of course you must wash car before...

How old is your paint. Don't use a clay bar if your paint is only like 6 months old... You wouldn't need to anyway, unless your city has freqent chemical fallout!?

 

Any other suggestions?