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For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar

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Old Jan 4, 2004 | 06:08 AM
  #1  
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Default For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar

Last week, I bought the Mother's kit - comes with a clay bar, spray to use while using the clay bar, and then some carnuba wax to put on after.
Wow, makes a nice difference, the paint is very smooth and it has more shine then before.

It was the worth the hours I spent - but I love to clean my S anyways.
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Old Jan 4, 2004 | 06:53 AM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (TommyV)

Nice. Clay bars work wonders. I purchased the Zaino clay bar kit last year. It takes all the tiny microscopic particles off your paint. Long process, but in the end, well worth it. Did your instructions tell you to wash your car with dish-washing soap first?
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Old Jan 4, 2004 | 07:56 AM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (00MRSi)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 00MRSi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Nice. Clay bars work wonders. I purchased the Zaino clay bar kit last year. It takes all the tiny microscopic particles off your paint. Long process, but in the end, well worth it. Did your instructions tell you to wash your car with dish-washing soap first?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

No it just said to wash your car good (with perferably Mother's car wash, no surprise there) I use Zymol car wash.

Has your paint stayed looking really nice since the last time you used the clay bar?? I'm hoping as long as I keep washing and waxing the shine will hold up.

BTW, what kind of wax do you use?? I think I like the carnuba wax over the other wax formulas (ie Meguires)
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Old Jan 4, 2004 | 11:59 AM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (TommyV)

where did u purchase this?
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Old Jan 4, 2004 | 12:34 PM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (Eh2 to Ap1)

You can get them anywhere, I got my kit at Pep Boys for 14.99
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Old Jan 4, 2004 | 02:03 PM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (TommyV)

I just waxed mine with Meguirs Gold Class paste, wow, what a pain to get off, but it sure did look good afterwards.
gmoore
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Old Jan 4, 2004 | 02:16 PM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (tegunderpressure)

the dishwashing soap is for using zaino only, you use it to get rid of the old wax on the car so zaino goes directly to the paint.

As for clay bars, you guys don't need to buy the kit, it's a waste of $$$. All you need is the clay bar, the mothers seems to be the most recommended. As for the lubrication while claying, just add water to some car washing soap and you're set. If you use the crap that comes with the mothers clay, it has even more wax in it, something you don't need while claying. Just use soapy water (a lot more water than soap) while you clay.

One more thing to remember, everytime you clay, you are removing a fine layer of your clearcoat. Don't clay more than twice a year, or every 6 months.
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Old Jan 4, 2004 | 03:58 PM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (vapor)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vapor &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the dishwashing soap is for using zaino only, you use it to get rid of the old wax on the car so zaino goes directly to the paint.

As for clay bars, you guys don't need to buy the kit, it's a waste of $$$. All you need is the clay bar, the mothers seems to be the most recommended. As for the lubrication while claying, just add water to some car washing soap and you're set. If you use the crap that comes with the mothers clay, it has even more wax in it, something you don't need while claying. Just use soapy water (a lot more water than soap) while you clay.

One more thing to remember, everytime you clay, you are removing a fine layer of your clearcoat. Don't clay more than twice a year, or every 6 months. </TD></TR></TABLE>

The instructions specifically say not to use water, but I guess if you use it with soap you are ok?

Yes you are right, the liquid they give you to use is the "Showtime Instant detailer", which is for quick clean up of spots between washes.

I sorta figured it was taking off a bit of clear, because the swirl marks were less noticeable and it helped to dull a few lighter scratches...
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Old Jan 5, 2004 | 05:01 AM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (TommyV)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TommyV &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

No it just said to wash your car good (with perferably Mother's car wash, no surprise there) I use Zymol car wash.

Has your paint stayed looking really nice since the last time you used the clay bar?? I'm hoping as long as I keep washing and waxing the shine will hold up.

BTW, what kind of wax do you use?? I think I like the carnuba wax over the other wax formulas (ie Meguires)
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Vapor pretty much said it all. I use Z2 and Z5 wax from Zaino. Zaino products are a little expensive, but well worth it IMO. Sal Zaino also has great tips and advice on his website. Check it out: http://www.zainobros.com

My paint is looking good. Shiny, glossy and smooth. My car does not get out much however. 7k miles the past 1.5 years. Stays in the garage.
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Old Jan 5, 2004 | 10:57 AM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (TommyV)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TommyV &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

The instructions specifically say not to use water, but I guess if you use it with soap you are ok?

Yes you are right, the liquid they give you to use is the "Showtime Instant detailer", which is for quick clean up of spots between washes.

I sorta figured it was taking off a bit of clear, because the swirl marks were less noticeable and it helped to dull a few lighter scratches...</TD></TR></TABLE>

yep, no need to use their claying solution, that's just marketing. The only purpose of the solution while claying is to provide lubrication for the clay. If you ever clayed in the sun, you'll realise how hard it is b/c the solution dries fast and can make the clay bar skip and potentiall fall on the ground. Always clay in the garage or shade if possible and wash the solution right after you clay b/c that can stay on the paint and be trouble-some to remove. I got the tip of using soapy water from an experienced auto-detailer/body shop.
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Old Jan 5, 2004 | 11:35 AM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (vapor)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vapor &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

yep, no need to use their claying solution, that's just marketing. The only purpose of the solution while claying is to provide lubrication for the clay. If you ever clayed in the sun, you'll realise how hard it is b/c the solution dries fast and can make the clay bar skip and potentiall fall on the ground. Always clay in the garage or shade if possible and wash the solution right after you clay b/c that can stay on the paint and be trouble-some to remove. I got the tip of using soapy water from an experienced auto-detailer/body shop. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Excellent, thank you! So next year I'll give that a try, and I'm going to check out the Zaino wax formula too.
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Old Jan 5, 2004 | 11:43 AM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (TommyV)

the only advantages I've seen from using zaino is it lasts longer than wax, doesn't melt or deteriorate as easy on a black car as regular wax does, and has a nice shine. Also forgot to mention it's VERY easy to apply and remove. Requires no elbow grease and when used right, one bottle really lasts for over 200 coats when applied properly (should only streak as applying and should leave NO haze). It's pretty cool stuff. All you really need is Z1, Z2, and Z5, and use Z6 for extra shine. Lighter colored cars get the best shine with Z5, darker ones...Z2 and apply Z1 as the base coat at every 3 coats of either Z2 or Z5.
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Old Jan 6, 2004 | 01:11 PM
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Default Re: For those considering - I highly recommend using a clay bar (vapor)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vapor &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

yep, no need to use their claying solution, that's just marketing. The only purpose of the solution while claying is to provide lubrication for the clay. If you ever clayed in the sun, you'll realise how hard it is b/c the solution dries fast and can make the clay bar skip and potentiall fall on the ground. Always clay in the garage or shade if possible and wash the solution right after you clay b/c that can stay on the paint and be trouble-some to remove. I got the tip of using soapy water from an experienced auto-detailer/body shop. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I use a japanese branded clay bar - it's instructions say to just use water.... I've found superior results with this + water only (not soapy water) as long as I keep a good water layer on (requires re-hosing). Bar + zymoil from Costco and i'm in detail heaven.
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