how to claybar and polish

my98z71 · June 23, 2005

I have a 98 z71 and it has never been waxed but it has been babied and only has about 45000 miles on it. I would like to try this clay bar technique that you guys are talking about but having never done it I am a little apprehensive. Can anyone give me some tips about this? Where do you buy this product? I understand that after you clay bar you wash and then polish. Can someone tell me what is the difference between polishing and waxing? If you polish do you use one of those random orbital things? I am worrying about messing up the clear coat or paint. Any help is appreciated.

01silverado2500 · June 23, 2005

I know the Mothers Clay Bar kit is sold at my local WalMart. It contains the claybar, the detailers spray, and a small bottle of wax. I believe polish is more of a finish enhancer and the wax is a finish protector. When I claybar, I first was the car, then to use the claybar just spray a portion with the detailer spray and move the bar across the finish untill a frictionless feel is acheived. Then dry the detailers spray off and keep kneeding the clay to keep it clean. Then rewash vehicle to remove any excess spray. Then for polish I use Meguiars Step #2 polish. I apply it by hand and work it into the finish well. Then buff with a clean cloth, then this is where I use my orbital buffer to remove any excess polish and to work it into the finish. Then follow with your wax, and I also follow wax up with using toe orbital buffer. I know my cars look and feel better than new when I do this. It takes a good part of a day but its worth it.

Mighty HD · June 23, 2005

www.autopia.org

Machine · June 24, 2005

www.autopia.org

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The bible of detaiing!

Supurban · June 26, 2005

Autopia is definitely the best source for detailing questions.

I did a serious wash and wax last weekend. But it was driving me crazy that I could still feel that crud on the paint surface - especially on the hood and the painted fender flares. So while the paint was nice a slippery with the wax, I just wasn't feeling that good about the job.

So today I tried the clay on the fender flares which were the grittiest (top side). HFS!!!! I could not believe how that crap just got sucked right off the paint. It didn't take much effort at all - easier than waxing. It takes a long time, but it completely changed the way the paint felt. The new coat of wax went down like glass. Can't wait to sweep the hood and feel up my "fresh" paint.

This was like a religious experience for me!

Mighty HD · June 26, 2005

You should see my collection since I joined Autopia. I bought a buffer---LOTS of Menzerna, poorboys, and various other waxes/chemicals. Menzerna was the most expensive and by FAR the best. Those guys from Germany know their sealers.

I also have a massive collection of microfibers now. I have a few big blue II drying towels, a few drying towels from excel detail, and lots of other misc stuff.

My wife says I'm sick but when she drives the car and gets compliments it pays off. Gets me poonanney points >

hcvone · June 28, 2005

To clay your truck I would get either Zaino, Clay Magic or Mother's clay, and follow the manufacturers directions, you can get clay info from the Zaino site. http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/mercha...ode=APPLICATION

I would only use a polish if you have scratches, bad swirl marks or oxidation, if you do not I would just "wax" after claying, synthetic waxes will outlast carnauba waxes 5 to 1 in lenght of protection.

LikeaRock14 · June 29, 2005

I would polish no matter what

If you want your truck to look better than showroom new, then it's best to follow all the steps involved (or at least those that are needed) than skip one or two and not achieve the results you want. Any good medium-cut polish will work great to remove swirls and minor surface scratches, followed by a less abrasive polish, then your final coats of wax. If you follow all the proper steps then you and your truck will be the envy of the neighborhood. I'd try the following...

Wash

Clay

Wash

Paint Cleanser

Swirl Remover and/or Polish

Wax

Final top coat.

Meguiars Professional polishes are probably your best bet if you don't have a local detailing store or don't want to wait for products to arrive when you order them off the net

Supurban · July 1, 2005

It's been several days since the clay job. I simply cannot stop from feeling up my truck's paint!

Wingnut · July 1, 2005

I quit polishing and waxing many years ago when I realized that it was causing my beer cans to slide off the hood.

DEV1ST8R · July 1, 2005

I quit polishing and waxing many years ago when I realized that it was causing my beer cans to slide off the hood.

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Do you have to re-wash after you clay bar?

Supurban · July 1, 2005

A rewash is a good idea if you have made a big mess between clay residue and spray detailer (the same hood Wingnut's beer cans keep sliding off of is a large surface that is hard to spot clean). If you were able to keep the mess down, you can move straight to wax.