[rolltidef32]

You'd better still clay bar if you know anything about applying wax or sealant.

I have a Nanoskin, but still use a Med clay bar from Chemical guys before applying Polymer Net Shield.

The Nanoskin is a cool product, but I still find clay is best for front bumper, hood, roof, and trunk area. Use the Nano for the sides and doors.

Smooth paint means solid application of protection that will also last much longer.

[zcspec]

Living in Seattle, it's been tough having a few days without showers/rain. This weekend though, we were rewarded with nice weather. As a result, I finally had a chance to experiment with some car care products on my wife's X3.

Today, I toyed with my new foam cannon, then pressure washed it down. While it was wet, I tried out the new claybar pad I bought. I am sold on the process I tried today. The X3's finish feels like glass, thanks to the claybar pad.

Once the weather becomes more consistently nice, I'll repeat the process. The next time though, I'll polish it, wipe it down with some Alcohol, then finish it up with a ceramic 9H coating.

Foam Cannon


End Result

[JJS]

I find claying cathartic as the embedded particles are purged from my painted and glass surfaces. It's still my go to essential step for a thorough cleaning. Only after I've clayed that I will use my DA polisher to buff the paint. Otherwise, the particles dislodged by the polisher will just add to the swirls. At least with clay, they are swallowed by the clay, rendering them harmless to the paint.

[CruzM3]

This is what I use and it works great compared to using traditional clay.

https://optimumcarcare.com/product/o...ser-aggressive

[Shadycrew31]

I use chemical guys light clay when washing the car using the soap as lubricant. Then finish up with AmmoNYC Hydrate.

If I am going to polish I use chemical guys medium clay with their clay luber product. I can focus more on each section by doing it the slow way with spray lube versus during the wash.

[SLOWER]

I use the Nanoskin and their glide lubricant.

http://www.detailedimage.com/NanoSki...ash-Mitt-P701/

http://www.detailedimage.com/NanoSki...P626/16-oz-S1/

Would never go back to clay. This takes 1/4 of the time that clay would take to get around the whole car.

[zcspec]

Originally Posted by SLOWER

I use the Nanoskin and their glide lubricant.

http://www.detailedimage.com/NanoSki...ash-Mitt-P701/

http://www.detailedimage.com/NanoSki...P626/16-oz-S1/

Would never go back to clay. This takes 1/4 of the time that clay would take to get around the whole car.

I use a similar product and you're right, the time it times to complete "clay" the car is substantially less than before.

[Soul_Glo]

Once a year. Different clays on two different panels.

[vanbmw]

I saw this thread and wondered if it was time to stop claying. Maybe get some nanoskin. I just completed a full detail on my wife's MDX. After a winter of driving to Whistler mountain it was long over due. I washed it once. Then sprayed it with IronX and let it get rid of most decontaminants. Then I rinse the car and gave it a quick clay. So...the roof and hood seemed fine. Clay didn't pick up much and the paint was pretty smooth. I was starting to think it was not worth claying the car. Then I did the doors. Wow! I picked up a ton of stuff. After each door the clay needed to be turned and folded cause it was pretty dirty.

After I was done I was sure glad I did the clay. It did not take very long to do and the paint felt great after.

[skw]

Originally Posted by vanbmw

I saw this thread and wondered if it was time to stop claying. Maybe get some nanoskin. I just completed a full detail on my wife's MDX. After a winter of driving to Whistler mountain it was long over due. I washed it once. Then sprayed it with IronX and let it get rid of most decontaminants. Then I rinse the car and gave it a quick clay. So...the roof and hood seemed fine. Clay didn't pick up much and the paint was pretty smooth. I was starting to think it was not worth claying the car. Then I did the doors. Wow! I picked up a ton of stuff. After each door the clay needed to be turned and folded cause it was pretty dirty.

After I was done I was sure glad I did the clay. It did not take very long to do and the paint felt great after.

I still do the traditional clay bar as well. Car was only 3 months old when I clayed it 2 weeks ago. paint feels nice and smooth now. And honestly, it doesn't really take that long.

[hijump218]

Agree that there are multiple options and uses and some overlap on techniques. Nothing beats trying for yourself e.g. towel vs. something you woudl use clay and judge for yourself

[L0N3W0LF]

Sup guys looking to clay my car soon is there a clay that is good to use

[L0N3W0LF]

Originally Posted by zcspec

Living in Seattle, it's been tough having a few days without showers/rain. This weekend though, we were rewarded with nice weather. As a result, I finally had a chance to experiment with some car care products on my wife's X3.

Today, I toyed with my new foam cannon, then pressure washed it down. While it was wet, I tried out the new claybar pad I bought. I am sold on the process I tried today. The X3's finish feels like glass, thanks to the claybar pad.

Once the weather becomes more consistently nice, I'll repeat the process. The next time though, I'll polish it, wipe it down with some Alcohol, then finish it up with a ceramic 9H coating.

Foam Cannon


End Result

Sup bro what type clay did you use

[zcspec]

Originally Posted by L0N3W0LF

Sup bro what type clay did you use

I've used the following item numerous times.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

To be frank, I've become compulsive about it and clay the wife's and my F30 every 4th wash. This mitt still produces silky smooth paint results. Just make sure you have a good claybar lube.

[vanbmw]

Originally Posted by L0N3W0LF

Sup guys looking to clay my car soon is there a clay that is good to use

I have tried a few...and had the best luck with the Meguire's smooth surface kits. Come with 2 clay bars, lube and a towel.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...ereg-clay-kit/

[flipnkraut]

All clay bars are generally the same. Get whatevers convenient.

Clay towels and sponges on the other hand are different. They generally come in a med and fine.

One thing to remember is that you should only clay if it needs it. Get a plastic sandwich bag and put your hand in it and rub your paint. If it grabs then clay. If not don't.

Clay will end up scratching your paint ever so slightly. That's why you should only do it if needed. If you're going to compound or polish then always clay before.

Also check out /r/autodetailing on reddit and check out AmmoNYC on YouTube.

[tegraphile]

Agreed with clay before polishing. Always therapeutic to pull out the DA and bring the paint to (almost) perfection.

[Rick4345]

I bought two types of mitts from Griot's Garage. One is red for more aggressive contaminant removal if you're going to compound your vehicle. The yellow is less aggressive for those who would just polish afterwards.

Both are awesome and extremely easy to use.