Claying

[elephant]

Is there any need to clay clear coat paint?

 

[silver98]

Absolutely! There is overspray and other surface imperfections which exist, even on Clear Coat. It shouldn't take you too long to Clay her, just remember to keep a wetting solution available when you do the claying.

The results are impressive, you'll be glad you did it.

 

[jrose7004]

I clay bar all of my cars!

 

[MsSchroder]

I hear only good things about it.
I even did it once, then continued on to the buffing/waxing. It looked great.
It also works great on windshields.

Tammy
(moving this over to care and detailing)

 

[slapshot]

Yesssssss!! It removes particles, etc that get on the surface of the paint over time. If you rub your hand across the paint, most likely you will feel very small bumps. After you claybar the car, it will feel like you are rubbing your hand across ice, it will be much smoother. Many things are barely, if at all, visible when you look at the paint.
I have clayed all of the cars I've owned since I started using Zaino. It is part of the initial prep stage. I didn't claybar the Vette because I buffed it many times to get water spots off.

 

[Ken]

Is there any need to clay clear coat paint?

Yes.

 

[04 Commemorative]

Is it difficult? Does it take long to do a vette? And can you do it outside or should it be done inside? After you do it do you need to Zaino or wax? Thanks

 

[GS Diva]

Claying gives your car's finish the good base for whatever process you prefer...wax or polish. It has become a critical part of my Corvettes' care. I've done it both inside and outside...I don't think it matters. The important thing to remember is to keep the car constantly wet so the clay bar doesn't drag on a dry area!!

Try it...you'll be happy with the results.

Elaine

 

[Ken]

Is it difficult?

No, not really. Use lots of lubricant (detail spray) and just rub away!

Does it take long to do a vette?

No, not really. :L Not any longer than it usually takes to do a good wash job.

And can you do it outside or should it be done inside?

It really doesn't matter, as long as the surface is kept wet with lubricant. As Tammy said, use it everywhere -- on the glass, the wheels, everything. The clay will remove contaminents that get buried into the paint.

After you do it do you need to Zaino or wax?

Yes. I use Adam's Premium Car Care Products. Good stuff and easy to use.

 

[Vettefan87]

I have heard before you clay bar the car you should strip all of the wax off, to get to the paint. Then once you have done that clay bar the entire car, then start waxing again.

 

[Ken]

No need; clay will take care of any old wax.

 

[Aurora40]

There's a great thread on claying that's a sticky in this forum: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20196

 

[Ken]

Thanks man, I forgot about that one.

 

[napacruzerC5]

When I clay and Zaino I follow these steps:

• Wash car with "Dawn liquid dishsoap"
• Claybar (I use a little of the Dawn mixed with water in a spray pump bottle to lubricate)
• Wash car again with Dawn. By this time you can be sure that the car is really, really clean!
• Apply and polish with Z2 or Z5
• Apply and polish with Z6 glaze
• As needed repeat Z2/Z5 and Z6

I did the above steps about 2 years ago on my 2001 C5. Now I just do Z2 and Z6 after a good wash. Not a daily driver doing only about 3-4k a year.

On my daily driver 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE, I did the above about a month after I bought it new. I did the Z2/Z5 and Z6 about every other month then did the whole procedure again on it's birthday! I work near an oil refinery with a good part of my commute through an industrial section of town and my Altima still looks new after averaging 23k a year.

 

[Vettefan87]

No need; clay will take care of any old wax.

What if you have a mass build-up of say 6 coats of wax? Will it take off all these coats of wax?

 

[atmmac]

The clay removes all the wax so there is no need to strip it. I havent clayed my car yet ive gata get around to doing it. I think i have over 25 coats of wax on my car lol.

 

[silver98]

Make it easy on yourself. Wash her with Dawn, then Clay, then re-wash. All Done! Could take as long as 45 minutes!

 

[Vettefan87]

I have heard horror stories about using Dawn dishoap. It is really bad for the plastic pieces, and can make them fade.

 

[Ken]

Dawn is simply a degreaser. If you take care of the trim pieces after washing you should have no problems.

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

Ken...

Will claybaring remove orange peal in the paint..
I have some in small areas that you can't get to with a buffer

thanks
Mike