mgiang7

you can clay pretty quickly, especially on a rooflees s2k. it makes the wax adhere better and it also removes any contaminants so you get a nice clear reflection from the wax/paint

boiler

You guys are using the wrong clay bar. The one that I'm using is sooo sticky, that is impossible to drop because it's stuck to your fingers, no matter how wet it is. The only problem is that I don't know which brand I'm using. It's either a Meguiar's or Mother's.

Chazmo

That's interesting, Bob. The Zaino clay I used was not sticky.

Kwando

If i can't feel anything on my paint and it's smooth, can i hold off for another 6 months before doing the clay bar?

sweetj

You only need to clay bar once/twice a year. I normally do it right before I start my new waxing stint in the spring. I've already done it for this year...now to just wax every so often..

SweetJ

Chazmo

I'll interject again... It isn't a question of needing to do the clay, Simon. It just preps the surface better by removing more particulates.

It's particularly good at getting of rail dust from cars when they initially get to dealers. The rail dust tends to stick to the surface. If you're having your car transported, then it's a terrific treatment when you get your car.

If you're already pretty anal retentive about keeping your car clean, I'm not sure clay will make much of a difference.

Hey, try it! Again, lube, lube, lube!!!!

Albert

Probably Mother's. That ish is gooooooey.

P.S. - To feel your paint, put your hand in a clean/new plastic bag and run it across your paint (as opposed to using your bare fingernail or hands).

s2ka

Once you've used clay you'll wonder how you survived without it. It gets rid of all the little bumps and makes the paint feel better than new.

I buy imported Japanese clay from the auto boutique in Mitsuwa market (Costa Mesa, CA), they have a couple of different versions for light, dark and metallic paint. I tried the Mothers clay, too soft for me but better than nothing. I use Eagle 1 "Wipe and Shine" as the lubricating fluid, works great. Cut the bar into smaller pieces, keep the used and unused parts in a couple of different Ziplock bags.

Albert

Mitsuwa (Costa Mesa) rocks. I go there all the time for lunch!

Michael A

I used the clay bar on my car a few weeks ago and I can honestly say it was the single best exterior cleaning product I have ever used.