Question about using clay
06-17-2016, 05:48 AM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 620
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Question about using clay
So I've read here, watched vids on youtube and search online but can't find a simple answer. Forgive me if it's a dumb question. Do you wash, DRY, then clay? Or am I supposed to wash, clay then dry? Everywhere I searched, no one says anything about drying after the wash/claying.
Again, sorry for the dumb question
Again, sorry for the dumb question
06-20-2016, 04:45 AM
#4
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Waterloo, NY
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I typically use following method unless it's really hot out and I don't want extra water to dry on the car (or want to be in my shaded garage rather than in the sun lol).
Alternate (quicker) method:
-Full wash
-Rinse
-Use wash mitt/soapy water as clay lube and clay car panel by panel with plenty of soap
-Rinse
-Dry
-Polish (if needed)
-Seal
-Wax (if desired)
This is a lot quicker than drying the car twice as well as cheaper than using clay lube yet just as safe as long as the wash water is clean (i.e. you used the two bucket method and your car wasn't completely filthy). In my opinion it is also safer because it's less "touching" of the paint by eliminating the drying prior to claying. Clay lube prevents the clay from breaking down over time but I usually only use a clay bar on one car anyway so it just goes in the garbage when I'm done.
Just my $.02. ~Matt
Alternate (quicker) method:
-Full wash
-Rinse
-Use wash mitt/soapy water as clay lube and clay car panel by panel with plenty of soap
-Rinse
-Dry
-Polish (if needed)
-Seal
-Wax (if desired)
This is a lot quicker than drying the car twice as well as cheaper than using clay lube yet just as safe as long as the wash water is clean (i.e. you used the two bucket method and your car wasn't completely filthy). In my opinion it is also safer because it's less "touching" of the paint by eliminating the drying prior to claying. Clay lube prevents the clay from breaking down over time but I usually only use a clay bar on one car anyway so it just goes in the garbage when I'm done.
Just my $.02. ~Matt
06-24-2016, 05:45 AM
#5
If I clay this is my order:
-wash
-rinse
-clay(don't worry about drying car, just apply spray and go over with claybar in straight motions very light pressure, if you don't use spray or press to hard you will leave dry streaks that can be easily removed by polishing)
-rinse
-dry
-polish
*you can wash again here to remove any residue or use a spray that removes polishing oils*
-seal
-wax
-wash
-rinse
-clay(don't worry about drying car, just apply spray and go over with claybar in straight motions very light pressure, if you don't use spray or press to hard you will leave dry streaks that can be easily removed by polishing)
-rinse
-dry
-polish
*you can wash again here to remove any residue or use a spray that removes polishing oils*
-seal
-wax
Trending Topics
10-30-2016, 01:48 PM
#8
In all my years detailing i only ever dried the car before claying if it was in very good condition and needed a very light clay where i would use a spray lubricant as opposed to water in a bucket. IMO best way for most cars which aren't very meticulously kept best way is wash and then use a sponge with soapy water to lubricate while you clay then dry after that clay. Dry each panel as you move on
The following users liked this post:
Rekka (05-04-2017)
12-28-2016, 11:21 AM
#10
for everyone sealing and waxing, what products are you using and is there any reason you're doing both? Extra protection? I've always thought it was more of a one or the other at this step with sealant just lasting longer.
