What is clay ?

[Justa]

And wot does it do - looking at the threads on here eveyone uses it but I don't know why ?!!

 

[Mat]

not everyone uses it TBH! I used it for 1st time on Monday.

Think of plastacine, play-doh etc, In fact, think of clay you used at school making pots, which ended up being a 12" penis, its that.

You use it after washing car to pick up particles "embedded" in the paint



edit

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/guides_clean.html

 

[FinerDetails]

clay is used to remove surface contamination, like dried on tree sap, pollen, and tar. By cleaning the surface correctly this then allows you to progress and start to clean and prepare the deeper paint/lacquer.

When machine polishing a car, its an absolute must and a stage which cannot and should never be excluded.

 

[gogs]

When machine polishing a car, its an absolute must and a stage which cannot and should never be excluded.

Whats the consequences of bypassing the clay?

 

[FinerDetails]

you leave surface contamients on the paint, and when you machine/polish the car to rub and grind these into the paint, thus scratches and defecting it.....

 

[Drea]

and how do you use it? Just wipe the blob all over your car, or roll it? Or dab it like you would do with sellotape to get fluff off?

 

[hoggy90]

i used it for the first time on friday...stuff works great, i spent about 15mins a panel rubbing the clay over them like you would do with a sponge when washing your car.the end result was amazing,car was shining like never before and the paintwork felt like glass...only bad thing is it started raining so i didnt get a chance to put my wax on after claying

but clay is a must for anyone who wants a shiney car...

 

[FinerDetails]

knead the clay into a small peice about the size of a golf ball, spray lots of clay lub onto the paint, and glide the flat clay over the panel in straight lines. Once the clay glides freely, move to next section. If face becomes dirty, re-knead for clean side, never use a dropped piece as it will srcatch!!!

enjoy

 

[gogs]

Can you get away with water as a lub or does that defeat the purpose.

 

[RickyD1975]

Can you get away with water as a lub or does that defeat the purpose.

I have read that you can use water as a lubricant. I always use the Megiaurs Quick Detailer Mist Spray as it smells nice.....

 

[vroomtshh]

Can you get away with water as a lub or does that defeat the purpose.

Depends which clay you get. The Bilt Hamber stuff is designed to work with water only

 

[Mat]

Bilt Hamber can be used with water alone.... Not heard of any others that can

All other clays require either "Clay Lubricant" or "Quick Detailer".... Alternatively, you can make your own "QD" by filling a bottle up with water and some car wash shampoo

 

[gogs]

Is it just to take the edge off the clay as in making it less harsh on the paint?

 

[jason2800]

no,

basically, if you use clay without any form of lube, it can seriously marr your paint, leaving it horrible looking, and in need of professional correction.

dont be afraid to do it though, just use plenty lube if you feel the need to