First time clay bar user... wow!

[cocoy_labuyo]

Originally Posted by tuckdaddy

Yes you can do that and depending on what wax you use anywhere from a month to every four to six months

I use mother's step 2 and 3. will that suffice?

[eddieEndo]

Originally Posted by chandz05

Well thanks for all the advice and suggestions guys! Car is finally buffed out. One last question: is there any way to soften the wax if it gets too hard? Buffing that crap out was a workout ha.

do it section by section way easier
i.e. wax hood, wait a tiny bit, remove wax, on to the next section

[tuckdaddy]

Originally Posted by cocoy_labuyo

I use mother's step 2 and 3. will that suffice?

yup that should be good. i use the same sort of system but with the adams products (lasts longer IMHO with deeper shine) :happy0180:

[quasimoto]

Should I still be waxing and clay barring if I had my car opti-guarded? And if so, would the procedure be any different then an non-opticoated car?

[tracerit]

just got my BRZ and will be doing my first wash. I"m thinking about doing it with these steps:

1. Wash with Meguiars Gold Class Shampoo
2. Claybar with Meguiars Clay Kit

3a. Wash with Optimum No Rinse Wash/Wax
OR
3b. Wax with Eagle One Wax as you Dry


In the future, i'm just going to use the ONR Wash/Wax only every other week and clay every six months.

I'm trying to make the whole washing process simple and quick.

[Clembo]

A few related things - I've been using the clay / wax routine for many years.

1. To know when to clay, put a thin plastic bag over your hand and very lightly rub the surface. If it feels rough, it's time to clay.

2. If your car is clean you can clay right over wax, no need to strip it or remove it. Use the detail spray and the clay will pull any contaminants right through the wax. The clay will not remove the wax (saves a lot of time). But you will have to re-apply a thin coat of wax wherever you clayed to fill in the 'pores' left by the removed contaminants.

3. If your clay ever falls out of your hand and touches the ground, throw it away. Not worth taking a chance on scratches to save a few bucks.

4. You can also use plain water as a lubricant for clay but it's better to use a detail spray as it has more actual lubricants in it and will keep any contaminants from scratching the surface. I use the cheap Meguiars spray and it works fine. And use plenty of it - if the clay 'drags' or leaves a residue, you are not using enough lubricant. Clay should just 'glide' over the surface with very little or no pressure. That's when it works the best.

[russv]

Originally Posted by tracerit

just got my BRZ and will be doing my first wash. I"m thinking about doing it with these steps:

1. Wash with Meguiars Gold Class Shampoo
2. Claybar with Meguiars Clay Kit

3a. Wash with Optimum No Rinse Wash/Wax
OR
3b. Wax with Eagle One Wax as you Dry


In the future, i'm just going to use the ONR Wash/Wax only every other week and clay every six months.

I'm trying to make the whole washing process simple and quick.

Eagle wax as you dry is good to use every time you wash, but I would put a good coat of paint sealant on. Wax as you dry just doesn't last-I've used it for years as an in between maintenance wax which works well once you have a good base sealant or good quality wax underneath.

[kuma]

I finished claying my car in 30 minutes with this thing. Works just as good if not better than clay bar. Plus takes so much less effort! Look on YouTube for some directions.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Surface-Prep-Fine-Grade/dp/B0091II8X8"]Speedy Surface Prep - Fine Grade : Amazon.com : Automotive[/ame]

[nzer]

Originally Posted by was385

I'm not going to take a side in the soap discussion, but just because they are paid to detail expensive cars, doesn't necessarily mean they know what they're doing. Ex: http://www.monkeysee.com/play/1571-c...iling-exterior

OMG that is the worst technique I have ever seen.

It is a perfect example, as you mentioned, of a so-called expert having no idea. Seems like he has some magic "chemical" there though!

.