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View Full Version : Detailing or Modeling Clay......You Decide


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BobbyG
09-12-2011, 01:00 PM
As promised I stopped and picked up some regular generic modeling clay to see how it stacked up or performed against the genuine product.

Child's Modeling Clay - $1.29
Meguiar's Mild Detailing Clay - $29.95

My test subject was the tailgate from my 1999 Dodge Dakota. I don't wash the tailgate all that often, probably out of sight and out of mind. I do use the truck as a truck and the bed and tailgate does see quite a bit of use...It's never been clayed, compounded, or polished.

Initial Observations

The child's clay was softer and more pliable out of the package and both were at room temperature. The Meguiar's Detail Clay was a bit firmer. more predictable, and easier to work with.

Meguiar's Detailing Clay

Initially I used the Ultima Waterless Wash Plus as a clay lube and since I started using it I've been very please with the consistency of it and it's performance. The Meguiar's clay glided across the surface is it was immediately apparent that it was removing embedded dirt and debris on the left side, see photo.

Child's Modeling Clay

After wetting down the surface I began to use this clay in exactly the same manor as the Meguiar's clay. What was immediately apparent was the clay began to tack or stick to the paint unlike the Meguiar's product. It began to stick badly so I grabbed some commercial clay off the shelf and while it was quite a bit better, the Child's Modeling Clay still stuck to the paint although not as bad.

Once through I went over the right side of the tailgate with Meguiar's Detailing Clay and there was a distinct and noticeable difference in the way it behaved vs. the Child's Modeling Clay.

If you look closely to the photo below you can see bits and pieces of the white Child's Clay it picked up so I know it was working.

Here is the tailgate resting on a chair for work comfort and ease of photography.

Note the dirt and debris, no garage queen here.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay001_resize.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay002_resize.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay003_resize.jpg

Thorough wash using Meguiar's Hyper Wash then rinse.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay007_resize.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay009_resize.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay010_resize.jpg

The incumbent on the left and the challenger on the right...

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay006_resize.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay013_resize.jpg

Ultima Waterless Wash Plus

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay012_resize.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay011_resize.jpg

Adams Detail Spray Intervenes

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay014_resize.jpg

Results

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay015_resize.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Clay%20Test/Clay016_resize.jpg


My Conclusion

Are the two clays the same?...the answer is Definitely Not!
Do both clays remove embedded dirt and debris?.....Yes
Is the Child's Modeling Clay less expensive?.....Yes
Can a Child's Modeling Clay work in a pinch?.....Yes
Would I switch from my Meguiar's Detailing Clay to the Child's Modeling Clay?.....No...

Choose your own destiny....you decide..
tw33k2514
09-12-2011, 01:06 PM
Ease of use seems to make detailing clay the clear winner. No one likes struggling with clay that sticks, and is hard to work with.
FUNX650
09-12-2011, 01:09 PM
BobbyG:

Excellent write-up and comparison between clays. Your pictures tell a story!

"Choose your own destiny....you decide"..

BTW......Great statement!:props:

Bob
kimtyson
09-12-2011, 01:11 PM
:iagree:
Thanks for doing this, BobbyG. Good follow-up.
Hoytman
09-12-2011, 01:19 PM
I wouldn't switch from Meg's clay either.

However, at the cost of the child's modeling clay a person could experiment around with different brands child's clay. Who knows, ya' could get lucky and find one that works better than the child's clay used above, or find one that's as good as the Meg's clay.

That said, my time is important to me. Staying with what I know works is a perfect fit for me at this time. So NO, I wouldn't change from Meg's/Mothers either...'cept maybe a detailing sponge.

If someone has more time to experiment with other brands of child's clay that's great.

Nice work Bob!
ShineTimeDetail
09-12-2011, 01:28 PM
Maybe I'll send you the clay I use! LOL I know there are a million different kinds of clay and the clay that was posted on the other thread was from micheals. I know that in the same section by I want to say even the same manufacturer there is another clay in a big like 1 lbs package. I don't like that clay I like the clay that is in the packages of 4. When I clay I don't use clay lube. Ive never found any that I like or a price I like for that matter. I use soapy water from my wash or dawn in a spray bottle with water. But, to each his own.
mdb917
09-12-2011, 01:29 PM
Great job on the review BobbyG :props:

When you made mention of testing them head-to-head awhile back the first thing I thought of was how sticky kid's clay is. I thought it might be an issue as you move it over the panels. Having never actually tried it I didn't have any evidence it would but it seemed intuitive.

Thanks to you taking time to actually do the test we all know there is a difference.

I agree with FUNX725 about your quote. Wiser words were never spoken and true for so many situations in life, "Choose your own destiny...you decide" :).
ShineTimeDetail
09-12-2011, 01:42 PM
Isn't auto clay polymer clay?
slickooz
09-12-2011, 02:05 PM
Great job Bobby! It is always nice to have some pics while doing some comparison. :props:

How do you like UWWP? I got a bottle and haven't had the chance to use it yet. I bought it because it was a cheap solution for clay lube/detailing spray.
BobbyG
09-12-2011, 02:19 PM
Maybe I'll send you the clay I use! LOL I know there are a million different kinds of clay and the clay that was posted on the other thread was from micheals. I know that in the same section by I want to say even the same manufacturer there is another clay in a big like 1 lbs package. I don't like that clay I like the clay that is in the packages of 4. When I clay I don't use clay lube. Ive never found any that I like or a price I like for that matter. I use soapy water from my wash or dawn in a spray bottle with water. But, to each his own.

You touched on a very important point! After buying it I was wondering just how many different formulas for generic clay were probably out there and I only bought one of them.

What my rest proved was that regular over the counter child's clay did work and surprisingly well! If I used very light pressure, almost none, the clay glided pretty well however did stick occasionally.

I'll have to give it another try using only a mixture of soapy water, this might just be the key....:props:

Thanks for the reply and info!!
embolism
09-12-2011, 02:21 PM
nice experiment BobbyG!

maybe temp has a role to play here. Did you try dropping the modelling clay into some cold water to firm it up prior to use?
BobbyG
09-12-2011, 02:24 PM
Great job Bobby! It is always nice to have some pics while doing some comparison. :props:

How do you like UWWP? I got a bottle and haven't had the chance to use it yet. I bought it because it was a cheap solution for clay lube/detailing spray.

You're Welcome.

Yes, I do like Ultima Waterless Wash Plus. Dr. Olds, Jim, urged me to try it and I was amazed at how nice and how versatile this product is. Jim's a knowledgeable guy and I've picked up several good tips from him..

Use it as a rinseless or a waterless wash and both work great.
Mix it according to the instruction and make your own detail spray.
Add an ounce to a bucket of soapy wash water and feel the added lubricity..
BobbyG
09-12-2011, 02:25 PM
nice experiment BobbyG!

maybe temp has a role to play here. Did you try dropping the modelling clay into some cold water to firm it up prior to use?

No Tim, I didn't...another great point that might help as well!! :props:
Mike Phillips
09-12-2011, 02:54 PM
Very interesting review Bobby...


:)
dave0mary
09-12-2011, 03:10 PM
As I have said in another post, the Michael's modeling clay HAD TO HAVE the Do Do Slippy Lube diluted per instructions. Regular detailing spray didn't work with the modeling clay ... ie, Mothers or Griot's Speed Shine. IMHO, I will always have some Clay Magic on hand. But for lite contamination, I'll ALWAYS use Michael's modeling clay. In other words, keep both on hand as they could even be considered two different tools. Peace.