Claying rocks!!!! Beware of protective film though

[MPCIII]

OMG!!!! I clayed my car today for the first time and LOVED IT! It's really easy and the results made me insanely happy! Afterwards, I used Black Fire Crystal Seal and the the car looks better than when I bought it, 8 weeks ago! I'm hooked. If you've never done it, do it! It's actually fun to do! I will give one bit of advice though, if you have any protective film (e.g. 3M) be careful to avoid the edges. If you get clay in there you really have to work to get it out!

Thanks to all you guys for your replies and advice!

Mike

[BradsDetailing]

Wait till you try alternative claying products

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

I really enjoy claying as well. You can see the contamination being pulled off into the clay where the alternatives you dont see much.

[silverfox]

I always get better results with clay. Maybe it takes longer but I've found it does a better job and yes I actually do want to visually see what I'm removing so there's no guessing or assuming.

[Mike Phillips]

Just to note...

Gloss comes from smoothness


When you have contaminants on your car's paint they create texture which diminishes gloss. By claying the paint and removing the contaminants you restore the gloss.

If you "pay attention" to how the car's paint looks before and after claying you can usually see the increase in gloss.


See this article...

Gloss starts first with a smooth surface... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/43190-gloss-starts-first-smooth-surface.html)



And this one outlines ALL the benefits you get from claying your car's paint.


The 4 primary benefits of using detailing clay to clay paint (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/27969-4-primary-benefits-using-detailing-clay-clay-paint.html)




:)

[Desertnate]

Many years ago when I clayed for the first time, I was shocked by the difference. It was a sliver car, but even though it was a light color and in sunlight, the improvement in gloss and "trueness" of the color was amazing. The difference in the feel of the surface of the paint was also surprising. I didn't realize a car could feel so smooth.

[Darion]

I really enjoy claying as well. You can see the contamination being pulled off into the clay where the alternatives you dont see much.

Yup, this was a new clay bar and what came off the hood of a two year old E-Class Coupe, Black.

http://i39.tinypic.com/winfvt.jpg

The owner washes frequently and the car is garage kept, he thought the paint was clean. He was shocked to see what came off the hood alone.

PC

[Washburn]

to OP:
So you just clayed and applied BFCS? No polishing before sealant?

[cleanmycorolla]

to OP:
So you just clayed and applied BFCS? No polishing before sealant?

I would assume most folks just do that, and I'd also guess their cars are better looking then 99.9% of others. Some folks don't care about swirls. They just want shiny. There's levels of autogeeks. And all are good!

[Washburn]

I see. Thanks !

[Challynger]

Do you guys clay with a clay spray or just soapy water from your wash bucket?

[lyodbraun]

I use a quick detailer, or clay lube, never tried soapy water with the clay..