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  1. #1
    Super Member luckydawg's Avatar
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    Clay / polish question

    Are there any clay bars out there / available that will take out surface contaminants -- yet fine enough that polishing will not be necessary?

  2. #2
    Super Member Bill D's Avatar
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    Re: Clay / polish question

    I wonder too but if people report MFs marring paint I really doubt there's any clay that doesn't.
    Treat it like it's the only one in the world.

  3. #3
    Super Member luckydawg's Avatar
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    Re: Clay / polish question

    Quote Originally Posted by Bill D View Post
    I wonder too but if people report MFs marring paint I really doubt there's any clay that doesn't.
    People are saying un contaminated MF towels are marring paint?
    That just doesnt sound right

  4. #4
    Super Member Bill D's Avatar
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    Re: Clay / polish question

    I saw someone mention that IIRC. I always do the CD test before I use mine
    Treat it like it's the only one in the world.

  5. #5
    Super Member JustJesus's Avatar
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    Re: Clay / polish question

    Quote Originally Posted by luckydawg View Post
    Are there any clay bars out there / available that will take out surface contaminants -- yet fine enough that polishing will not be necessary?
    I think most lean on the side of, "I never clay unless I polish afterward."

    One guy I know feels the old Sonus clay was fine enough, if done right, to not need polishing after.

    I've done "clay" without polishing before. Maybe depends on the paint, color, clay, technique, vehicle owner. YMMV

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  7. #6
    Super Member JustJesus's Avatar
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    Re: Clay / polish question

    Here's a comment I made on this thread..... Review: BLACKFIRE Clay Mitt

    "Knowing that claying can mar the paint, I did a test spot. I did NOT want to machine polish the car. Granted, I took a Flex 3401 along with Blackfire’s Paint Cleaner just to be on the safe side. So the test spot. Using the lightest pressure I’ve ever used on a clay tool, I proceeded to do half the hood. I washed, rinsed and dried the test section. Inspected closely. NO MARRING! Sweet, we’re good to go!"

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  9. #7
    Super Member Desertnate's Avatar
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    Re: Clay / polish question

    I've managed to mar soft Toyota paint with my clean fingertip, not fingernail, before so it is far easier than you think depending on the paint.

    There is no way I'd clay without following up with polish. Depending on which clay or clay substitute you use, the type of lubrication, etc there is always a risk of marring no matter how hard or soft the paint. Even when being really careful I've manged to leave a few marks behind when claying. I figure if there are some marks which are obvious and I know I made them with the clay, there are others I didn't see right away. By polishing afterwards I never have to worry about it. That doesn't mean I'm sloppy with the work, I just know I'll remove an errant marring from the clay process.
    Drop by to see the latest at The Car Geek Blog

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  11. #8
    Super Member PaulMys's Avatar
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    Re: Clay / polish question

    When/if I have to clay in the fall, I don't worry about the marring. The clear on my Ram is a little on the hard side, and the metallic gray pretty much hides any marring.

    So I just clay what I have to, then throw my winter coat on (476s). This further hides any potential marring.

    In the Spring, it always gets clayed and a full polish afterward.
    It is no coincidence that man's best friend cannot talk.

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  13. #9
    Super Member luckydawg's Avatar
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    Re: Clay / polish question

    I am fixing to get my Jeep back from the paint shop pretty soon. My guy is putting 3 coats of "high solids " clear on it. I am not concerned about using the clay on it anytime soon, but this Jeep will be left outside 24-7 / 365 so eventually it will have to be clayed. I have no idea yet if this "high solids" is a hard or soft clear- maybe someone can chime in if they know / have experience with it. I have a new can / bar of PA clay that was super pricey-- thats what I intend to try when the time comes

  14. #10
    Super Member 2wookies's Avatar
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    Re: Clay / polish question

    If I’m putting any kind of abrasive decontaminate on paint it’s getting a light polish after. Don’t care how soft it might be or how hard the paint is.

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