Is Iron-X really necessary?

**Buff-N-Glo** · 03-22-2016, 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by Eldorado2k

But the more contaminants the Speedy Prep towel sees, the less uses you'll get out of it in the longrun.. I did a rather large test spot on a gnarly, heavily contaminated black SUV this past weekend, and while I could've used the towel, I chose to use the clay instead. I've had a Med Grade towel clunk out on me after just 7 uses before.

You know you can always clean the towels right?...

**Mantilgh** · 03-22-2016, 09:50 PM

^Kind of. I do try to clean my mitt and it seems to help bring back the tackiness, but have you ever tried to clean one of the clay alternatives that have a light colored surface?

I also have the Optimum Opti-Clay Towel which is whitish, and it seems impossible to remove the contaminates from the surface of it.

I think these black surfaced clay alternatives are hiding a lot of the contaminates that are stuck to them.

**AGOatemywallet** · 03-22-2016, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by Buff-N-Glo

You know you can always clean the towels right?...

The Speedy Prep Towel that Ric is talking about is quite expensive ($60).

**mbbrewer** · 03-24-2016, 10:56 PM

I don't think so. Used it on several white cars and I never got the results I hoped for. Color never changed to purple. Just clay and you'll be good.

**ski2** · 03-25-2016, 07:33 AM

Here is a tip from the Car Pro website: "You can cover the surface with Iron X by spraying it everywhere but that can be wasteful. I recommend that you spray as needed and spread it with a small sponge or applicator to cover the entire surface. You may also consider using an atomizer type spray bottle or HVLP gun. In any case evenly cover the surfaces you wish to decontaminate. The product is strong so you don’t have to be wasteful. Just make sure it contacts the entire surface."

Using the technique of spreading the IronX with a small synthetic sponge I can get 4 midsized cars out of a 16 oz bottle with no added swirling.

**Buff-N-Glo** · 03-25-2016, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by Mantilgh

^Kind of. I do try to clean my mitt and it seems to help bring back the tackiness, but have you ever tried to clean one of the clay alternatives that have a light colored surface?

I also have the Optimum Opti-Clay Towel which is whitish, and it seems impossible to remove the contaminates from the surface of it.

I think these black surfaced clay alternatives are hiding a lot of the contaminates that are stuck to them.

You can also use Muriatic acid on your towels to help dissolve the imbedded contaminants stuck in them.

**Mantilgh** · 03-25-2016, 08:30 AM

Interesting, thanks!

**trekkeruss** · 03-25-2016, 01:59 PM

Is it necessary? Considering that the product didn't exist however many years ago, and detailers make paint shiny back then, I'd say no. However, now that it does exist, it's just one more product that can be used to perfect/protect a vehicle's paint.

**mtndriver** · 03-26-2016, 10:07 AM

If my car comes wrapped from the factory I guess I'm still skeptical I need this step, but may be a good thing for the wheels before I seal them as they are probably exposed. For older cars I can see the possible necessity. An interesting topic nonetheless to keep an eye on. Will probably try this on one panel first if I purchase.