first time claying

[robson4]

hello

I've recently bought my golf gti and naturally i want the best for it, so i heard about claying your car before you polish it, does it make much difference? if so any recommendation on what i should be buying?

[Stevie35]

It's all in the prep work before polishing. Wash, fallout remover, tar remover, then clay. I just started using auto finesse product have a look at them there easy to use for a beginner.

[robson4]

excellent thank you mate, sound like an all day job then haha

[Stevie35]

If it's your first time using them then yes don't rush it just take you time with each product, look at polished bliss website they have some good demo videos for some products. Also search YouTube to find some guides. It's easy once you've used them a few times it gets easier to do. Although this should be done around every 6months.

[JaseGti]

If your paintwork feels rough when you brush your hands over it after your shampoo wash, it will worth claying your car

[robson4]

Yeah it feels rough as hell, thanks for the advise I'll look into it tonight.

[robson4]

Also do you think the autoglym kit is worth a try?

[Stevie35]

Never used it but it could be worth a shot, meguiars smooth surface kit is a good kit to start with.

[xjay1337]

Before you clay you should always use an Iron fallout remover and a tar remover and rinse both with PLENTY of water... for Iron remover spray on and leave for a short while up to about 10 mins depends on condition it should not be left to dry on the surface.

For tar removal (I use AS tardis as it's the best and cheapest) spray it on an area leave for about 20 seconds and then wipe with a clean microfibre and then you have to rinse very thoroughly

This reduces the chances of clay bar marring but you are highly likely need to need to polish the surface afterwards despite what some people may tell you.

[Pete-r]

Never used it but it could be worth a shot, meguiars smooth surface kit is a good kit to start with.

I use this clay with chemical guys lube and find it works great.

As above though I'd use a tar remover first to get the heavy stuff loose or off.

[Twiggy]

This is what i have bought, and you only need water as a lube… http://www.juicydetailing.co.uk/claying-decontamination/clay-bars-pads/bilt-hamber-auto-clay-medium.html

 

[paulw123]

the site says only water needed.
maybe add a little shampoo to the water??

A Comparison

Competing clays require the use of special lubricants. Bilt-Hamber Laboratories auto-clay differs as its formulation enables normal tap water to provide the necessary lubrication. Some clay bars contain surfactants such as powdered detergents or soaps. Long-term use of surfactants can have adverse effects on paint systems - auto-clay contains no surfactants detergents soaps or other soluble materials.

This contamination cannot be removed by washing, waxing and/or polishing. Cutting compounds remove a thin layer of paint but still leave the embedment behind.

[xjay1337]

I would always recommend a shampoo and water mix for claying. No need for specific clay lubricant type products.

[Chris92]

Sorry for a silly question but can you use any type of clay bar with any clay lube?

[Pete-r]

Yes I think so Chris.

The lube is just to keep the clay gliding over the surface so it picks up the impurities but doesn't mar the paint or cause damage.