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  • Clay Question

    Once a car has been clayed cleaned and polished and waxed maint etc.. Once its time to clay again, is it even worth my time to clay the vertical panels? Hope this isnt a loaded question.
    Am i obsessed?? A car is the second biggest financial investment for most people, why not keep it looking better than new?

  • #2
    Re: Clay Question

    Originally posted by gmitch23 View Post
    Once a car has been clayed cleaned and polished and waxed maint etc.. Once its time to clay again, is it even worth my time to clay the vertical panels? Hope this isnt a loaded question.
    I would, particularly the lower portions of the vertical panels (road tar etc).
    If there isn't much to clay it's not going to take much time and your clay isn't going to get any dirtier, so why not. You may be picking up things that you can't see or feel.

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    • #3
      Re: Clay Question

      Ok, good point, thanks.
      Am i obsessed?? A car is the second biggest financial investment for most people, why not keep it looking better than new?

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Clay Question

        I've tried to skip claying vertical panels. But after feeling how smooth the horizontal panels become after claying, I've never been able to exclude the vertical panels!

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Clay Question

          While it is very common for the horizontal surfaces to start showing the need for claying sooner than vertical panels will, Bill makes an excellent point about those lower areas.

          But the bottom line is, evaluate the finish after every wash and make you determination from there. This goes for both claying and paint cleaning - evaluate and then do what you deem necessary.
          Michael Stoops
          Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

          Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Clay Question

            Rail dust, etc. also likes to stick very well to said vertical panels.
            2000 Ford Explorer XLT "Deuce"
            2007 Toyota Camry XLE

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            • #7
              Re: Clay Question

              It seems to me that if you are using Clay you are going to be applying polish / wax next. So only using clay on the horizontals could produce a different level of shine and, especially, reflection than on the verticals. In addition, in my experience people evaluate the job by looking at the side and running their palm across the side panels. Also, your verticals would be on a different cycle than your horizontals. I say clay all or none and, since clay is the miracle tool, clay all.
              "The Dude Abides"

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              • #8
                Re: Clay Question

                This week I clayed the lower panels (from the door moldings down) and they were filthy with tar from the summer construction on the local roads. I did a couple of places on the upper panels & horizontal surfaces and could tell no difference so I let them go since I had just clayed them this past spring. I would say try the baggie on the hand wipe trick and see how it feels.

                Dave
                You repair things with tools. You fix things with a hammer.

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                • #9
                  Re: Clay Question

                  I would clay the entire car. Horizontal, vertical, and the glass. It seems a lot of people overlook claying the glass.
                  quality creates its own demand

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                  • #10
                    Re: Clay Question

                    A daily driver parked outside 24/7 should be clayed every two months IMO.
                    Nick
                    Tucker's Detailing Services
                    815-954-0773
                    2012 Ford Transit Connect

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                    • #11
                      Re: Clay Question

                      Originally posted by Tuck91 View Post
                      A daily driver parked outside 24/7 should be clayed every two months IMO.
                      Great point, i was asking about my daily driver.
                      Am i obsessed?? A car is the second biggest financial investment for most people, why not keep it looking better than new?

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Clay Question



                        How much time do you have?

                        Are you a true auto detailer, are you a perfectionist?





                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Clay Question

                          Originally posted by J. A. Michaels View Post
                          I would clay the entire car. Horizontal, vertical, and the glass. It seems a lot of people overlook claying the glass.
                          Very true- it's amazing the amount of crud that comes off seemingly clean glass...
                          2000 Ford Explorer XLT "Deuce"
                          2007 Toyota Camry XLE

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