Beginner Questions

[The Dodge]

Re: Beginner Questions

So if I'm understanding y'all correctly, you would recommend "clay-ing" before you wax? I saw someone say something about polishing. . . . .isn't waxing and polishing kinda the same thing(newbie here)?

[rcktpwrd]

Re: Beginner Questions

So if I'm understanding y'all correctly, you would recommend "clay-ing" before you wax? I saw someone say something about polishing. . . . .isn't waxing and polishing kinda the same thing(newbie here)?

yes clay before wax, especially if it has never been clayed before! It will remove the contaminates that are bonded to the surface and leave a nice smooth finish.

waxing and polishing are two different things, the confusion is because different companies/people interchange the terms.
Polishing is generally the defect removal process, IE: swirls in the paint. Waxing is the protection that goes on the paint after it is corrected and looking good.

[2011Murano]

Re: Beginner Questions

I have clayed a new car before and others before and never ran into what you are describing... Old wax shouldn't come off gummy. Maybe the dealer put something else on the paint?!?!

I have no experience with the clear bra's on my own cars but have seen plenty of them on other cars and I never liked they way they looked. I know they do a great job protecting the front end from stone chips and what not.

The issue I have with the clay and the gum or adhesive must be just the clay transfering to the paint. I have now clayed several times and found that either I am not yet quite doing it right or when the clay sometimes gets on a dry surface it sticks to the paint. I am using tons of QD to try to prevent this , but it happens , again , I guess it is just me getting used to it , but it seems that someone would have referenced this, maybe just obvious to others. So, How would you describe what you get if the clay is not lubricated enough? does it get stuck and then look like it transferred some to the paint? Thanks

[Selectchoice]

Re: Beginner Questions

How would you describe what you get if the clay is not lubricated enough? does it get stuck and then look like it transferred some to the paint? Thanks

Yes the clay will stick and be hard to glide over the paint. It can leave a clay residue on the paint like a streak. If that happens, just spray some quick detailer over the spot and re-clay the area again.

Another thing I do is to spray the panel with quick detailer, then spray the clay itself. It may be overkill but it really helps it glide over the panel. I have a large car to clay, and it doesn't stick to my paint at all with these methods.

Remember to fold the clay in on itself regularly to expose fresh clay and to prevent trapped/removed particles scratching your paint, and to allow it to glide freely over the panel.

[2011Murano]

Re: Beginner Questions

Thanks,

I guess I am going to fast or using to much pressure because I have to wipe hard with a towel to get it off after claying. I'll keep trying. I actually just did my hood, same thing happened , I just kept going spraying the paint and the clay as I go, after I just wiped the the stuff off with the micro towel until it went away. Going to try Swirl X now for the first time .

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Beginner Questions

If you're using plenty of QD as lubricant then your clay really shouldn't be sticking to the paint. Your assumption of possibly using too much pressure is probably right on. Claying should be a very easy and quick process, unless the vehicle is severely contaminated. You can move the clay pretty quickly, but you shouldn't need any more pressure than what's required to keep control of the clay; ie, enough pressure to keep it from falling out of your hand. Let the clay do the work, there's no need to "scrub" with it.

As for testing out your new DA on your wife's vehicle first, just keep in mind that her car and your new Murano could have very different paint systems on them, and you may find that what works great on one car is overly aggressive, or not aggressive enough, on the other.

Welcome to the joys of paint correction!

[2011Murano]

Re: Beginner Questions

Thanks again,
I have been posting about some pigtails I encountered in another thread. All you guys have been helpful, Although I am a beginner , I have had great results doing my wife's car and some work on some friends and family cars now, then ran into the pigtails on the Murano.
I usually find an answer to my questions here without even having to post a question, just do a little searching.
Thanks everyone