Replacing clay by cleaner wax???

[nelsonliao]

Dear MOL members:

Some doubts about clay , please guide me

thanks in advance

first doubt: clay is clear coat safe, besides, it's used in proper way, but it doesn't represent it won't cut the paint or remove lightly some clear coat,
so the manufacturers tell us ' clay is an optional step or not to frequently use it'.

Second doubt: If I were using a clay on a panel about 100 times, should the clear coat be much more thinner than where only about 10 times

Third doubt:Can I replace clay bar by cleaner wax A1216 or colorX ? even I can feel gritty or rough from bag(ziplock) test,
which is more efficient in removing surface defects on the premis that 'it cuts the clear coat least'?

[SVT Lightning]

Re: Replacing clay by cleaner wax???

Clay will not remove clear coat or "cut" the paint. It removes bonded contaminants. Cleaner wax or Color X will not do this. Clay will leave your paint feeling slick as glass....and clay your glass too after claying the paint.

[Murr1525]

Re: Replacing clay by cleaner wax???

first doubt: clay is clear coat safe, besides, it's used in proper way, but it doesn't represent it won't cut the paint or remove lightly some clear coat,
so the manufacturers tell us ' clay is an optional step or not to frequently use it'.

You could clay with a mild clay all the time if you wanted, and would not damage the clear coat at all. But most people will only need to clay a couple times a year. So you might do a 'complete' detail 4 times, but only clay 2 of those times.

An aggressive clay can leave some scratching in the clear coat. But most people will never need an aggressive clay.

Second doubt: If I were using a clay on a panel about 100 times, should the clear coat be much more thinner than where only about 10 times

No different than wiping your finger across the paint 100 times vs. 10.... Though if you clay 2 times a year, it would take you 50 years to reach 100...

Third doubt:Can I replace clay bar by cleaner wax A1216 or colorX ? even I can feel gritty or rough from bag(ziplock) test,
which is more efficient in removing surface defects on the premis that 'it cuts the clear coat least'?

No, the clay works very differently.

The clay is there to remove dirt that is bonded onto the surface.

The paint cleaner products are there to remove dirt from the pores/imperfections of the paint, and if strong enough, remove swirls/scratches.

So if your goal is to remove the gritty feeling, you will want the clay. For a quick detail, I like to do:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. ColorX or Cleaner/Wax
4. Wax - Nxt Tech Wax, Ult. Wax, etc.

That would be a pretty fast and very mild detail.

However, if you have swirls/scratches that also need removed, then we would have to talk abut some stronger paint cleaners, applying them properly, etc.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Replacing clay by cleaner wax???

Our 5 Step Paint Care Cycle thread will also help you in determining when and why these products are used:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...-Cycle-Updated!

[Garage Troll]

Re: Replacing clay by cleaner wax???

Clay away my friend! Like the previous post have said, it will not damage or remove any paint. Also, the claying will help improve the bonding of the wax/sealant you use to the paint surface. I would suggest the Smooth Surface kit. The amount of clay in there should last you more than a few sessions

[Shawn T.]

Re: Replacing clay by cleaner wax???

Clay clay clay clay clay!!!! It does add an extra step you may not be used to but the results are worth it. Increased shine, protection (from leaving a better surface for sealant/wax) and paint life.

Some people will say to clay infrequently because clay can mar and lightly scartch the surface. Let's look at the process of claying. Clay is like very very very mild sanpaper with just enough abrasion to remove surface contaminants (that rough feeling on your paint). However, the clay alone, unless it is aggressive, will not scratch the paint. However, as the clay takes off these surface contaminants, the contaminants are being brushed back across the surface. The proper use of pressure and adequate clay lube will prevent a lot of scratching though. However, that is the reason why manufacturers tell you to clay infrequently. Don't believe them though. You can clay as much as your heart desires.

To clarify a little, I said clay acts like very very very mild sandpaper. It is not cutting the clearcoat at all so do not worry about that. Aggressive clay may leave some fine scratches but that is because it acts like very very mild sandpaper instead of very very very mild sandpaper. The clay is not removing any clear coat though and many tests have been done to prove this.

[wifpd4]

Re: Replacing clay by cleaner wax???

One other piece of information, don't drop the clay to the ground then use it. It will become very, very, very annoying. As it then leaves very, very obvious scratches.


(Shawn, did I get the adverbs right?)

[nelsonliao]

Re: Replacing clay by cleaner wax???

Thanks for your concrete explanation
Now I'm getting free to use clay at will

[Larry A]

Re: Replacing clay by cleaner wax???

Just remember that the clay must glide across the paint , not gouge the paint.