ClayBar?

[Mike_Check]

Would claybar'ing bring a shine back to faded paint? Or is it just a way to remove a thin layer of paint to bring back the deep shine?

[karen1122]

The clay is actually intended to remove impurities that may have found their way into your paint. These would include: small metal filings, exhaust soot, insect stains, etc. A quick test to see if clay is worth it for you; take a clear plastic bag, insert your hand, and rub it over a NEWLY WASHED section of your paint. If you feel small bumps, then clay will do something for you.

To take off oxidation, swirl marks, or just bring old paint back to life – polishing is the key. Here there are literally thousands of available combinations for tools, polishes and application pads. The keys are how bad you paint is (please post pics) and how much time, effort or money you want to put in.

[boxboss]

The clay is actually intended to remove impurities that may have found their way into your paint. These would include: small metal filings, exhaust soot, insect stains, etc. A quick test to see if clay is worth it for you; take a clear plastic bag, insert your hand, and rub it over a NEWLY WASHED section of your paint. If you feel small bumps, then clay will do something for you.

To take off oxidation, swirl marks, or just bring old paint back to life – polishing is the key. Here there are literally thousands of available combinations for tools, polishes and application pads. The keys are how bad you paint is (please post pics) and how much time, effort or money you want to put in.
:agree: Clay will not impart a shine. It will not remove or harm paint unless you do it wrong.

[BHR4CE1]

Would claybar'ing bring a shine back to faded paint? Or is it just a way to remove a thin layer of paint to bring back the deep shine?

Clay will do neither. Claying is sort of like a DEEP CLEANING for your paint. It just removes atmospheric garbage from the paint to get it READY for polishing and cutting; which is what will hopefully bring back a shine to your paint. It all depends on the condition of your paint.

[Mike_Check]

The clay is actually intended to remove impurities that may have found their way into your paint. These would include: small metal filings, exhaust soot, insect stains, etc. A quick test to see if clay is worth it for you; take a clear plastic bag, insert your hand, and rub it over a NEWLY WASHED section of your paint. If you feel small bumps, then clay will do something for you.

To take off oxidation, swirl marks, or just bring old paint back to life – polishing is the key. Here there are literally thousands of available combinations for tools, polishes and application pads. The keys are how bad you paint is (please post pics) and how much time, effort or money you want to put in.

Wow. Good answer. My clear coat is good, there are no peeling spots. But I just have some areas, mainly the hood, that have seen better days. You can see swirls all over the paint. Which, obviously dulls the appearance and lessens the "polished" look.

So, a good strip of wax with dishwash soap...then a few coats of a good wax...???

Or, claybar first? :dunno:

[BHR4CE1]

Most cars will benefit from a good claying, so when in doubt...get the clay out!

[karen1122]

Mike,

Detailing a car is all about how obsessed you are and how much time, money or both you are willing to put in to obtain the level of perfection you want. Take a look at the process I used last weekend (listed under the Hey Bear.... thread). This took about 12 hours over 2 days. Granted, the results are virtually perfect and much better than anything Bear has ever achieved but I CAN'T POST PICTURES TO PROVE IT!!!!!! HELP

Anyway, back on track.

Swirl marks are slight scratches in the clear coat. There are two ways to minimize their unsightly presence. 1) use a wax, glaze or sealant which will temporarily hide them, or 2) Polish them out. Polishing is typically the chosen method, however, it takes the use of a machine and most likely 2 applications levels of polish (think of this as going from a coarse sandpaper to a fine grade). It will also take a full day before you even apply even start to apply a protectant.

So, a couple of options in order of the the time and effort you will have to put in:

If you are unfamiliar with machine polishing, there are many local detail services which will do it for you. :100: or,

You could wash and clay to remove the old finish and impurities (clay will take about an hour). Then apply a single product that cleans and seals in one step. Zaino Z-AIO (all in one) is a one of these and is designed to apply by hand. This will make it better but you will still see the swirl marks. or,

You could do some research on the web, plan on investing about $400 in equipment and a full weekend to DIY. This is sort of theraputic to me.

As a final note, all vehicles are different and are damaged to different levels. Posting pictures would be a big help.

[BHR4CE1]

the results are virtually perfect and much better than anything Bear has ever achieved but I CAN'T POST PICTURES TO PROVE IT!!!!!! HELP


DAMN! You found me out! I have PURPOSELY removed your privileges to post pics so nobody here will ever know that you are a better detailer than I am. :mrgreen:

Actually, I have been trying for a few days to figure out why a few people can't seem to post attachements in all the forums. Please try it again, I flipped a few switches around (sorry Mal) and maybe I got the combination right this time. Let me know! If not, I promise to keep trying.

PS: Once again, I have never claimed to be the "END ALL" detailer. I just enjoy a nice clean car!

In the words of one of my heroes, Woody Allen, "Those who can't DO, teach; those who can't TEACH, teach gym, and those who failed gym, teach detailing!" :blah:

[AusBmw]

I'll admit it,I had no idea what "claying a car" was until about 6months ago :youbet:

When some I know said that,i said your what :scared: he said,no not that clay,his words were,it's like high tech play doe that picks up rubbish of your clear coat.

So i went to my fav car washing brands website an read up all about it.