Clay bar, etc.

msvx95 · #1 08-22-2006, 05:00 AM

Does using clay bar on the finish ruin the clearcoat or strip it?
I want to detail my car but one of my buddies thinks the clay bar will remove the clearcoat too. Is this true? or is the bar safe?

Also what is a good product to use on the body to remove swirlmarks in the surface? I do not have a buffer, so I was going to do it by hand, but not sure what to use yet.

Thanks

SilverSpear · #2 08-22-2006, 05:04 AM

Put underneath it the type of Nylon which is used to wrap food with... It may stick to the clearcoat but I doubt it will cause any damage..

msvx95 · #3 08-22-2006, 07:35 AM

So you are saying not to actually let the clay bar touch the clearcoat surface itself.

SilverSpear · #4 08-22-2006, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msvx95

So you are saying not to actually let the clay bar touch the clearcoat surface itself.

Well it's better no to, use that thin Nylon I told you about... Got it???
It is used in Friges to cover food with.

msvx95 · #5 08-22-2006, 08:05 AM

Got it....I shall give it a try....I think I'll buy the bar this weekend

Bwana · #6 08-22-2006, 08:52 AM

Putting the nylon under it completely negates the point of using the clay.

It's theoretically SUPER-fine sand paper, just enough to remove embedded crap in the paint.

It will not ruin the clear coat unless you do it with no lube. As long as you keep the area you're claying soaked (i just use the soapy water from washing the car), and you dont rub one spot like 500 times, you pretty much cannot damage anything.

PDSides · #7 08-22-2006, 02:21 PM

You have plenty of advice on using a clay bar, so let me address your other question about removing swirls. You mention surface swirls, so I assume you have no swirls in the paint itself, which would mean sanding and refinishing to remove. For surface swirls, let me recommend Meguiar's Scratch X. I have found Meguiar's products to be safe and effective if used according to their directions. It is safe for clear coats and it does the job it says it will do.
Preston

$ gest24 $ · #8 08-22-2006, 03:36 PM

Easiest way to get the work done, get in good with a local detailer. I have a local guy that does clay bar, polish, and paint sealer. The car looks great after. Its been a couple months since he's done it, I'm going to have him hit it up one more time before the up coming show.

It's Just Eric · #9 08-22-2006, 08:41 PM

I say why pay someone to do the work you should have pride in doing, especially when its as easy as cleaning the car.
a clay bar is extreamly easy to use. I personally use a spray detailer as a lubricant. make sure you have a dry cloth you an use to wipe / buff the detailer residue out. It will leave you with a ...technically already waxed surface...but Id toss on a layer of wax anyway
Big obvious thing....make sure the car is absolutely clean. If any sand gets in the clay bar itll scratch the clearcoat...

$ gest24 $ · #10 08-22-2006, 09:35 PM

I pay someone so I know it's being done by a profesional. I'll wash and wax my rig every other week, I have a dedicated spot in my garage jsut for cleaning products, 2-3 kinds of wax, plasitc polish, chamis, micro-fibers, and Meguire's car wash. But when it comes to Clay Bar and Polishing with power tools, my boy Chris is a pro and is insured.

msvx95 · #11 08-23-2006, 04:33 AM

I should have time to do all of this myself in my garage...I personally like Meguires products so I'll look into that swirl remover after I use the clay bar. Yes the swirls look like clearcoat layer to me, so we'll see what happens.