My '68 GS was last painted in 1978 so the paint had quite a few contaminants on it that made it feel rough to the touch even after waxing it. I purchased the Mequiars Clay Bar kit today ($17) and after washing my car I used the clay bar (following directions). All I have to say is WOW...My paint is now smooth as silk, no more contaminants on my paint :bglasses: I did my whole car in about 15 minutes :shock: It was sooooo easy... I tried it on a hood of my 03 Envoy that has the same rough feeling and it made the paint feel/look like new again... Nice product :beer :beer
Yeah, the clay works great Mike. As soon as I feel any grit on the paint, I clay bar it. Its not abrasive to the paint, just to the contaminants. Makes it slicker than snot on a doorknob. :TU: good stuff.
Glad to hear it. I saw it on T.V. and didn't know how well this system worked or how long it would take. Did you use any paint prep product to strip the wax? I should try it on the wifes 05 trailblazer and see how it works. I'm a little ways from needing it on the buick, unless it helps very old paint with dull yellowing clear that's been worn or buffed through in spots.
It wont restore paint, just makes it smooth and shiny. It removes all the wax so a good wax job is almost mandatory after you clay bar It will not damage paint at all, unless you dropped it and decided to use it anyway. The smallest piece of sand can put squiggle marks all over your car :rant: What I do is tear the bar in half as soon as I open it just in case you drop it.. you have half left. Cause it will be slippery as you work with it. Keep it nice and wet and keep folding it. Also don't forget to do your glass followed by some window cleaner, rain-x or similar product, and new wipers (side glass too)... it will be like driving a brand new vehicle! When you're done... and all waxed.. you probably wont be able to stand a can of beer on your hood... it will slide off. :beers2:
Question: Directions say car must be washed before using the bar. Makes sense. If I wash the entire car, dry and then clay bar the hood only and want to come back the next day or such to do more, is another complete wash required to do another portion? Car wouldn't be driven in between, kept in the garage and can be covered. I want to get this done, but it's not likely that I'd be able to finish it all in one day. Just wanting to avoid multiple washes if possible. Thanks!
Once you wash it, how dirty could it get after a day? I think you could probably get away with getting the instant detailer out and wiping down the particular panel or panels you want to do.
Yeah I think directions say to wash first so that you remove all sand, dirt, small rocks etc... cause you dont want that in the clay. If the car is clean (as in washed yesterday) I think you're fine, just hose down and keep the bar wet as you go with either water or detailer..
No its much finer than any rubbing compound so there will be no "buffing, smoothing, or polishing" effect. It will just take off contaminants, oxidation, acid rain etc Leaves a much smoother and shinier (if that's how you spell it) surface for waxing.
The first time I used it was on my '92 Park Ave. which I washed and waxed regularly to begin with. After going over it with the clay bar, and then a fresh coat of wax, I was absolutely amazed at how the car glowed in the sunlight! :bglasses: The paint looked wet. I now go over our cars with it in the spring, and then in the fall. Now that you bring it up, I can't wait to go over the '96 Riv with it to see the results. :TU:
You can use it safely on chrome, stainless, and glass - it will lift any 'crud' or contaminants that are found on the surface, like hard water spots, light overspray, tree sap, road grime or just about anything ! :TU:
I put a coat of wax on the car yesterday and the paint looks better than it ever has :TU: Plus, with the paint being so smooth the wax job was very easy.... I also used the clay bar on my glass and it is now smooth also.... Great stuff...
It took me less than 30 minutes to do the entire convertible and it did not take a whole lot of effort :TU:
:bla: :laugh: As soon as the weather gets out of the 40's and stays dry long enough I will get the car out of the garage for a spin ou: Spring takes its time to arrive here Every time I walk by my car now I have to run my hand along its body because its sooooo smooth Sounds erotic or sick don't it :laugh:
Mike, I've used clay for many years , even before it was available in the retail world. It is easy and results, as you report, are exceptional. As stated by many here, NEVER use clay that you've dropped on the floor ( this can easily happen if you don't take care) . Its a huge temptation because the stuff costs a bit , but not worth it. I use a new bar every time, but save the old ones in a baggie just in case I drop the current one, I have something to finish the work ( saves lots of @#$%). On the wax, I have converted to Turtle wax Ice ( squeeze bottle). It can go over anything ( paint, chrome, rubber parts, plastic, anything) and you can put it on the entire car all at once. SUPER easy to appy by hand. You must use microfleece towels to remove it as nothing else will do it ( I threw out the first bottle after working for 6 hours to get it off. Should have read the bottle). With the microfleec, it is simple. No chance of drying white in crevices or in light scratches. Fast and easy. Steve
I see Steve says he uses a new bar each time. Is that necessary? How many "cleanings" do the rest of you get from one bar? - Bill
