First of all, having never used the stuff, can one of you folks be so patient as to give me a quick version of how you use it? As I understand it, it is used basically to pick up the hard to get off stuff from the paint. A guy I know in the detailing business told me they always use Play-Doh. He said it works as well as clay, which can be expensive, and you can save it from drying because it comes in a sealable container. What are some thoughts?

 

a) This is how I do it:

If I am using the supplied lube (car is dried)

- Spray lube on surface to be clayed, not to exceed 2'x2'
- Break off portion of clay bar and mold it into a patty
- Take portion you broke off and rub it on the lubed surface in a linear motion until the clay starts to literally slide on the surface. No downward force is necessary as the clay will do all the work for you.
- Wipe the area with a microfiber towel
- Follow up with a polish and/or wax

The quick method

- After rinsing the car off, start claying immediately after the final rinse.
- Dry the clayed area using a microfiber towel

Bear in mind, you will need to do this a quarter of the car at a time.

b) Your best bet as far as clays are concerned would be:

Clay Magic
Mothers
Pinnacle
Zaino

 

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.

 

I used the lubricating stuff (Meguiar's Quik Detailer) with their clay bar once and didn't care for it. It was a lot of work and didn't work any better than just plain water IMO. After I wash and rinse the car, I use the clay bar (Clay Magic; cut into 3 pieces and formed 1 piece into a patty) with plenty of water. Do a small section and rinse. As the bar gets dirty, just fold over so dirt is on the inside. Do this whenever the bar gets dirty. I will use the bar 2 - 3 times and I store it wrapped in wax paper in a Tupper Ware (air tight) container. This works great for me and I don't have to buy the lubricator. Good luck.

 

Yea..use A LOT of the lube.

 

AAAAAHH! MY EYES!
Use a friendlier color next time! geez!

 

Alot of lube is a great way to go...I also think that the detailing spray that they give you is the best thing to use because water is not a good lubricant...Every try it in the shower and you will know what i mean.

 

Been claying for a several years on black cars and never had a problem. Key is to keep the car wet and rinse after small sections of the car. But hey ... I know what works for me. Whatever works for you is great.

 

Play-doh? Anyone?