Clay block kit

Hey Guys,

I was curious if anyone had any experience with these products, I found them on the chemical guys website. The products are Clay Luber and Clay Bar Alternative. I never used a clay bar before and I wanted some opinions on this. It says it is supposed to be much quicker and less risk of scratching the paint. So I am kind of nervous as I have black paint and it shows everything! Any feedback or other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Tom

https://www.chemicalguys.com/Clay_Block_V2_Luber_Surface_Cleaner_p/clay_block_kit.htm

 

I used the exact kit last fall on my dad's envoy, my taco and the wife's GS. it works pretty well. God rid of all road contaminants. Make sure to wax right after or literally everything will stick to your paint since this takes off any and all protection.

I have some norton lube that i like a bit more than the chemical guys, for some reason the chemical guys stuff made it difficult to hold the clay at times. But all in all a decent kit.

 

Glad to hear that, from what I'm reading it seems pretty legit. Do you think the one bottle would be enough for my truck or would I need a larger bottle? Yeah that's the plan, a good wash, a clay bar treament, and a good waxing. All day affair lol... Did you do the hood first, roof, 2/3rds of the sides and rears, then the bottom 1/3? I'm reading that's what a lot of people are doing, least dirty to most dirty sections. Thanks for you reply.

 

From what I've seen videos online, the clay luber isn't really needed. I just used the same soapy water I used to wash the truck with to lube the clay bar. Worked fine.

 

One bottle was enough for all 3 cars.

I would use the luber, it is very slick, much more so that car soap.

I did the roof, hood, bumper, fenders then worked my way around to the front again. Worst spots were the doors and trunk.

Do the windows and mirrors as well, really gets them clean.

My white car took 4 hrs to clay bar. dark vehicles about 2-3hrs. sealant another 1hr+ and wax another 1hr+

 

I detail cars on the side and bought this product and was a little disappointed. I then got this. Much much better in my opinion.

https://www.ammonyc.com/shop/clay-bar/

 

Very good, thank you guys. I am open to all and any feedback as the clay bar scene is new to me. And the black truck is an attention whore and needs a lot of TLC, but I still love her lol!

 

Do you guys think the clay bar and/or wax would reduce some of the swirl marks from dealership?

 

It definitely wouldn't hurt. Take a look at this video, he knows his stuff!

https://www.ammonyc.com/detailing/how-to-remove-paint-swirls/

 

Clay won't "help" as far as swirls go. It even has potential to cause micro-marring (more swirls). Sometimes the clay alternatives can micro-mar, too. It all depends on paint hardness (and technique, to a degree). Wax may mask some of the swirls. A mildly abrasive cleaner wax does have potential to clean up swirls when applied with a DA polisher.

 

claying will only remove contaminants and potentially make micro scratches.. its used for cleaning. only polishing will get rid of scratches/swirls.. i would avoid clay/wax.. try to give yourself enough time to clay/polish/wax. no point making scratches shiny lol

 

i have that clay set!!! use butter wax from them right after and your jaw will drop! its really good stuff

 

Thank you, looks like he has a lot of videos, I will definitely give them a look.

I bought my truck new, it's 5 months old since I've owned it. So the paint shouldn't be terrible. Don't get me wrong it still looks beautiful but I'm very picky about it and I try to keep it as clean as possible. The swirls really aggravate me, the dealership needs to hire new help. I am very new to the clay/polish/wax scene. I'm going to try and do some research in regards to each and what each accomplish. I've seen a few posts that recommend a specific order to do them in. Also are there power tools I need to do this or can it be done by hand? Are there recommend brands of the clay, polish, and wax everyone would recommend? I live in NJ so the road salt is horrible here and the roads suck. So I could have a good amount of contaminants. I only ever hand washed my 2nd gen, but it was silver so the black is a totally different beast. I appreciate everyone's help greatly!

Understood, I will definitely do those in succession. I have to do some more research on this. lol I hear that! Thanks!

Nice, I have read some good things about it! Ok I'll check into the butter wax. Thanks

 

If you're a detail nut like me (and your truck is black), then you're gonna want a random orbital polisher. Look at the Griot's 6" polisher (often referred to as a GG6 on forums). Best used with a 5" backing plate and 5" or 5.5" pads.

If you're not ready for that, sure you can clay, polish, and wax (or use a paint sealant) by hand. The meguiars clay kit for $20 at the big box stores is a good kit. Works great. And to be honest, I think there's less chance of marring with meguiars clay than an alternative-clay product.

I'd go with an AIO (all-in-one) if I was working by hand (basically a "cleaner wax"). If you want any chance of removing swirls (and not just masking them), then you'll want to use something like Meguiars White Wax, HD Speed, or Meguiars Mirror Bright Polishing Wax. These all contain mild abrasives, in addition to chemical cleaners. They're much more effective with a DA polisher, but you might see some improvement if you take it slow and give it some time.

True waxes, on the other hand, can mask swirls but that will be relatively short-lived.

 

Nanoskin autoscrub.

You'll never use clay again.

 

Thank you for your info, this will definitely help me. I think I am going to purchase the Griot's orbital polisher, sounds like it will do a better job than by hand. I'm going to continue my research and try to learn some more on this. Thanks again for taking the time and helping me out. I'll let you guys know what I come up with and will take a before and after pictures. Hopefully I'll be doing this within a week or two.

Thank you, I'll look into that product.

 

A random orbit polisher, proper pads and proper products for each pad are a must have for good work.

You might look into this unit

I suspect the Griots, Mequires and others are rebadged PC units. You should be able to figure it out by the photos and specs. It will allow you to shop around for a best price senario.

Good luck!

 

Very good, thank you. What products do you like to use in regards to polish and wax?

 

The Griots, Megs, and Other DA's are not rebranded porter cables. The Griots is more powerful than the PC and comes with a lifetime warranty and great customer service. It's a great starter machine (lots of pros use it too).

I'd look into Lake Country 5.5" flat pads for someone new to machine polishing. I also like the Griots 5" Vented Backing Plate and the 5.5" BOSS pads. There's also a Griots HD 3" backing plate, made specifically for the GG6, that runs 3-4" diameter pads. Nice for tighter areas. The Boss correcting creams are also getting great reviews, although I've not used them.

 

I have had trophy (on cars) level success with the Meguairs pro line

I typically have 3 levels of polish on hand, so I can take a somewhat needy vehicle in progressive stages.

Once they are squared away, it rarely takes more that a deep clean with the Nanoskin, the finest polish, then the wax dejour.

I play with different waxes, based on the color of the paint, whether I'm trying for depth of shine or long lasting protection, etc.

Currently I still use Collinite Insulator wax for durability on light colors, Klasse AIO for a nice look on a daily driver in darker colors, and pure carnauba on a dark vehicle I'm going to show, done the day of the show. Carnauba is not durable in our sun, but it's awesome looking for a couple of weeks.

BTW, the Klasse cleaner is awesome for interior vinyls. Better than 303 in my book. If I could afford it, I'd treat my tonneau with it, but alas, 303 is all I can stomach for something that needs attention so often. Outside 24/7, trees, birds, etc. just doesn't make it worth the show grade stuff.

But really, detailing and finishing is a lot like oils and lubricants. Clean and frequently enough is more important than boutique brands and fancy elixers.

All of the products I pointed you to can often be found at various web sites at discounted prices if you are willing to shop a little.

Oh yea. An older product I always liked a lot was Liquid Glass. Still out there, pretty pricey. But it works easy and is moderately durable.