Clay Bar Really Works Wonders

And windshield!

 

Go online and search for Clay Bar Mitts. You won't find them in retail stores. They work just like the lumps of clay but, makes the job faster and MUCH easier.

 

I always wash prior to doing it as it removes all the loose surface dirt that would otherwise end up in/on the clay.

 

You'll be amazed!

 

I wash after too...then dry & wax. Makes wax application & removal so much easier.

 

It also helps keep the paint cleaner too in between washings.

 

Indeed!

 

For those interested, here's my clay procedure (pulled from this thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/paint-protection-advice-wax-and-sealer.401094/ )

Edit: claying procedure (claying, when necessary, ensures that the wax or sealer bonds to your paint as well as it can). It'll leave your paint feeling like glass.

Pick up a mothers or clay kit. $20 at the big box stores or auto parts stores. The kit comes with two pieces of clay and a bottle of detail spray. You basically knead the clay, form it into a 4" x 4" flat "pad", and then soak the paint surface with the detail spray. Then rub the clay over the surface of the paint. Use plenty of "lube" (detail spray). You really don't want to apply pressure. Just the weight of the clay and the pressure of your hand to hold it on the surface is plenty. The soaked surface allows the clay to simply slide over the surface of the paint and it picks up contaminants that are bound to the surface that don't come off with normal washing (invisible/visible sap, oil, road grime, etc). Even if your paint looks clean, it's not. You'll be amazed at all the gunk that comes off with clay. Check the clay often. When you see that it's dirty, you fold the clay a couple times and flatten it again. This exposes a clean surface. Work a small area (1/4 or 1/2 of a panel) at a time and then move to the next area. Use plenty of lube. You might use half a bottle for a vehicle. You want to wash the vehicle before claying. And if you drop the clay, THROW IT AWAY. and use the second piece. You don't want grit in your clay for obvious reasons. Wipe off the lube after finishing a panel. Repeat as necessary. When it feels smooth like a piece of new glass, you're done. Now.... Wash the truck again before applying your wax/sealant.

The process removes bonded contaminants allowing last step products to adhere much better (wax/sealer). I was blown away the first time I tried it. An almost new truck that looked clean-had a ton of gunk come off on the clay.

 

I now usually use the Mothers Speed Clay or the Eagle 1 Speedy Prep Mitt ("synthetic clays").

 

Can’t believe you’ve never done this before.You’re going to be so stoked.I’m due to do a detail as well.

 

You can but if time permits i’d knockout both claying and waxing.Do section’s if unable to do it all at once.

 

If I’ve got wax on already, do I need to get the wax off before claying? Also, is one kit enough to do a double can truck?

 

No need to remove wax. You will just need to reapply afterwards.

 

Clay bar + a good sealant + maintaining the sealant with a quick detailer goes far.


Washed my truck 2 weeks ago. X2 30second rinses since.



First rinse.



Today

 

I’ve been a fan of the Nanoskin towel. It makes quick work of claying my truck. Next time I’d probably buy the mitt though.

 

What products do you use??

 

I use the pro grade 3m claybar .Pulling stuff out of paint is something I don't cheap on. I've recently been trying to budget myself a bit better and have been using the chemical guys V07 sealant and their quick dry detailer + polish to maintain. So far I'm content. Easier on the wallet too.

 

Sealants make a huge difference in was times, I had my fj detailed at a place that did ceramic coatings, literally went a full year without washes, quick rinse down with a pressure washer and you'd think I had washed and waxed it, I have all the stuff to do it myself for the taco but damn it's a lengthy process

 

For sure. I'm most impressed with how nothing seems to stick to the V07 sealant. Pollen, bird crap, mud. All rinses off touchless. I've also switched to the V07 soap as well and it seems to help extend the time between re applying the sealant.



Also, for you guys who live in snow belts, acidic mud, or just real bad mud areas ive also have become a big fan of the snow foam from Chemical guys as well. Drops everything that can scratch you paint in one shot.