after claying, then what?

[wulliet]

once you have clayed do you re-wash the car, dry then polish, and whats the best clay out there. i have to give this a try.

 

[ay8306]

Yes, you should re-wash your car after you finish with the clay bar to clean away any residue. It is crucial that you apply a wax or other protective finish as soon as possible after you finish since the clay bar will strip away any existing wax. I use Zaino z-18, but there are many good products out there. If you have not tried it before you will be amazed at how effective it is.

 

[Aebous]

I've read that it's best to use a dishwashing liquid soap after you clay (and only that time) as the extra degreasers in the soap will help get rid of any/all residue. Then of course like ay8306 said, apply a wax or other protective finish ASAP after claying as all your protectants will be gone!

 

[Smokin]

You can also google or read the directions on the clay. Biggest things to remember are: lubricate that clay and don't drop it. Wax immediately.

 

[a11y]

As said above, you MUST protect the paintwork with something immediately after claying: claying removes any protective stuff that was on the car along with all the crap that you're wanting rid of.

If the paintwork is swirly, etc. then post-claying is the time to use a polish (something like Autoglym super resin polish). After washing it again obviously! But if you're happy with the paintwork then either use a wax or use a coat of sealant first, then wax. I like a layer of sealant (I use Chemical Guys M Seal) as it gives extra protection - wax always wears off but sealant is more durable. I then use a wax on top of the sealant and keep it topped up every 8-12 weeks.

 

[powerontap]

Here's my reference bible on "how-to" detailing for a car:
http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html

Also some good stuff here if videos help you better understand:
http://www.autogeek.net/auto-detailing-resource-center.html

Cheers!

 

[duckson]

wax always wears off but sealant is more durable

Its entirely down to product, there are some durable waxes and some not so durable waxes.

 

[a11y]

wax always wears off but sealant is more durable

Its entirely down to product, there are some durable waxes and some not so durable waxes.

Yep, true. Cheaper durable waxes tend to give less good results, and cheaper good-result waxes tend to be less durable. Got to spend more to get both durable and best results!

I’m quite happy using Chemical Guys XXX – not the most durable, but very good results, cheap and easy to use.

 

[duckson]

I personally think you cant tell many wax products from the next finish wise, so i just use Collinite 476S....cheap and durable!

 

[epbrown]

wax always wears off but sealant is more durable

Its entirely down to product, there are some durable waxes and some not so durable waxes.

That's true, but I don't think any wax is as durable as a paint sealant. I apply a sealant after claying, wait a week for that to cure properly, then wax the car as needed. Collinite 476S is my winter wax, as it is very durable and will get me from November to April or May easily.

 

[dan_i]

What is the modern equivalent of T cut, and do I use it before or after claying? Not really had to bother on my last couple of cars( grey, silver), but the little scratches are showing up on my Z4, being red.

 

[a11y]

Modern day equivalent of T-Cut would be something like the Autoglym Super Resin Polish (AG SRP) I guess. SRP is quite a mild polish though but if brilliant if you're doing it all by hand. I'm by no means an expert though!

Edited to add: AG SRP should remove a lot of small scratches plus any swirls you have from washing or (God forbid) car washes...

 

[dan_i]

Modern day equivalent of T-Cut would be something like the Autoglym Super Resin Polish (AG SRP) I guess. SRP is quite a mild polish though but if brilliant if you're doing it all by hand. I'm by no means an expert though!

Edited to add: AG SRP should remove a lot of small scratches plus any swirls you have from washing or (God forbid) car washes...

I do use SRP, but it doesn't seem to take up many stratches. Maybe I need something slightly more abrasive?

 

[GAZA62]

AG SRP is no where near as aggressive as T.Cut it will remove some oxidation and very very light scratches and marks but it also fills a lot of scratches and swirls so they do not show as much.

AG Paint renovator is a lot more aggressive but personally i would steer well clear of any products like T.Cut its easy to go through the clearcoat if you are not very carefull.

Working by hand you could try these products which i have used but use them with care do not go mad

Carlack twins had results on some minor scraches with these

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/polish/carlack-68-scratch-remover-paste/prod_351.html

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/polish/carlack-68-polishing-paste/prod_352.html

Menzerna PO91L is good by hand.

The above products i only used on light scratches and marks the main work i still use AG SRP followed by AG EGP then Victoria Concours wax which on your Merlot paintwork would look great.

Vic Concours http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/victoria-wax/victoria-wax-6oz-concours-wax/prod_234.html

Smaller jar http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/victoria-wax/victoria-wax-3oz-concours-wax/prod_312.html

Have you been on here for advice http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/

 

[duckson]

wax always wears off but sealant is more durable

Its entirely down to product, there are some durable waxes and some not so durable waxes.

That's true, but I don't think any wax is as durable as a paint sealant. I apply a sealant after claying, wait a week for that to cure properly, then wax the car as needed. Collinite 476S is my winter wax, as it is very durable and will get me from November to April or May easily.

Well i've never really done a test myself but on detailingworld.co.uk i seem to recall reading about a big test they did with a horsebox/transporter were by someone did small sections of various products to see how they would last....interesting but not entirely scientific but then again maybe more real worldy! :lol: I find Zaino lasts well and the 476S is obviously very good.

 

[dan_i]

AG SRP is no where near as aggressive as T.Cut it will remove some oxidation and very very light scratches and marks but it also fills a lot of scratches and swirls so they do not show as much.

AG Paint renovator is a lot more aggressive but personally i would steer well clear of any products like T.Cut its easy to go through the clearcoat if you are not very carefull.

Working by hand you could try these products which i have used but use them with care do not go mad

Carlack twins had results on some minor scraches with these

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/polish/carlack-68-scratch-remover-paste/prod_351.html

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/polish/carlack-68-polishing-paste/prod_352.html

Menzerna PO91L is good by hand.

The above products i only used on light scratches and marks the main work i still use AG SRP followed by AG EGP then Victoria Concours wax which on your Merlot paintwork would look great.

Vic Concours http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/victoria-wax/victoria-wax-6oz-concours-wax/prod_234.html

Smaller jar http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/victoria-wax/victoria-wax-3oz-concours-wax/prod_312.html

Have you been on here for advice http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/

Thanks for that. Although I went and bought some AG Paint renovator yesterday before seeing this. I'll give it a ok see what it does, will be gentle though lol. I know of detailing world, but it's not really my thing, i just give my car a quick polish and wax every few months. Don't think I can be committed enough to spend the sort of time/money those guys do.

 

[a11y]

DW always scares me with the amount of commitment some folk have. I prefer to drive the damn thing, not clean it

An excellent resource place with friendly folk though despite that!

 

[GAZA62]

AG SRP is no where near as aggressive as T.Cut it will remove some oxidation and very very light scratches and marks but it also fills a lot of scratches and swirls so they do not show as much.

AG Paint renovator is a lot more aggressive but personally i would steer well clear of any products like T.Cut its easy to go through the clearcoat if you are not very carefull.

Working by hand you could try these products which i have used but use them with care do not go mad

Carlack twins had results on some minor scraches with these

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/polish/carlack-68-scratch-remover-paste/prod_351.html

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/polish/carlack-68-polishing-paste/prod_352.html

Menzerna PO91L is good by hand.

The above products i only used on light scratches and marks the main work i still use AG SRP followed by AG EGP then Victoria Concours wax which on your Merlot paintwork would look great.

Vic Concours http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/victoria-wax/victoria-wax-6oz-concours-wax/prod_234.html

Smaller jar http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/victoria-wax/victoria-wax-3oz-concours-wax/prod_312.html

Have you been on here for advice http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/

I know of detailing world, but it's not really my thing, i just give my car a quick polish and wax every few months. Don't think I can be committed enough to spend the sort of time/money those guys do.

Thats more than enough i only give the car a full detail clay polish seal and wax every 6 months between i just wash dry and QD and pop a coat of wax on every 6 weeks.