I'm someone will volunteer to show you (I would, but I'm not exactly local...). Was doing mine last weekend and the neighbour popped by as I was doing it. He was so surprised by how effective it was, he sent his girlfriend over to take a look. The first time you do it, you'll be shocked what a difference it makes. And how smooth it leaves your paintwork!Aebous said:
Just take your time. Do one very small area that you can't really see, like maybe on the rear towards the bottom close to the wheel or similar. Make sure your bar and the area is very wet with clay bar lubricant or quality mildly soapy water in a spray bottle. As you get more used to it, you will get faster. Plan on taking a whole day that's cool and out of the sun. You don't want a half-clayed Z. Eventually, you will know the difference between when an area is decontaminated, and when your bar is sticking. It's a very subtle but different feel.
Have a fresh bucket of moderately thick soapy water and a clean microfiber towel ready in the event you have a spot of clay that sticks. It happens to all of us, which is why I suggest you start in a less conspicuous area. Gently rub the spot until the clay is gone, don't put too much pressure - clay bars are basically dirt, you don't want to be rubbing too hard when it does stick.
Good luck hon, have fun and enjoy it! The results will really amaze you
T.
Have a fresh bucket of moderately thick soapy water and a clean microfiber towel ready in the event you have a spot of clay that sticks. It happens to all of us, which is why I suggest you start in a less conspicuous area. Gently rub the spot until the clay is gone, don't put too much pressure - clay bars are basically dirt, you don't want to be rubbing too hard when it does stick.
Good luck hon, have fun and enjoy it! The results will really amaze you
T.
Hi All,
Well I had all the kit but never felt the need to clay any of my cars ever! Then after getting involved with this topic and noticing a few bits on the car i decided last Friday was the day....
It was on my Boxster as the Z4 really doesn't need it.
1) Wiped over the car as it was pretty clean anyway.
2) Got out the clay felt really hard (some say leave it somewhere warm before use) Started on the Bonnet and used the fluid. Noticed it picking up if i went slightly past the fluid so becareful. I did find working the clay to get a clean bit hard but just folded in half every 10 wipes.
3) Wiped over again with a cloth and water.
4) Cleanse the paint work, worked really well removed a few marks easily. Using Meguiars Applicator Pad
5) Buffed off using clean clothe
6) Waxed with Carnauba Wax Using new Meguiars Applicator Pad
7) Buffed off Using a Halfords Waxing pad.
I am suprised with the Glass finish i got from the whole process but it does take time, i would guess 2.5-3 hours.
I will take a few photos later if i get time, but i would recommend to anyone to give your car a good 6 monthly Clay, Cleanse and Wax.
Cheers
PaulN
Well I had all the kit but never felt the need to clay any of my cars ever! Then after getting involved with this topic and noticing a few bits on the car i decided last Friday was the day....
It was on my Boxster as the Z4 really doesn't need it.
1) Wiped over the car as it was pretty clean anyway.
2) Got out the clay felt really hard (some say leave it somewhere warm before use) Started on the Bonnet and used the fluid. Noticed it picking up if i went slightly past the fluid so becareful. I did find working the clay to get a clean bit hard but just folded in half every 10 wipes.
3) Wiped over again with a cloth and water.
4) Cleanse the paint work, worked really well removed a few marks easily. Using Meguiars Applicator Pad
5) Buffed off using clean clothe
6) Waxed with Carnauba Wax Using new Meguiars Applicator Pad
7) Buffed off Using a Halfords Waxing pad.
I am suprised with the Glass finish i got from the whole process but it does take time, i would guess 2.5-3 hours.
I will take a few photos later if i get time, but i would recommend to anyone to give your car a good 6 monthly Clay, Cleanse and Wax.
Cheers
PaulN
PaulN, looks like you did a good job. I would assume with all that work you used micro fiber cloths and applicators? Also, I bet if you do the baggey test on your Z4 you will be claying it quicker than you think. My Z was only 6 weeks old and two states apart from where it was built and I clayed mine. Try the test, hand in a baggey lightly rubbed over the paint. Clay and repeat. Let me know what you think.
rc'Z
Well i didn't use a micro fiber cloth but used the ones supplied with the kit. I did use applicators though, and give the Meguiars Applicator Pads the thumbs up.
I am pretty OCD with my cars im afraid. I do think the Z4 could do with a Clay but im just building my self up as the Jet Black shows ever mark if your not careful.
Any advice on a good touch finishing Wax?
Cheers
PaulN
Well i didn't use a micro fiber cloth but used the ones supplied with the kit. I did use applicators though, and give the Meguiars Applicator Pads the thumbs up.
I am pretty OCD with my cars im afraid. I do think the Z4 could do with a Clay but im just building my self up as the Jet Black shows ever mark if your not careful.
Any advice on a good touch finishing Wax?
Cheers
PaulN
PaulN, I'm hung up on the products from this company at the present, Detailers Paradise, http://www.detailersparadise.com they have some wonderful products and wonderful customer service. You can actually talk or e-mail with a real person. These MINI Cooper folks are as OCD as they come, go there and read around: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/fo ... y.php?f=12
i agree completely with the recommendation for detailer's paradise. i've done business with them and would not hesitate to in the future.
as for wax/sealant, nothing beats zaino for long lasting paint protection and terrific shine: http://www.zainostore.com/
waxes are fine and look great, but break down quickly in a bit of heat, and i'm too lazy to reapply that often
a couple coats of zaino polymer sealant and water still beads easily several months later.
as for wax/sealant, nothing beats zaino for long lasting paint protection and terrific shine: http://www.zainostore.com/
waxes are fine and look great, but break down quickly in a bit of heat, and i'm too lazy to reapply that often
a couple coats of zaino polymer sealant and water still beads easily several months later.
