Clay Mitt (Novice Question From A Detailing Convert)

[JamieZ4C]

First up, a confession.

Although I'm always very particular about the mechanical side of my cars, the exteriors have often been neglected. A quick wash with turtle wax wash n wax and left to dry is about all I've ever managed!

Two buckets? Nah! Special drying towels? Just leave it, it'll dry itself!

But with the Z4 being my first car that I truly want to keep for the long term and spoil, I've come to the conclusion that I must take better care of those lovely curves and angles.

So, after that waffle, to my question...

I've seen a few guys on here recommending a clay mitt over a clay bar. The ones I'm finding are £10-15. That's a significant amount to spend on something I know nothing of. So...

1. Is it worth it?
2. Can it be used more than once?
3. If so, how many uses on average?
4. Which one would you recommend?
5. How often would you use it? (Every wash, once a year)

Appreciate some of those questions are subjective, but any advice welcomed

 

[mr.tourette]

1 Yes
2 Yes
3 No idea.. used mine once tho and looks like it will go again.. clay is supposed to be a throw away item in the detailing process so any more than once is a bonus
4 Farecla g3 mitt from Halfords is the only one I have used
5 Whenever you plan to do a full detail.. I will only detail once a year any more would be overkill for me personally, the clay is designed to pull all the crap from your paint so obviously it will pull all the residues of polishes and waxes etc so you wouldnt just use it whenever you are doi g a general clean

 

[JamieZ4C]

1 Yes
2 Yes
3 No idea.. used mine once tho and looks like it will go again.. clay is supposed to be a throw away item in the detailing process so any more than once is a bonus
4 Farecla g3 mitt from Halfords is the only one I have used
5 Whenever you plan to do a full detail.. I will only detail once a year any more would be overkill for me personally, the clay is designed to pull all the crap from your paint so obviously it will pull all the residues of polishes and waxes etc so you wouldnt just use it whenever you are doi g a general clean

Great answers, thanks!

Yes, my main ponder was around the fact that as you're picking up all those contaminants, would you want to use it more than once. I guess if I can get at least 2 goes from it then that's not too bad. Especially if it's once a year.

I've seen the G3 crop up many times on my searches and I see it's common to use it with the G3 detailer.

I might buy both and give it a go. What's the worst that can happen

 

[mr.tourette]

Yeah.. just remember to do these jobs out of direct sunlight.. if you're a perfectionist I guess yuo would throw out the mitt after first use, personally I'm happy to give it another shot as it still looks in good condition, if its not working out I will just go pick up a new one but I get the feeling it will be ok

 

[rooha]

get the G3 one. I got a cheaper one from ebay to replace my G3 and its honestly not a patch on it. The extra 4 or 5 quid is well worth it.

 

[JamieZ4C]

Cheers guys, appreciate the words of wisdom.

Have ordered the G3 stuff. Just got to wait for a non-sunny day now.

Who'd have thought that would be a problem?! :rofl:

 

[Beedub]

i really like the clay mitts, i have used both many times now and overall i personally prefer the mitt....

 

[JamieZ4C]

I'm fascinated to see what difference it makes to the paintwork. Unfortunately I won't get a chance before Beaulieu, which was my original aim.

Will try to remember to report back when I finally do with my thoughts.