washing a new car's paintjob

[The One-Armed Man]

Thanks Brad.

[GIB-8]

Just an interesting topic, I'll like to know since we have water restrictions here. If i take it down to car wash place where you place coins and spray wash, would the pressurised water damage the paintjob? and is the water always clean water? Thanks guys.

[DMS_Dan]

No just stand around 1m back. The water is usually fine but finish with the spot free rinse just in case

[GIB-8]

sweet.. thanks dan

[Gravey]

great thread - thanks to all who contributed!

[juv3]

new car

guys, with clay for new car

is that mean after picking up the new car > arrive at home > use the clay to clean the car?

or

wash the car > dry > apply the clay

sorry I really new into this

[Mrk_Mickey]

Wash the car first, dry it (you can leave a little bit of water on, it's just extra lubrication), and then apply the claybar with some clay lubricant.

[gregozedobe]

sorry I really new into this

Probably worth doing a bit of research on how to use a clay bar properly - there are lots of good guides online explaining how to do it. Many of the detailing forums and O/S detailing suppliers have good info.

You will feel when the clay is picking up contaminants off the paint, when they are all gone the clay should slide smoothly over the paint without sticking or grittiness(sp?).

Remember to fold the dirty side into the dirty side, and if you drop the clay throw it away (don't try to pick the visible bits out of the clay, you will miss some and end up damaging your paint).

[juv3]

cool

thanks guys

[JVLR32]

guys, with clay for new car

is that mean after picking up the new car > arrive at home > use the clay to clean the car?

or

wash the car > dry > apply the clay

sorry I really new into this

as i am very big on prep.....dry the car completely
far as iam concern leaving water left on car dirt particles can be within that drop of water left....

using clay....forward strokes and backward..no circle motions
as lube...i use iva two,a soap car wash but find a good window cleaner does a excellent job...

[juv3]

Thanks

going to try today...hope its not raining

[gregozedobe]

as lube...i use iva two,a soap car wash but find a good window cleaner does a excellent job...

What lube works best depends on the clay, I have read of some clays starting to fall apart with some detergents/washes.

I use Bilt Hamber clay (from the UK) which is designed to be used with plain water as the lubricant, but I find I have to frequently replenish the layer of water for it to work properly without sticking.

[JVLR32]

What lube works best depends on the clay, I have read of some clays starting to fall apart with some detergents/washes.

I use Bilt Hamber clay (from the UK) which is designed to be used with plain water as the lubricant, but I find I have to frequently replenish the layer of water for it to work properly without sticking.

yep theres a clay i also have used is called 3M clay works perfect with water

[carcareproducts]

Guys,

For claying you should really use a proper clay lube. Water is a lubricant but not a great one, some shampoo solutions and window cleaners will actually dissolve and break down your clay. A clay lube is designed to give maximum slip and not breakdown the clay, they are not expensive - e.g. Dodo Juice Born Slippy is $24 for 250ml concentrate that makes 2.5 litres of lube.

Good lubrication equals less chance of marring and scratching (so does a quality clay). After you have seen what can be done with a cheap clay bar and just water then you will never do it again

[JVLR32]

thats true....never have had break down of clay thou