Clay Bar - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Perfectlap · 08-13-2007, 02:24 PM

well in theory you're supposed to do the sandwich bag test to see if your paint requires clay at all. Place hand in bag and run fingers across the paint to see if there is any drag,bumpy lumps vs. smooth gliding.

Claying only "shaves" the top surface. If you have swirls that haven't been corrected you may have pollution and particles trenched in the swirl channels. Using Menzerna with an orbital buffer will flatten the paint surface so the particles have no place to hide. If you don't want to go the buffer route you can try paint decontamination which flushes out the swirls channels. FK1 1119/883 is one popular decontamination kit for about $50.

p.s.
if you are claying and nothing is coming off that's a good thing. Kinda like spraying for roaches before you get them.

Sammy · 08-13-2007, 04:48 PM

I have never noticed a change in the appearance of the paint after using clay; however, I could always feel a huge difference. I sleep comfortably knowing that contaminants aren't eating at my paint.

NickCats · 08-14-2007, 06:35 AM

It really doesn't seem to the touch that the surface of the paint is any more or less smooth before and after the clay bar

Regardless, thanks for the feedback, guys, I appreciate it...

Nick

Perfectlap · 08-14-2007, 06:45 AM

claying also cuts down on swirling...lifts teeny tiny road sediments that grab onto your paint that don't come off in the washing process (unless you for some reason rub real hard when you wash). Those who don't clay then unwittingly rub these sediments all over the paint when they buff and wax(which does break lose the particles)...voila new swirls.

markab986 · 08-14-2007, 10:18 AM

Did you use anything to strip off the present wax/protectant off before you used the claybar?

Not sure what some use (dishwashing detergent like "Dawn" or something) to remove the wax buildup first.

As far as the cement/mud...were you able to remove it without damaging the paint?

NickCats · 08-14-2007, 10:36 AM

Mark,

No, I did not strip off the present wax before using the claybar. I did wash and dry the car, but not with dishwashing detergent. Was I supposed to ?

The claybar did do a great job on the cement / mud. It removed all traces of the splatter with no ill effects to the paint...

Nick

Perfectlap · 08-14-2007, 10:48 AM

Allot of people wash with Dawn before claying and polishing. Its a very concentrated detergent when compared to car wash soaps made for frequent use, afterall Dawn is made to remove dried BBQ sauce from your dishes. Doubt you'd get that off the plates with most car wash soaps. But there are car wash soaps that strip the paint bare too like P21S paintwork cleanser.

markab986 · 08-15-2007, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickCats

Mark,

The claybar did do a great job on the cement / mud. It removed all traces of the splatter with no ill effects to the paint...

Nick

Good deal!

In my youth I spent a lot of time on the road piloting a 2 wheeler...I always find it amazing how much abuse paint/lamps/glass etc a vehicle gets.