Clay Bar

[Perfectlap]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I am not a professional detailer or stay at Holiday Inn Express

I was "told" that if you don't strip the wax first, you are only removing sediment/bugs/grime/fallout from the "layer" you are scraping (which would be the wax buildup)

I am not suggesting that you don't take care of your car or paint (possible the present paint is as "clean" as its ever going to get)...but if you (or someone) are (is) already waxing over an accumulation of "crap"...you may not be removing said substances with the claybar process.

just my 2cents

[SC986]

How long it been since you has applied the Zaino. It could have had some effect, but my guess is your paint was in good shape and they wasn't anything there really for the clay. As PL said that's a good thing!

I know the first time I used a claybar my Yukon I had was in good shape. I was thinking the claying was worthless or I was doing it wrong. I hit some spots and realized how it worked and that the first spots were just in good shape.

[joyfrog]

I clay bared my o2 boxter s about 2 months ago I washed it with dawn first and I noticed a pretty significant improvement in the appearance and texture of the paint, however I did also use NXT wax a product I have been truly impressed by.

[markab986]

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.