Clay Bar

[NickCats]

Mark, thanks for the input. Makes sense…

SC987 - I use the Zaino whenever I get done washing the car and it looks like it needs it, maybe every other wash. I guess the paint is just in good shape, and I’m glad it worked on the dried stuff, I just expected more...

Nick

[Dr. Kill]

Is there a limit to how often you should clay your car? Does it erode the paint in the same way that polishing does?

Also, what is the maximum frequency that a man should polish his car?

I like keeping my car looking sharp, but want to make sure I am not destroying its finish in the process.

[SC986]

It does not erode the paint as a polish, it does not have the cutting power like a pad and polish.

How many times can be related to a couple of factors and everyones opinion will differ. I was taught twice a year for outdoor cars, once for cars that have a garage.

I can't say that I think you are taking away to much clear and paint if you were to do it a couple of times more. If you keep your paint clean and protected you really shouldn't require more.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Dr. Kill

Is there a limit to how often you should clay your car? Does it erode the paint in the same way that polishing does?

Also, what is the maximum frequency that a man should polish his car?

I like keeping my car looking sharp, but want to make sure I am not destroying its finish in the process.

imo if you use a soft clay you can clay every other wash. That's a top surface claying and I think you should be doing this before you reapply a carnauba paste wax topper like P21S or a synthetic paste or liquid topper like FK1 Pink Wax or NXT. if you're going to dry rub on the paint you should make sure its free of road sediments before waxing.

If you are doing your seasonal stripping of all your polishes, sealants, and waxes you should use a harder clay to strip the paint bare to the clear coat. This 'harder' claying removes the sediments that gets traped into the various layers of wax that you apply during a season.

The frequency of polishes depends on the degree of abrasiveness. A mild polish can be used 3 or more times a year for an outdoor/daily driver. A stronger polish like Werkstatt Prime Strong (Carlack in Germany), Poorboys, or Klasse should be used less frequently or when needed like in the event of a mishap...such as parking under a tree full of birds who hate Porsches.

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

imo if you use a soft clay you can clay every other wash. That's a top surface claying and I think you should be doing this before you reapply a carnauba paste wax topper like P21S or a synthetic paste or liquid topper like FK1 Pink Wax or NXT. if you're going to dry rub on the paint you should make sure its free of road sediments before waxing.

If you are doing your seasonal stripping of all your polishes, sealants, and waxes you should use a harder clay to strip the paint bare to the clear coat. This 'harder' claying removes the sediments that gets traped into the various layers of wax that you apply during a season.

The frequency of polishes depends on the degree of abrasiveness. A mild polish can be used 3 or more times a year for an outdoor/daily driver. A stronger polish like Werkstatt Prime Strong (Carlack in Germany), Poorboys, or Klasse should be used less frequently or when needed like in the event of a mishap...such as parking under a tree full of birds who hate Porsches.

Thank you for your response.

[NickCats]

PL,

I assume that Z-5 falls into the "mild polish" category ?

Thanks,

Nick

[Perfectlap]

Z5 wasn't available when I used the Zaino line but from my understanding from the Atuotopia posts, Z5 is an un-polish in that it has no abbrasives, just fillers to hide swirls. If that's true then you can use it as often as you like/need.

p.s.
These gloves or similar are good to keep in the car when you quick detail your wheels, tires and glass. Doing just those two things makes the car look just washed....without having to touch the paint. Chemical Guys make great no frills products. I'm about to order some of their towels to test them out.
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Detailing_Gloves_p/acs_999_2.htm