Why Clay Your Car?

Every car is always in constant exposure to the harsh environmental contaminants such as debris and industrial fallouts. With time these contaminants embed onto the paint surfaces and won't come off. Typically when the car is not well kept the paint surfaces of the car feel rough. This can be observed by touching the paint surfaces with your bare hands. It is more noticeable if you run your hands over the surfaces with a plastic glove or a ceramic wrap. Majority of these bumps or roughness cannot and won't be removed with just a wash, wipe off, or polish. Don't be alarm because this condition is normal and can be resolved with a clay bar. A professional auto claying method will remove paint contamination and impurities. If the car is in a bad condition, it is a recommended procedure to prepare for polish. The outcome is rewarding because clay makes the paint surfaces feel smooth again. The car's original color will regain its luster and breathe better.

Claying is recommended to be used once or twice a year depending on the condition of the paint. To be safe we suggest the paint measured. Detail Addict provides paint evaluation as an optional addition to the service. If purchased, a complete evaluation of the car is provided with a hard copy of data for personal safe keeping record.

Reasons to clay your car:

A.  To protect the paint.

B.  To extend the life quality of paint.

C.  To prepare for polish so polish can work to its best on every single surfaces of paint.

Methods:

Clay bar in 6.4 oz or 180 gram can be divided into 3 parts and 1/3 of the section can be used for 10-15 cars depends on the severity of the paint surfaces of the car. First knead the clay flat into a workable size that fits in your palm. Spray down the paint surfaces with a lubricant just enough to keep the surface slippery for the clay to glide. You don't want to saturate the clay with lubricant because this might ruin its quality. The clay will stick to the surface if the paint surface is not lubricated enough. Apply a safe pressure on the clay against the paint surface in a back and forth or circular pattern to remove contaminants. Once the surface is smooth it is an indicator to move on. Keep in mind that the clay can only remove debris or contaminants. If the paint texture is naturally not smooth, the clay cannot do much unless it is overspray. Keep track of the areas you've clayed to prevent over working the area. You can cause marring to the paint surfaces if you over worked it. This depends on the level of paint you have left. When the surface of the clay is dirty and turning brown this suggests that claying is not as effective. Fold the dirty side together and knead it flat to obtain a clean and fresh surface. We suggest use only one side to ensure efficiency. If you happen to drop the clay bar onto the floor, for safety reason it is best to dispose the clay bar. This will prevent anything hard or solid debris that might catch onto the clay that potentially scratches the car.

Care:

A.  Always keep the paint surface lubricated and slippery.

B.  Don't clay in one area too long.

C.  Rinse down the car once claying is done.

D.  When claying is done store the clay bar in a sealed plastic wrap and container. Use ceramic wrap or any plastics. This will keep the clay bar moist for subsequent use.

Tools:

1.  Clay Bar

2.  Lubricant: Water or Detail Spray (most preferable because it is pH neutral and contains no contaminants, less harsh to the paint surfaces).

3.  Microfiber Towel: to wipe off the residues.

4.  Plastic gloves or ceramic wrap to check your work. (If you feel that you need it).

Things that can be clayed:

•  Chrome

•  Glass

•  Paint Overspray

•  Coated Wheels

•  Bugs

•  Tar

•  Tree Sap

•  Industrial Fallout