Clay Bar Help!!
I work at a detail shop. We clay everything before we wax or rub out a car. the size of the clay doesn't matter. Just make sure you "lube" the surface. I use a spray bottle filled with half water and half "spot delivery" which is basically a water spot remover. The smudges you guys are talking about is most likely from the clay sticking from the car because of lack of lubrication.
Also, pressure doesn't matter, the harder you push, the more road enviroment your going to get off. However, if you have a black car, you are more likely to leave scratches in the paint (towel like scratches). While all cars benefit from clay bar, it is most noticable when i white or light colored car needs to be clayed because of the tar, rail dust, road grime, and whatnot that is most noticable to a light colored car.
Finally, it is not necessary to wash a car after claying it. i wipe off the lube residue as i go. but if i don't feel like wiping it off as i go, i just wax over it all when im done. buff everything off with 2 microfibers. (apply wax one panel at a time with an damp applicator, then use 2 microfibers, one for the initial wipe off, then another to "buff" the smears and smudges to a brilliant shine)
And remember, anything you do is better than nothing! If you "screw" up the process, you have still put in more effort than 99% of my customers!
Also, pressure doesn't matter, the harder you push, the more road enviroment your going to get off. However, if you have a black car, you are more likely to leave scratches in the paint (towel like scratches). While all cars benefit from clay bar, it is most noticable when i white or light colored car needs to be clayed because of the tar, rail dust, road grime, and whatnot that is most noticable to a light colored car.
Finally, it is not necessary to wash a car after claying it. i wipe off the lube residue as i go. but if i don't feel like wiping it off as i go, i just wax over it all when im done. buff everything off with 2 microfibers. (apply wax one panel at a time with an damp applicator, then use 2 microfibers, one for the initial wipe off, then another to "buff" the smears and smudges to a brilliant shine)
And remember, anything you do is better than nothing! If you "screw" up the process, you have still put in more effort than 99% of my customers!
Im a detailer as well Matt thumbs up to you, for those who aren't stick your hand in a plastic bag, then rub it over your hood.. you'll feel some 'grit' if you did a good job after you clay and wax the car you wont feel as much if any at all.
