Clay bar waxing??????

[GOBUGWILD]

I am wanting to give my bugg a good wax... it needs it and i was told to do a clay bar wax..... Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.... I have never done this before :S

Thanks in advance Kathleen

[lenswerks]

It's not a wax, but is clay with very fine abrasive in it. Wash your car, then use the clay bar with lube that comes with it. It will give your cars surface a glass smooth finish. Then wax, dont drive it until you get some wax on it.

I do it once a year on my 03 Turbo-S. Any brand will do.

Now if you want the best shine possible after you use the clay bar, use Zymol HD-Cleanse, then Zymol Carbon Wax. A lot of work but well worth it.

You can get clay bar at auto parts stores, or here Emmons Coachworks, Ltd. where you can get more information about claying your car.

[turboturbo]

And, if you want to do it REALLY nice...

Wash, clay, polish, then wax. Or, if your finish is bad (oxidized, swirls, etc) add compound before polish.

[iluvmyVersa08]

Clay bar is good to do before waxing. I buy all Meguair's products, and bought the clay bar kit. It comes with the spray, towel and clay bar. It's very easy to use and will smooth out your paint and finish. It's amazing how soft and smooth the paint will feel afterwards. I do a full clay and wax every spring and fall ...

[h_2_o]

go to this website and spend way too much time looking at how to clean your car


Autogeekonline Auto Detailing Forum


amazing site for info

[Volkswoman]

I detail cars for a living and use the clay bar alot. I always break the bar in two. I wrap one piece back up and start with one half. I can detail 10 full cars with one piece then exchange that for the new piece. Instead of throwing the old piece away, I use it for the rocker panels. You don't want to use your clean clay bar for the rocker panels for the obvious reason. Too much crud!

[MiG]

Originally Posted by Volkswoman

. . . .Instead of throwing the old piece away, I use it for the rocker panels. You don't want to use your clean clay bar for the rocker panels for the obvious reason. Too much crud!

Great Tip

Hey Kathleen,
There's nothing to it babe!
Here's a couple of how to vids . . . . 1 . . . 2 . . . .just give it a go!!!

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Lot of good detailing advice, DIYs, etc, and good selection of products at www.autogeek.com . I use a high end liquid sealer, after clay, and before a coat of high end clear carnuba.

M.

[GOBUGWILD]

Thank you all for the advice.... I'm doing it today so I will post some pics after that.... Hopefully the paint will look better :S

Mike!!! You kill me lmao thanks for the 1....2.... Videos can't wai to meet up only a week away now!!!!

[pixykat75]

I've used Turtle Wax Ice liquid claybar for the bulk of surfaces and a Mother's Clay Bar for the really stuck on surfaces. I've been really happy with the Ice products, just washed with the Ice soap and for once I didn't have spots all over when I dried it off!

[Volkswoman]

Zymol Carbon wax? At $49 a jar? I have been detailing cars for 20 years and I can tell you that some of the "exclusive" companies like Zymol WAY overcharge for their wax and other detailing items. Heck, even Griots Garage which is considered one of the very best lines only gets $20 for their best paste wax and $20 for their Best of Show Wax. The Carbon wax is just a hyped up item really not worth $49 IN MY OPINION.

[Pushing Fifty]

Are you the Volkswoman that used to have a column in VW Trends? If so, I really enjoyed reading them.

I LOVE Zymol myself, but confess to only ever using the blue-colored cleaner wax as a pre-wax polish. It runs about $13.00 a bottle, at least here in Wisconsin.

And for the first time, I bought a Mother's Clay bar and applied it everywhere on my New Beetle. Indeed, the surface is now as smooth as glass.

[Downtown Turbo]

How did that work out for ya Kathleen? I used the Meguiars' kit and used the whole spray bottle it came with. I can't find it at crappy tire separately though so I will have to find an alternative lubricant for the next time...

[iluvmyVersa08]

Originally Posted by Downtown Turbo

How did that work out for ya Kathleen? I used the Meguiars' kit and used the whole spray bottle it came with. Amazing smelling detailing spray too! I can't find it at crappy tire separately though so I will have to find an alternative lubricant for the next time...

The spray that comes in the kit can be purchased separately.
I've purchased it here before but rarely do because it's cheaper in the US.
I just picked up a large bottle (double the size of the one in the kit) for $7 at a US Wal-Mart.

[Marty4th]

I just use Windex as a lubricant if and when I run out of the bottle the clay bar came with. It seems to work just fine and the way I see it the clay bar is doing the work the lubricant just helps it slide along. Hasn't hurt my beetle's paint and the results are still the same and I've done it numerous times.

[MiG]

Just plain water in a spray bottle works fine for me

Sent Using My Finger Tips That Touch The Key Pad On My iPhone4 App v2.0

[Downtown Turbo]

Originally Posted by Marty4th

I just use Windex as a lubricant if and when I run out of the bottle the clay bar came with. It seems to work just fine and the way I see it the clay bar is doing the work the lubricant just helps it slide along. Hasn't hurt my beetle's paint and the results are still the same and I've done it numerous times.

DO NOT USE WINDEX ON YOUR PAINT!!!


Even SC Johnson the manufacturer recommends against it! I'm pretty sure they know something you don't.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Windex®

"Can I use Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner on my vehicle? Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner is not recommended for automobiles"

"Can I use Windex® Wipes on my vehicle windows? Yes, but we recommend cleaning automobile windows with Windex® Wipes when the surface is cool and out of direct sunlight. Besides glass, they are safe to use on chrome, stainless steel, plastic, and vinyl surfaces, but avoid painted surfaces. For tinted windows, we recommend using Windex® Multi-Surface Wipes instead."

Also I don't think you want to be breathing in the fumes or allowing it to soak into your skin. I studied Analytical Chemistry in College so I know all about the short/long term effects of chemical exposure. You might not notice a problem now but every time your body is exposed to a chemical you are creating an additional load on your detoxification systems (liver etc.). I avoid ALL unnecessary contact with chemicals as we come into contact with more than you would like to know without a choice. I wear disposable gloves when I am detailing.

http://www.foothill.edu/printmaking/...index_MSDS.pdf

"Principle routes of exposure: Eyes. Skin. Inhalation. Ingestion."

[Homer3D]

Originally Posted by Marty4th

I just use Windex as a lubricant if and when I run out of the bottle the clay bar came with. It seems to work just fine and the way I see it the clay bar is doing the work the lubricant just helps it slide along. Hasn't hurt my beetle's paint and the results are still the same and I've done it numerous times.

OH DEAR LORD! Your poor car. I don't even use Windex on my car windows because I don't want even a drop to touch my paint.

If you run our of the lube, you should be using either quick detail spray or you can use the soapy water from when you cleaned your car.

Never ever use Windex on paint.

[pdoel]

Originally Posted by Homer3D

If you run our of the lube, you should be using either quick detail spray or you can use the soapy water from when you cleaned your car.

Actually, the best bet is to just use water / soap as the lubricant. Most of the time, people are going to claybar before waxing. As part of that process, it's always good to remove previous wax. Those detailers typically contain a wax as well, so it kind of defeats the purpose.

[n7plus1]

NEVER use soap and water to lube whilst claying. it deteriorates and breaks up the clay.

Also, make sure you polish after clay, then seal, then wax.