skipping clay bar step.... is a big deal??
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From: Ottawa, Canada
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skipping clay bar step.... is a big deal??
Im planning on polishing and waxing my car with my PC this weekend I usually:
wash twice
claybar
polish - menzenra FPII
sealant - Four star UPP
but im thinking of skipping the clay bar this time because polishing with my PC would likely get the same contaminants out and id thing that the clay bar adds to swirls than anything.......
what are you guys thoughts, is it that big of a deal skipping the clay bar step?
wash twice
claybar
polish - menzenra FPII
sealant - Four star UPP
but im thinking of skipping the clay bar this time because polishing with my PC would likely get the same contaminants out and id thing that the clay bar adds to swirls than anything.......
what are you guys thoughts, is it that big of a deal skipping the clay bar step?
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From: San Diego, California, US
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Clay will scratch your paint if you don't use enough lube or if you don't periodically check your clay to remove any dirt particles stuck in the clay. Otherwise, it is perfectly safe to use on your paint.
As far as skipping, it's up to you. One thing I will say is that your end result will look as good as your prep work; it's all in the prep work. If your paint is rough, it will look crappy regardless of whether you used the PC or not. If you've never clayed your car before, I'd recommend it. When clayed properly, your detailing will look that much better. Good luck.
As far as skipping, it's up to you. One thing I will say is that your end result will look as good as your prep work; it's all in the prep work. If your paint is rough, it will look crappy regardless of whether you used the PC or not. If you've never clayed your car before, I'd recommend it. When clayed properly, your detailing will look that much better. Good luck.
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From: Oklahoma City
Rep Power: 277 If you don't clay it, any defects you are trying to remove with the PC will take that much longer because it has to work through the contaminates. You also run the risk of getting residue in the pad you are using and possibly causing more damage than you fix. Its up to you, but for no longer than claying takes and the results it offers, I would do it.
I wil fix vBPlaza today
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From: Nashville, Tennessee
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Originally Posted by boricua_civic
just clayed, waxed and polished my vic 
There is gl@ss in my @SS...Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Portsmouth, Ohio
Rep Power: 321 gearbox, you may think it is smooth, but clay it and then rub your finger over both spots, one will feel like glass the other you'll feel bumps.
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From: Oklahoma City
Rep Power: 277 The effect of the clay bar will amaze you, however the results are limited based on where you live. If you live in an area that has poor air quality, lots of agriculture and things like that, then you will definetly see significant results, however if your area is the opposite then the contaminates on your paint will be limited.
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From: Portsmouth, Ohio
Rep Power: 321 PC is short for Porter Cable Random Orbital Buffer used to apply polishes, compounds, wax, swirl removers. The most wildly used one is the Porter Cable 7424. you can go to www.autopia.org and they have an awesome forum dedicated to Automobile Detailing and Cleaning.
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From: NV
Rep Power: 812 i live in farm land. and drew yea i know what you mean. i went over my pinstripe scratches with the scratchx and it was really smooth compared to other areas. but clay bar is too much pain i couldnt get it to work without streaking.
I don't know why so many people are having problems with streaking when using the clay bar. Are you guys lubricating it enough?
Also, you should be washing the car again after the clay bar, and that would take away any streaking...
Also, you should be washing the car again after the clay bar, and that would take away any streaking...
Last edited by EBP EX; Sep 6, 2006 at 01:11 PM.
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Portsmouth, Ohio
Rep Power: 321 streaking, meaning the Speed Detailer is streaking? I don't have a clue why either, you should wash,clay,wash then go with the swirl remover or polish, then glaze then wax.
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From: Ottawa
Rep Power: 278 I dunno, I just did my car yesterday, the second time I ever used claybar and it went smoothly...except running low on wax part and I found my air filter broken when I opened the hood. Good thing I didnt suck up anything.
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From: Portland, Oregon
Rep Power: 389 yep... I just clayed, polished, glazed, waxed, ect... The detailer leaves behind a bunch of drip marks on the car- they get cleaned up quick with a wash or final wipedown. All good. But if u havent clayed, u have no idea what smooth is.
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Portland, Oregon
Rep Power: 389 yep... I just clayed, polished, glazed, waxed, ect... The detailer leaves behind a bunch of drip marks on the car- they get cleaned up quick with a wash or final wipedown. All good. But if u havent clayed, u have no idea what smooth is.
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