Clay

[IWC Doppel]

Guys what is the best clay ?

I was very pleased with Zymol but as it's so expensive for a little blue tack I tried Maguires which was not nearly as good. Is there a sensibly priced alternative to Zymol ?

[Patricius]

I've used Pinnacle clay with great results. I would imagine most clay is of similar composition with the more expensive ones either charging a premium for the brand or adding things to a base formula.

[IWC Doppel]

Originally Posted by Patricius

I've used Pinnacle clay with great results. I would imagine most clay is of similar composition with the more expensive ones either charging a premium for the brand or adding things to a base formula.

Tks

[emrliquidlife]

Originally Posted by IWC Doppel

Guys what is the best clay ?

I was very pleased with Zymol but as it's so expensive for a little blue tack I tried Maguires which was not nearly as good. Is there a sensibly priced alternative to Zymol ?

Out of curiousity, what is wrong with Meguir's. That stuff is awesome.

E

[GregW / Oregon]

I've only used Griot's, but it works fine. Clay alone is $20 for 8 oz. (good for 7 jobs, they claim), but they also have this kit:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...d+shine+kit.do




They also have a special holder pad so you can use it in your random orbital:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...ng+clay+pad.do

[ideliver]

I may be wrong on this one...but...clay is clay is clay...the rest is marketing nonsense...

[IWC Doppel]

Originally Posted by emrliquidlife

Out of curiousity, what is wrong with Meguir's. That stuff is awesome.

E

It just didn't seem as effective as the Zymol. Zymol picked up 'colour' from the small oil and tar deposits much more quickly and left the paint feeling smoother. I haven't tried one after the other just bought Meguires after using Zymol and expected the same results (so I was expecting the same experience) I think I will buy some Zymol and see if I am right !

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by ideliver

I may be wrong on this one...but...clay is clay is clay...the rest is marketing nonsense...

You're no more right than saying "wax is wax is wax".

The clay used in a clay bar isn't really clay at all, but a mixture of a soft plastic resin (polybutene) and various grades of abrasive particles. The soft plastic resin is effectively an applicator pad, which enables you to move abrasive particles over your paint using consistent force and pressure. Because bonded surface contaminants sit above the surface of the paint, they are subject to greater abrasive forces than the surrounding surfaces when a clay bar is rubbed over them. As a result, they are exfoliated and removed by the clay bar. You use a lubricant to prevent the abrasive particles from affecting the paint.

The size and type of particles and the type of plastic base used in different manufacturer's products varies somewhat, enough to make a noticeable difference with use, according to those who have tried several.

[Mr.AK]

I am a potential first time clay user. My new M3 is 2 months old, garage kept and not a scratch on it. Do you think it is necessary to use a clay bar before i give the car its first wax. I'm a little apprehensive since i have no idea what im doing and fear damage to the clear coat.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Mr.AK

I am a potential first time clay user. My new M3 is 2 months old, garage kept and not a scratch on it. Do you think it is necessary to use a clay bar before i give the car its first wax. I'm a little apprehensive since i have no idea what im doing and fear damage to the clear coat.

If you use a detailing spray as a lubricant you won't damage the clear coat. If you run your hand over the finish and feel any roughness, then you need either clay or polish. Not very much yet, I wouldn't think.