Well, yesterday was my first ever experience using a clay bar. If any of you other detailing newbies are worried about using the clay, let me assure you, it really is as easy as everyone here says. Just be sure to use lots of lube (again, per everyone's advice) either with Your Favorite Brand detailing spray or, more economically, clean soap and water.

Washed with Meguiar's NXT Car Wash, used the Mother's clay bar, washed again, dried, then applied a coat of Meguiar's NXT wax. I'm stunned by how smooth the paint is due to the clay, and how the wax brought out my Indi Blue/Black combo.

Let me also recommend Meguiar's Quick Detailing Spray. It was perfect for cleaning off accidental smudges and is also great for daily maintenance. California duster, microfiber towel, and the quick detail stay in the boot at all times.

Thanks to all the NAM members who helped answer my detailing questions.

 

Yes the clay bar is great at getting those little blemishes out and making the paint as smooth as possible. It can also be used to take old wax off when you want to apply a new layer.

 

i too used a clay bar on friday and followed up with the Klasse All-in-one and then the Sealer Glaze. mmmmmmmmmmm smooth.

my paint was relatively new but i still noticed a difference in areas i hadn't clayed yet. good for removing bugs and tiny tar spots.

 

Actually, you can't count on clay to completely remove wax during the normal claying process. And that shouldn't be your goal with clay. In fact, in most cases it simply abrades wax and doesn't completely remove it. Now if you rub a LOT, and repeatedly, you can remove the wax but it's a highly innefficient way to do it.

To strip an old wax coating put a few drops of Dawn dishwashing detergent in a bucket of water and use as a shampoo. The alkaline base of Dawn will cut the wax.

:smile: