To take Umberto's thread one-step further...My mini is about 6mos old, I have done the hand test after washing - it does feel pretty smooth already. I imagine that claying it will still make a remarkable difference.

Is there such thing as a "light claying"? I have read BradB's excellent information on the process. Can this be done during the wash or is the full wash/dry process first a necessity?

I realize that you want the surface to be free of any debris before putting the clay to it. Can you wash/rinse/lube with a second clean bucket/clay/rinse/dry or is this just a cheater's way of going about business?

Thanks so much!

 

I do a Dawn wash (for the Zaino), a good rinse and empty/rinse the bucket thoroughly (and clean off my good wool mit well). I then mix up a half bucket of water with a higher than usual concentration of a good auto shampoo (2 or 3 times the usual amount) and use that as my clay lube. I can then easily wash the clay residue off immediately after claying that panel and move on to the next one.

I keep a spray bottle of 1 to 10 diluted auto shampoo next to my clay for spot touch-ups, but it's just easier (IMHO) to use the mit and bucket method above.

 

I also do what agranger does.

 

Don't forget to clay your wheels too! It works wonders getting the brake dust off. Then you can polymer finish the wheels as well as the body to make it easier to keep them clean.

Of course, clay for the wheels should never touch the body and vice versa.

 

I keep my old bits of clay that have already cleaned the paintwork around for wheels and glass.... Just keep 'em in a labled jar so you know what's what.

 

Could someone please explain "claying" to me? Sorry, new mini s owner.

 

There's already a ton of info on "claying" on this site. Please do a search on "clay". You'll be busy reading for hours.

 

Here, check this TECH TIP.

 

Claying is EXTREMELY easy, and the MINI took all of 20 minutes to complete.


http://www.mothers.com/reelworld/reels/Clay_Bar.html