Its still only about 35 - 40 Degreese here in KS, but I started to clay my MINI. But... It just doesnt seem right. It leaves a sticky residue, and does not make the paint look better. I think I am doing something wrong, but not sure what. It came with this spray to use as a lube, but when I use that, it feels like i am rubbing ice, with no effect. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

Maybe it is the temperature? I've never tried to clay a car if it wasn't at least 65-70° outside.

 

You need to use either that spray or some quick detailer with the clay bar to smooth the surface. If you just use the bare bar it doesn't work properly and will leave a residue. The bar should glide over the surface and it will pick up debris. You don't have to put a lot of muscle into it, just even pressure on the little piece of the bar you tore off to work that particular area.

 

As DID said, get some detailing mist and spray the surface first, then gentle on the bar.

 

He said he is already using the detailing spray/lube that came with the clay.

Maybe he is expecting dramatic results instead of the subtle improvement that claying brings?

 

You must use the lube. When I clayed last week (car is 1 year old & never been clayed) it felt like I was doing nothing too but when I looked at the claybar piece after I had done about 1/4 of the mini it had turned greenish (like grass stain) so I know I was removing surface contaminents. Afterwards when I waxed my paint was as smooth as satin. I had run my hand down my paint before claying & felt a slight drag but now finish is sooo smooth .

 

I'll try it again and let you know how it goes! Thanks for the help!

 

temps too low, as mentioned above.

try heating the clay in your hands.

 

I clayed my Jetta before I traded it in and it went horribly. The hood had crazy swirls in it from the bar. Plus, you HAVE TO wash the residue of immediately or else it will set in and it's a biatch to get out!

 

^^ wow... i just use QuikDetailer, rub the half dollar sized clay over the
area i want to clean, then immediately wipe off the lubricant with a terry.
i just do a small area at a time.

 

Yeah...well...I thought I was going to be "quick" and did the WHOLE hood at once. . Boy, was that a mistake!

 

yeh, we all start somewhere...but good thing it wasn't your new
car or one of your other nice ones (i saw your collection of cars )

 

Thanks!

 

Claying should be easy and FAST. If it's not then re-examine all the variables. The problems noted (from a couple folks above) are not common.

If it's too cold then the claybar will be stiff and it will take more pressure to get the job done. This is bad and can result in swirls and more residue. As mentioned above, warm the clay so it is pliable. You are pushing the limit as far as temperature because the clay will harden quickly again once it touches the cold body of the car.

Use lots of shampoo/water or Quick Detailer.

Rub in back and forth directions.

Use small, silver dollar sized, disposable pieces.

What brand of clay do you have?

 

Actually, for a first time clay user who doesn't know what to expect consider this:

Claybar won't noticeably affect the look of the paint while claybarring it. However the paint will be noticeably SMOOTHER *. So feel your paint before you claybar, if it's already been washed and dried, and it still feels rough, not mirror glass smooth, then knead a chunk of the clay into a small disc, spray on some lubricant on clay and paint surface, and rub this hockeypuck back and forth. You will hear scratchy sounds and it will feel grippy. The more passes you make, though, the less friction you will feel. Of course, after say 5 to 7 passes, inspect the clay. Is it brown with dirt? If so, knead the clay, make sure there aren't any big particles in there, if so, remove it, then continue claying some more. Always work in a small area, and wipe it dry as you finish one section at a time.

Once you have properly claybarred your whole car, the paint should feel glassy smooth. Go over the chrome, and glass areas, especially all frontal areas, like mirror caps, and the black window trim on the windshield.

You may be surprised to see little marks, nics, and stains, suddenly removed by the clay process.

Just remember, anytime you clay, you must reseal the paint with wax, so if you don't intend to wax your car, don't clay it.

 

Thanks for the helpful hints!

I just got some clay bar and lubricant, and haven't tried it yet. I'm glad I read your post, because I would've definitely done something wrong!

 

I claybar'd mine for the first time yesterday and I think I actually added a few clearcoat scratches even though I had a lot of lube and wasn't really picking up any particles (ie - I didn't need to be doing it!). So I guess from my experience I would say use A LOT of lube and go easy. The scratches are enough that two coats of Z-5 aren't filling them, so I'm going to have to do a little polishing.