Hey, going to be doing the wash, clay bar, cleanse, polish, wax thing today. This will be my first time to use a clay bar -- any advice? (I know to keep the surface good and wet with the detail spray.) Do you lightly rub in circles or straight lines?

Thanks.

Can't wait to get started!

 

string,

Clay bars should always be used on freshly washed, clean surfaces. Dirt on the surface could cause scratches.

Always use a lubricant, and be generous with its application (as you know). You can use Eagle One Wet Wipe N' Shine, Meguiar's No. 34 Final Inspection, Eimann Fabrik Clear Pearl or a solution of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of car wash shampoo in a spray bottle filled with water.

Work on areas about three square feet. Lightly mist the surface with the lubricant. Place the clay bar in the palm of your hand and rub it across the lubricated area using moderate pressure. (Hard rubbing is not required). You should feel a slight grabbing at first. As you rub, the bar should glide smoothly over the surface. Be sure to rub from various angles to remove any possible contaminants. When the bar moves freely, you are done. Wipe the surface with a clean dry towel and continue in sections until the entire vehicle is complete.

As the bar becomes soiled, simply pull, stretch and refold to expose a new, clean side. When the bar becomes totally soiled (dark colored) discard it. Do not use a bar dropped on the ground.


Most of all, enjoy the "Zen-like" experience of detailing your MINI. :smile:

Cheers,
-Justyn

 

Thanks, So-Crates!

 

Straight lines - fore/aft on horizontal surfaces and up/down on vertical surfaces.

Take a look at these Tips & Tricks for more detail.

Good luck and have fun!

 

You are going to be so happy your not clay baring an SUV. It is like going over the whole car with an eraser.

congrats on taking the time to do it right. use quality products and don't buy them based on price, stay away from anything sold at Wal-mart, etc...

 

>>:smile:

 

WOW!

Thanks for all the great advice. It was tedious, but worth every minute!

Party on, dudes.

string


_________________

02 CR/W MC

 

string,

Did you follow it up with a good coat of polish or wax?

Cheers,
-J

 

>>Thanks for all the great advice. It was tedious, but worth every minute!

So how long did it take ya?

>>Party on, dudes.

Be excellent to each other!!

 

>>string,
>>
>>Did you follow it up with a good coat of polish or wax?
>>
>>Cheers,
>>-J


Wash (blue Dawn)
Clay Bar (plenty of detail spray)
Light rinse and pat dry
Cleanse
Polish
Wax

All Maguiar's products. (NXT for the wax)

Took me a little over 4 hours (beer breaks included).
Wanted a 2nd coat on her, but ran out of sunlight. (Before anyone freaks-out, our driveway is very shady, so there wasn't any direct sunlight on the car while doing all of this. BTW, the driveway in sig. picture is not my driveway.)


_________________

02 CR/W MC

 

Sounds perfect!

I've been using Zaino for the past 7 years with great results, but Meguiar's makes some very comparable products as well.

Cheers,
-J