Question

chicakms · 07-02-2008, 12:10 AM

I'm new and have been reading past posts...what is clay used for? I'm chick please forgive the lack of knowledge.

Psychopomp · 07-02-2008, 12:21 AM

Clay is a relatively light abrasive. It helps to "scrub" off little bits of contaminants that get stuck to the surface of the paint that normal washing won't take off.

It does induce light marring, as any abrasive will, and you'll need to polish and wax after claying. But it leaves a very deep shine, smooth feel to the paint.

However, it's not meant as paint correction and should be used carefully.

Kean · 07-02-2008, 03:19 AM

....simply put, it helps "lift" contaminants from the surface of your finish. It will do nothing for depth of shine and as far as marring with most of the popular OTS clays, it should not be a significant issue provided you use the product properly and keep the working area adequately lubricated. It leaves a nice, clean, smooth surface that is ready for polish, wax, etc.

The following is an excellent article you may want to read:

http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...-cleaning.html

You may also be interested in the other articles located in the table of contents on that page to the right.

Vew · 07-02-2008, 03:21 PM

They pretty much covered it. Only thing I want to mention is there are different types, from mild to aggressive. The type you'll find in Walmart or AutoZone is somewhat in the middle. Good way to tell if you need to clay is after your car is completely clean, run your fingers across it. If it doesn't feel like smooth glass, but you get small rough bumps, then you probably could clay soon. Some put their finger on the inside of a plastic grocery bag when they do it. Personally, I can feel the containments without the bag.

07-02-2008, 12:10 AM	#1
chicakms Scooby Specialist Member#: 183449 Join Date: Jun 2008 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: New Jersey Vehicle: 2008 Legacy Elite Quartz Silver Metallic	Question I'm new and have been reading past posts...what is clay used for? I'm chick please forgive the lack of knowledge.

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07-02-2008, 12:21 AM	#2
Psychopomp Scooby Newbie Member#: 175923 Join Date: Mar 2008 Vehicle: 2006 2.5i SGM	Clay is a relatively light abrasive. It helps to "scrub" off little bits of contaminants that get stuck to the surface of the paint that normal washing won't take off. It does induce light marring, as any abrasive will, and you'll need to polish and wax after claying. But it leaves a very deep shine, smooth feel to the paint. However, it's not meant as paint correction and should be used carefully.

07-02-2008, 03:19 AM	#3
Kean Scooby Guru Member#: 25187 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: So. CA Vehicle: '03 WRX Sedan MBP '08 Forester Prem TGM	....simply put, it helps "lift" contaminants from the surface of your finish. It will do nothing for depth of shine and as far as marring with most of the popular OTS clays, it should not be a significant issue provided you use the product properly and keep the working area adequately lubricated. It leaves a nice, clean, smooth surface that is ready for polish, wax, etc. The following is an excellent article you may want to read: http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...-cleaning.html You may also be interested in the other articles located in the table of contents on that page to the right.

07-02-2008, 03:21 PM	#4
Vew Scooby Specialist Member#: 74229 Join Date: Nov 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Morgantown, WV Vehicle: 2004 WRX PSM	They pretty much covered it. Only thing I want to mention is there are different types, from mild to aggressive. The type you'll find in Walmart or AutoZone is somewhat in the middle. Good way to tell if you need to clay is after your car is completely clean, run your fingers across it. If it doesn't feel like smooth glass, but you get small rough bumps, then you probably could clay soon. Some put their finger on the inside of a plastic grocery bag when they do it. Personally, I can feel the containments without the bag.