Hey forum - sorry if this question has been answered a billion times haven't been here in a while. I have a '05 limited coupe aero blue pearl color and ever since I moved out to Az my car seems to never look as good as when it was new from dealer. I wash wax and it still doesn't have that high polish. Someone suggested a clay bar not exactly sure how to use that, can someone please help with a step by step do I wash clay bar wax? Not really sure any advice and tips as I want my car to have that new car shine to it?

 

I am not a car washing expert, but as far as I understand...

A clay bar removes stuck on pollutants on the clear coat that make the paint feel rough...embedded crap, and when you wax, you are not getting a good wax to paint contact.

The clay bar, sold in a kit usually, used with a lubricant such as McGuires quick detailer, runs across the clear coat surface and removes the embedded crap and leaves the paint feeling like glass. Then, when you wax, the wax adheres to the surface much better.

I spray a 1'x1' area with the lubricant, rub the clay across the surface, and then wipe clean. I usually work the clay to make sure I don't rub the same dirt on the clean areas.

I also hear you shouldn't clay too much, maybe 3 times a year.

Andrew, golfdude, and others are experts on this however, and there are many other threads regarding this issue.

 

Clay Bar shears-off contaminants leaving a silky-smooth surface. Easy to wax and shine.

I suggest you buy just the clay-bar has the lubricant in the McGuire’s kit is just expensive candy smelling "Show Shine" when all you need is water. Save a few $$.

I recommend it.

 

so i wash, use the clay bar with a wax detailer then wax after that ?

 

depending upon your cars paint condition... you way want to polish the surface in between steps...

~ wash
~ clay
~ wipe down complete car with quick detailer using a micro-fiber towel
~ polish surface (i prefer 3M hand glaze)
~ then wax with a canuba quality paste wax... meguiar's

hope this helps.

 

If the paint is not seriously contaminated, I have found that the Ice Clay Liquid Clay Bar works well and is very easy to use. I would suggest to follow Andrews instructions and use the Clay product that is best suited.

 

Would AutoZone have all these products? Or is there a better place to locate them? Thanks.

 

Autozone here has the clay bar kits with the detail spray as well as the Ice liquid clay bar. Wal-Mart also has them a couple bucks cheaper. I haven't been able to find a clay bar by itself at any local stores.

 

Here is a good web site "how to" look after a car. They do sell products but I have found the information very helpful. (wrt to clay bars - be very careful).

http://www.carcareonline.com/howto.aspx

http://www.carcareonline.com/viewarticle.aspx?art=5

http://www.carcareonline.com/viewarticle.aspx?art=0

 

Excellent info, mdb! Thank you.

 

Here is a clip from Adams on how to clay bar, i use their products very happy with them.
http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-videos_clay_bar.aspx

 

yea my paint is fine. my car just seems to have lost its new car appeal ever since i moved to Az.