clay/wax
- Thread starter Alpine
- Start date
Totally different products [
]
Clay is the cleaner, the wax is the protectant.
If you take a look at the stickied "how to" guides here --> http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tt.asp?forumid=111 you'll find everthing you need to know []
]Clay is the cleaner, the wax is the protectant.
If you take a look at the stickied "how to" guides here --> http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tt.asp?forumid=111 you'll find everthing you need to know [
]Wigeon Incognito
New member
Clay preps the paint surface after thorough washing - it removes any dirt/grime from the bodywork. This includes any dirt trapped in scratches/swirl marks so it provides a perfect surface on which polish can act. Make sure you use plenty of lubricant though (detailing spray or water depending on the clay you choose) and keep folding the clay over or else you will marr your paintwork terribly.
(The easiest way tot hink of how clay works, is when you have blue tack stuck to a surface and you clean it off by rubbing more blue tack over it. The dirt just sticks to it.)
Polish is then used to remove these light scratches/swirl marks etc as it has abrasive properties i.e. you should avoid doing this too much or you'll end up with no paint!
Then wax forms a layer on top of the paint to protect it.
Be careful which products you choose though as they all have such massively different properties. I've just bought a Clay Magic Perfect Finish clay kit (as it's meant to be quite mild, to avoid marring), and some Collinite 476s wax as it's meant to be very durable. I've yet to try them yet but from what I've read and heard they seemed to be the products best suited to my needs.
I've experiemented with a few different polishes and to be honest I think the Autoglym SRP is my favourite considering the price - it has slight filling properties too so is good for swirlmarks. The reviews tend to suggest SRP is surprisingly good too.
Of course you need your shampoo to be up to the job too, and make sure all of your applicators/polishing cloths etc are top notch too. I reckon lambswool wash mits are great for washing then use varying grades of microfibre cloths for everything else.
It can start getting expensive if you get too obsessed though!
(The easiest way tot hink of how clay works, is when you have blue tack stuck to a surface and you clean it off by rubbing more blue tack over it. The dirt just sticks to it.)
Polish is then used to remove these light scratches/swirl marks etc as it has abrasive properties i.e. you should avoid doing this too much or you'll end up with no paint!
Then wax forms a layer on top of the paint to protect it.
Be careful which products you choose though as they all have such massively different properties. I've just bought a Clay Magic Perfect Finish clay kit (as it's meant to be quite mild, to avoid marring), and some Collinite 476s wax as it's meant to be very durable. I've yet to try them yet but from what I've read and heard they seemed to be the products best suited to my needs.
I've experiemented with a few different polishes and to be honest I think the Autoglym SRP is my favourite considering the price - it has slight filling properties too so is good for swirlmarks. The reviews tend to suggest SRP is surprisingly good too.
Of course you need your shampoo to be up to the job too, and make sure all of your applicators/polishing cloths etc are top notch too. I reckon lambswool wash mits are great for washing then use varying grades of microfibre cloths for everything else.
It can start getting expensive if you get too obsessed though!
Hi
Clay is for preparing the paintwork for polish and wax. It's a harmless way of removing all the daily grime etc that attaches itself to the paint.
Polish may not always be necessary after clay, depends on the condition of the paintwork - paint renovator may need to applied beforehand for major problems. Too much polishing over time will damage the paintwork, and therefore is mildly abbrasive. Some polishes will deepen dark colours and revitalise dull paintwork.
Wax will add protection to the paintwork for several months. Once the car has been prepared as above, then only waxing is required to keep it looking top notch.
There is quite a good article in PP this month or visit this for an idea of the process http://www.meguiars.com/video/index.cfm?vid=1
Clay is for preparing the paintwork for polish and wax. It's a harmless way of removing all the daily grime etc that attaches itself to the paint.
Polish may not always be necessary after clay, depends on the condition of the paintwork - paint renovator may need to applied beforehand for major problems. Too much polishing over time will damage the paintwork, and therefore is mildly abbrasive. Some polishes will deepen dark colours and revitalise dull paintwork.
Wax will add protection to the paintwork for several months. Once the car has been prepared as above, then only waxing is required to keep it looking top notch.
There is quite a good article in PP this month or visit this for an idea of the process http://www.meguiars.com/video/index.cfm?vid=1
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