best value clay for noob

[SamuraiDragon]

been wanting to clay my car for ages now but been a little apprehensive. never done it before and not sure what to really look for. budget is also tight so im looking for a cheap, effective and easy to use claying kit. links would be great if anyone knows of a cheap place to buy. also would claying be ok where i have vinyl decals and do these kits normally detail the entire car? all hints and tips are also welcome.

 

[Rawb]

My favourite is Sonus Grey -

Although I have bought the basic range from I4detailing and it wasn't too bad to get along with, definatly took the contaminents off a 15 year old car. - http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/I4D_Uber_Lime_Clay_Bar_1.html

Im not sure about vinyl - seeing as though you have a lot of it, I guess it can't harm it, just make sure you don't catch the edges of the vinyl with the clay bar as it's sometimes that sticky if not lubricated properly that it will rip up the edges.

As for a clay bar kit - To save on money from postage off the internet, i'd probably advise going into Halfrauds and looking at the meguires mild clay bar kit - should be about £20. Sometimes they have it on the discount rack. So keep your eyes pealed.


If you need any help with the actual process (I would have put a detailing world link here but you have to register) get back to me if you have any issues mate

 

[SamuraiDragon]

so would the meguires kit do the entire car? i only have the bonnet and bumper decal on the paintwork so should be ok, just need to make sure i keep it well lubed when doing them u think?

 

[Eklipze3k]

I got the Megs kit, have used the same bar about 4-5 times on the Sei, twice on the 126 when I had it and once so far on Carrie's GP. The QD spray ran out after the first few uses but it's easy enough (and useful enough) to just buy separately, AG Rapid Detailer works well with the clay, too

 

[SamuraiDragon]

so as long as i dont drop it an make sure the car is clean b4 use it should last a while then? do they dry out after so long or they good to keep for a long time?

 

[Eklipze3k]

I keep mine wraped in cling film, hadn't used it for about a year (laziness!) last time I went to use it it was tough but still pliable and soon softened up, obviously with use the lube will keep it moist too.

 

[dave]

i always end up dropping mine in grit

 

[Rawb]

What I do - Cut the clay bar into sections - Just in case you drop it.

Dependant on how contaminated the clay piece gets, decides if you should use a bit more.

Just don't drop it.

Claying is probably my favourite part of detailing a car, it's very soothing...

 

[Eklipze3k]

Claying is probably my favourite part of detailing a car, it's very soothing...

When I first put it on Carrie's car you could feel all the crap on the body, it's great feeling it change from sandpaper to glass

 

[Rosso145]

Take a look at Bilt Hamber - you don't need to use a lubricant with it.

 

[SamuraiDragon]

so with bilt hamber its just water? would be a cheaper option than the meguires kit looking on ebay. but whats the difference between regular and soft? anyone used this stuff? would u recommend it for a clay virgin?

 

[Rawb]

so with bilt hamber its just water? would be a cheaper option than the meguires kit looking on ebay. but whats the difference between regular and soft? anyone used this stuff? would u recommend it for a clay virgin?

Clays are down to preference to be fair, they all leave you speechless at the finished article.

Just get the cheapest one with suitable lubricant.

 

[Andy Monty]

so with bilt hamber its just water? would be a cheaper option than the meguires kit looking on ebay. but whats the difference between regular and soft? anyone used this stuff? would u recommend it for a clay virgin?

Bilt hamber soft is my choice of product

when new to claying its hard to know how much lubricant to use and a bottle of QD is £6 ish tap water is free and you can use as much as comes out the hosepipe


regular BH clay is very stiff and only useable on a hot summers day IME the soft is more malleable, both are the same in terms of cleaning / aggression

 

[SamuraiDragon]

dont have a hosepipe, but a squirty bottle would work. will give the soft a go then.

 

[jip0]

can you use some car shampoo diluted with water for lubricant?

 

[Andy Monty]

dont have a hosepipe, but a squirty bottle would work. will give the soft a go then.

yes thats fine or a watering can or even a bucket and small beaker to wet the area your working on


you get a lot of clay for the money too cut it into chunks or rip a bit off and keep the rest for later in case you drop the bit your using