Claying question

[kostnkost]

Is it a common practice to clay your front bumper every month? I ask because only after 3 months I have noticed pitting, bugs etc. Now mind you I drive 80-90 miles to work almost every day, and all of it is highway miles.

Would claying once a month be a good practice, or should I use a bug and tar remover?

Hopefully Santa has a clear bra in store for me, but I won't hold my breathe.....

[IPT]

that's a good question, and I do not know the answer. If you clay it will remove any sealant or wax though so you will have to re-apply. My guess is so would bug and tar remover. I'll be interested in what those in the "know" have to say .

[CamaroDreams07]

Originally Posted by IPT

that's a good question, and I do not know the answer. If you clay it will remove any sealant or wax though so you will have to re-apply. My guess is so would bug and tar remover. I'll be interested in what those in the "know" have to say .

That's correct.

OP- can you define what you mean by "pitting"? Do you mean etching into the clear from bug guts? In that case, clay isn't going to do anything for that.

The absolute best thing to do is to clean the bugs off after every drive with a waterless wash product. Spray the bugs down liberally, let them soak for a minute, then lightly wipe off with a microfiber towel.

This provides a few benefits over the clay or bug and tar remover. First, is that it's preserves your wax/sealant. The other two methods will, in most cases, remove all of your protection.

The second advantage is that it will greatly reduce your chances of etching. Getting bugs off ASAP (ie, after every drive) will limit etching greatly. If you let them sit on there and only clean them off once a month, then you absolutely will get etching.

One last tip is to get yourself a good spray wax that's easy to use (Pinnacle XMT 360, Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger, CG V7) and apply it to the front bumper after every wash. It's critical to keep as much protection as you can in the high-abuse areas, especially when you're getting lots of bugs there. This will buy you time from etching and will make bug removal much, much easier.

[kostnkost]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

That's correct.

OP- can you define what you mean by "pitting"? Do you mean etching into the clear from bug guts? In that case, clay isn't going to do anything for that.

I guess it would be etching then. This is definitely one area I will have to keep up on until I get some protection for the front. I knew it was inevitable considering the same thing happened to my Scion TC, but that took about 5 years. It seems as though the paint is a bit softer on the Camaro, and will have to plan accordingly.

[Galaxy_Stranger]

This guy uses wax WHILE claying. Says it's a lubricant and you've just waxed.

I think he uses wax while he's doing just about everything.

[CamaroDreams07]

Originally Posted by Galaxy_Stranger

This guy uses wax WHILE claying. Says it's a lubricant and you've just waxed.

I think he uses wax while he's doing just about everything.

Do you have a link to the video where he's waxing while claying? I've never heard of such a thing. I may have to rethink all the props I give that guy lol

[CamaroDreams07]

Ok he said nothing about using wax while claying there, lol. He does clay with the soap still on the car, which is a little unusual.



Edit: wtf, where did your post go??

Edit edit: Ok, you changed the video you posted. He says you can use spray wax or clay lube, which is true I suppose, although I don't know why you would spend the extra on spray wax. But IN NO WAY would that add wax to the finish. It will all come off in the clay. Clay removes everything. He says this at 5:20 himself. I can now continue to respect him as a detailer, now that I know what he's actually saying lol. You had me a little concerned with your interpretation


I really like his videos. He actually has a personality to his videos and there's some production value- a nice change from the other video guys. Not to mention he gives great (and correct) advice, which again, can be a nice change from a lot of the other guys with videos.

[Galaxy_Stranger]

Here's the video specifically about clay, (can't figure out how to embed):


But he uses many of the same techniques in every video. I liked watching them.

Basic car washing:


This one goes into detail about preserving the finish:


Top 10 detailing mistakes:


Waxing:


Car show quick tops:



-=[EDIT]=-
Well, s.o.b...

[David79z28]

I have been using Griots bug barricade on my black Avalanche.

Bugs don't stick as easy and they come off easier. I put it on right over wax.

It will leave a haze if you put it on too thick.

[Galaxy_Stranger]

One thing that's weird is that he's using a lot of proprietary products and yet doesn't mention them specifically. I don't mind being sold as long as he's clear about it. I guess he doesn't want it to be just 10-minute commercials for their stuff.

But he does use spray wax liberally and not only when waxing.

[nyrfan]

I spray the font with Adam quick sealant after every wash.


Felix - Sent from my 2SS/RS