Before Claying
After Claying
Claying a vehicle is the process of removing bonded surface contaminants from your car that cannot be removed by washing alone and that need to be eliminated before the polishing process, using using a synthetic bar of poly clay. It works by gently pulling and lifting the bonded contaminants off the surface which then become encapsulated in the clay. It’s a process that will give you the best results for a great shine, and most importantly, opens the pores of the clear coat surface so that the wax or paint sealant will soak in deeper to give it that extra depth of shine and layer of protection.
A detailing spray, or designated clay lube is used to lubricate the surface to prevent the clay bar from inflicting damage as it is drawn across the surface. Another method is to Clay the vehicle when the paint surface is still wet after washing the vehicle. Claying is primarily used to remove bonded contaminants from the paintwork of your car but can also be used on glass, metal and other parts of your car depending on the grade of the clay being used.
You should Clay your car if you are looking to achieve the best possible results. Auto Detail Doctor Clays every vehicle during an exterior detail at no additional charge. The depth of shine and reflection of a polished and waxed vehicle may be compromised if bonded surface contaminants have not been removed. It’s important to clay your car before polishing because if the contaminants are picked up during the polishing process they may be drawn over the surface inflicting light scratches and swirl marks. It is also important to ensure bonded contaminants are removed because they will act to attract and accumulate other dirt and debris and if left bonded to the surface for a long enough period of time may even weaken the paintwork underneath.
Generally, you should Clay your car every time you give it a thorough clean including polishing and waxing etc. Claying doesn’t have to be undertaken every time you clean your car as this is simply not required. Check your car after washing and before polishing to see if claying is required. If it doesn’t feel smooth as glass, then it needs Clayed. If your car has been thoroughly cleaned, polished, protected and the protection has been regularly reapplied, you may not need to clay before polishing.
There are three different grades of clay. If you are unsure of which grade to use begin with a fine clay and work up through the grades as necessary until the contaminants have been successfully removed. A good quality detailing spray or designated clay lube is essential to ensure contaminants are removed safely. A micro fiber towel/micro fiber drying towel should be kept at hand to clean up any excess residue but your car should be rewashed or rerinsed after the claying process anyway to remove any final loose particles and residue. Always start with a light or medium grade clay bar, If that doesn’t do the trick in removing contaminants, then step up the the more aggressive clay bar. 99 percent of the time we use the medium grade clay bar.
“Claying” is included at no extra charge with all of our exterior details. It’s the best and most effective way in one of the many steps in proper car detailing.
Thank you for reading!
-Clint Allerton
