[ckonarske]

Three questions for anyone who's used clay for awhile:
1. Have you noticed any differences between brands of clay?

2. How do you determine when to replace your clay?

3. If your finish is in otherwise good shape, but you'd just like to do a light clay job, do you ruin the existing polish and, in the case of something like Zaino, do you have to start from scratch? In other words, is it just taking off imperfections that are above the level of the paint, or is it taking everything off all the way down to the paint?

Thanx.

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Chuck
Click here for Ody pics, mods and fixes.

 

[jvennitti]

I can't help much with the first two questions, but from what I read in the Zaino info and other places, the clay takes the any remaining waxes, etc. off.

BTW, I clayed our van with the Zaino products and it was much more simple than I expected. The toughest thing is keeping a good hold of that slippery clay, especially on the verical surfaces

.

Jeff

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Jeff

'01 SS EX
Cassette, Video System, Fog Lights, Splash Guards

See photos at:
http://www.fototime.com/inv/B5EC5C7BC6CFA07

 

[Jim F]

1. Have you noticed any differences between brands of clay?

Not just brands, but grades of clay. Clay comes with different levels of abrasive. Usually you can tell by color. The darker it is, the more aggressive. NAPA sells clay (or did) used by pro detail shops. I think the finest they had was a light grey. That's great for our newer vans that still have almost perfect finishes.

2. How do you determine when to replace your clay?

Keep folding it and kneading it. I had one piece for over a year. I think I used it 3 times on my car. You don't need to clay it every time you wash the car, just before you wax it. My SE-R is garage kept and only gets
waxed 2 or 3 times a year.

3. If your finish is in otherwise good shape, but you'd just like to do a light clay job, do you ruin the existing polish and, in the case of something like Zaino, do you have to start from scratch? In other words, is it just taking off imperfections that are above the level of the paint, or is it taking everything off all the way down to the paint?

Yep. Only clay the car when you're prepared to rewax.

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Jim

'01 GG EX

 

[ckonarske]

Let me refine #3 a little bit. With Zaino on the car, would you have to go all the way back to Z-1, or would just a fresh coat of Z-2 be enough.

I know it sounds like I'm picking nits here, but I'm just trying to figure out how much the clay is taking off. It seems that if it took the wax off completely you wouldn't need to do the Dawn thing.

Thanx for the replies.

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Chuck
Click here for Ody pics, mods and fixes.

 

[jvennitti]

I understand your point about using the Dawn, but maybe the Dawn removes most of the wax and the clay removes what is remaining along with any "debris". All I can say for sure is that after claying the vehicle was "naked"--there was no "silky" feeling when running your hand over the vehicle.

BTW--If you get a definitive answer, please post the answer.

Thanks,

Jeff

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Jeff

'01 SS EX
Cassette, Video System, Fog Lights, Splash Guards

See photos at:
http://www.fototime.com/inv/B5EC5C7BC6CFA07

 

[nyvram]

Yes, I'm curious as well since I'll be going through the whole 'soup to nuts' zaino process in a couple of weeks.

 

[ckonarske]

I did get an answer today that makes sense:
--------------------------------------------
Hi chuck,

My name is Dian and I have been using Zaino for 3 years now. Great product.
If you lightly reclay with lots of lube (Z7 and water ), You WILL not remove
Zaino. This was from SAL himself. Not much will remove Zaino.Rubbing alcohol
that will strip it off in case you have the desire to start from scratch.
There is a difference between clay bars. The BLUE clay magic is a good bar
along with Sal's. Mothers and mcguires makes one and I is not really good. It
tends to fall apart and to leave a residue on the vehicle which is a bear to
remove. Sorry, can not remember which one. Daily drivers should be clayed 2
times a year but I do mine anytime it doesn't feel smooth. Keep kneading the
clay to keep a clean part exposed. Flatten it a place in palm of hand and rub
lightly over area. Always wash afterward. Polish if desired. No need to apply
Z1 again. Z1 is applied every 6 months ( twice a year for daily drivers) or
after every ten coats of Z5, Z2, or Z3. Throw the clay away if you drop it on
the ground. If your vehicle is new one bar should last for a while. When it
looks dirty, throw it away. I usually divide the bar in half, incase I drop
it I still have another. Here is a site that will tell about clay
http://www.erazer.com. They also have a good bar.

Two tips if using Zaino: VERY, VERY, thin application
Use good towels. not from K-mart or Walmart. Fieldcrest.com has irregulars at
a very good price.
Any other questions, please feel free to e-mail me

Dian
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Chuck
Click here for Ody pics, mods and fixes.