[FleaWannaBe]

is it safe to use just dishsoap and water for the lube when you claybar a car?


i usally use the megiars kit but my friend works at body shop and got me some top of the line claybar and said he just useless the dishsoap and water for the lube?

 

[VenomRogue]

the dishsoap will strip any protection you have off the car. I usually use Dawn for the car wash if I am going to reapply wax/sealant.

I would not really recommend that for claybar lube, just get a big ass bottle (found a 32oz one!!) of Megs quick detailer for 8 bucks at vatozone.

 

[norcalfocus01]

The dish soap and water would work probaly. I would fill a spray bottle with water then add a couple drops of dish soap. IT wouldnt be enough to strip any wax. Plus if your doing a clay bar, its usally becasue your going to wax the car.

 

[VenomRogue]

The dish soap and water would work probaly. I would fill a spray bottle with water then add a couple drops of dish soap. IT wouldnt be enough to strip any wax. Plus if your doing a clay bar, its usally becasue your going to wax the car.

yeah, i didnt know if he was planning to wax over it or not.

Just get a bottle of quik detailer to use, its better anyway. 5-10 bucks depending on brand.

 

[FleaWannaBe]

i have claybarred my car a few times so yes im doing this to get all the bad stuff off and then re wax it. my steps are

wash with dish soap to take off the wax
clay bar a panel and wash off then repeat.
wash the whole car when finished
then wax,wax, wax

was wondering what to use for the lube part when i claybar...should i just use the dishsoap and water your the quick detailer or what since im not buying the kit im just getting the claybar from a friend

 

[VenomRogue]

meh, used claybar? You dont know if its been dropped or what its been thru.

spend the 15-20 bucks and get a decent claybar kit (I preffer meguiars)...hell, if you have Autozone in your area, they are blowing out the Turtle wax claybar kits for .99 cents, YES 99 cents for the whole kit, lube, "cleaning" wash and 100 gram claybar. (I got 3 kits, tossed the shitty cleaner wash, and will use just the clay)

your "wax wax wax" step needs a sealant under it, or at least some polish.....but your car is white, which probably wont show swirls or minor defects anyway (lucky you), what wax are you using?

 

[VenomRogue]

Also, did a bit of research, found out dishsoap will dry out the claybar prematurely, increasing the risk of marring the paint during the claying.

Not worth it in my opinion.

 

[Focalized31]

^^ Brian can u Pm me as to where u found your orbital buffer an waxing agents u posted over on FJ

 

[SVTflyer03]

I claybar a lot. I use meguire's exterior detail spray. It works amazingly. Just spray one section at a time. Like the hood, then claybar the whole hood and use a microfiber cloth to dry off and buff. the difference is astounding.

 

[djblackout]

i just found out tomorrows project

 

[JustHereFTM]

its fun doing clay bar. all the stuff the clay bar picks up is crazy, even after you just wash your car. i do half my hood, roof, and trunk at a time and to rub your fingers on the clay bared side and the just washed side is amazing. one side feels like glass and the other feels like the ground, lol

 

[f0cused88]

they are great but dang it takes a long time!

 

[ShamrockSVT]

Maybe because I've clayed 100's of cars, but I can do my focus in about 45 minutes to an hour.

 

[dirtbrown]

I have a question....I usually wash my car....clay then wash again....then wax.....should I apply a polish before the wax?

 

[Hey Moe!]

I agree with the wash-clay-wash part. After that, I would look really hard at the paint. Are there swirl marks? Are there small or larger scratch marks?

That's what polish is for. You polish out (typically by machine, can be done by hand but it's work) those swirls and scratches, and then you can go for wax, or a sealant to finish.

IMO, the polish step is everything. If you get out the defects in the paint (at least as much as feasable, and possible), then most waxes and sealants on top of that will look great.

If you have no defects in the paint, then you can wash-clay-wash-wax. And you are lucky, or take fabulous care of your ride!

 

[VenomRogue]

the polish step is everything. If you get out the defects in the paint (at least as much as feasable, and possible), then most waxes and sealants on top of that will look great.

this.

dont skimp out, as a half ass job will look just as bad.


its not easy, and a good DA polisher will cost about 120 just for the tool.


for ALOT of people, you would be better off getting a professional to get all the defects out (swirls, light scratchs, holograms, etc etc), then just keep the car cleaned properly yourself to avoid future defects. Find a reputable detailer (note, these are 99% NOT the guys you find at car washes, but the mobile detailers that come to you) and let him properly do your car, and then hand wash it from then on with good quality wash media to keep the scratchs, swirls, etc, to a minimum.

 

[StaX]

i wouldnt use dishsoap to wash your car like stated earlier itll dry out the clay bar(i didnt know that) but it will dry out your clear coat, just like it drys out your hands