Clay bar saved me a ton of money
#31
Better late than never, I have been compounding over spray off my bike for two weeks wincing the entire time. I buffed the bags and tank with the compound and after reading this thread went a picked up some clay bars. Cleaned up the front fairing and front fender with the clay, it felt a lot better rubbing the bike with the clay than it did with the compound. I still need to clean the rear fender, I hope to get it done some time this week.
After using the clay bar, I think the bike looks better than it did when new.
After using the clay bar, I think the bike looks better than it did when new.
#33
I've used clay bars for years and they work great. Sometimes you can get some really good prices on clay bars and cleaning solution if you buy online in quantity. I've used many different brands and some are better than others but they all work pretty well. They even have them now at the local Wally World. Definitely worth using once or twice a year.
#35
It only removes "surface" contaminants.
The clay is not an abrasive like rubbing compound is, so it only removes surface contaminants like over spray, tree sap, etc.
A scratch is "in" the paint, not on top of it.
#37
No, it will not ruin a paint surface. It's really not an abrasive like rubbing compound is.
All a clay bar does is help remove contaminants (tree sap, paint over spray, etc) that are stuck to the paint.
You use a spray detailer to keep the surface lubricated, otherwise the clay will stick to the paint.
Note: If you drop the clay bar, throw it away and get a clean one as it will pick up every piece of sand, dirt, etc. and then it will be like sand paper.
Once all the contaminants are removed, the paint surface is as smooth as glass. Then you need to use a good coat of your favorite wax to protect the finish.
All a clay bar does is help remove contaminants (tree sap, paint over spray, etc) that are stuck to the paint.
You use a spray detailer to keep the surface lubricated, otherwise the clay will stick to the paint.
Note: If you drop the clay bar, throw it away and get a clean one as it will pick up every piece of sand, dirt, etc. and then it will be like sand paper.
Once all the contaminants are removed, the paint surface is as smooth as glass. Then you need to use a good coat of your favorite wax to protect the finish.
#38
I shouldn't call them scratches, more like swirls and rub marks in the clear coat, not the paint.
#39
Try some Meguiars M105. Check out the Meguiars web site for a forum and lots of how to's and videos.
#40
My bike had a lot of these imperfections in the black paint. I used meguiars Quick Detailer with a clay bar, followed by polishing with Meguiars "Ultimate Compound" and then finally did a good coat of meguiars yellow wax. - Looked new again.
Yeah Yeah, I love meguiars. I detailed professionally and those were the only products I used on expensive vehicles.