clay bar-ing question.

[maximus96]

I’m wondering why is it that you have to dry the car right after the initial wash and prior to claying the car. I always just leave the car wet since I have to spray the car with lube anyways. I already read many online directions to dry the car after the first wash, then clay. Can somebody tell me why?



thanks

 

[imported_steveo3002]

not sure...you dont want hard water spots drying on parts of the car you wont get to



i give mine a quick dry and get straight onto the clay...some folk use some more wash solution and go around the car again with clay

 

[TigerMike]

Probably because most directions advise to use their own claying lube spray/solution, in which they think its better to start with a dry surface. Keep in mind, these directions are likely targeted to the average consumer, who may not understand the process enough to deviate from what the manufacturer suggests. Therefore, to keep the process as simple as possible for the majority, they keep the directions simple and straightforward, to minimize screw-ups.



What I have found works best is to clay right after washing with a fresh/new soapy mixture of car wash soap, my wash mitt, and the claybar. I lube a panel with my mitt, clay it, then wash it clean, and finally dry. Simple, effective, and produces the results I desire quickly.

 

[imported_DARKSTI]

What I have found works best is to clay right after washing with a fresh/new soapy mixture of car wash soap, my wash mitt, and the claybar. I lube a panel with my mitt, clay it, then wash it clean, and finally dry. Simple, effective, and produces the results I desire quickly.

Thats the exact way I do it and works great :xyxthumbs

 

[Lil_blacktruck]

I always wash and dry my cars before i clay, I think its just a preference for whoever is claying. I have never tried claying with the soapy mit, i think im going to try that the next detail i have in

 

[a.k.a. Patrick]

Probably because most directions advise to use their own claying lube spray/solution, in which they think its better to start with a dry surface. Keep in mind, these directions are likely targeted to the average consumer, who may not understand the process enough to deviate from what the manufacturer suggests. Therefore, to keep the process as simple as possible for the majority, they keep the directions simple and straightforward, to minimize screw-ups.



What I have found works best is to clay right after washing with a fresh/new soapy mixture of car wash soap, my wash mitt, and the claybar. I lube a panel with my mitt, clay it, then wash it clean, and finally dry. Simple, effective, and produces the results I desire quickly.

Bingo...........

 

[maximus96]

Probably because most directions advise to use their own claying lube spray/solution, in which they think its better to start with a dry surface. Keep in mind, these directions are likely targeted to the average consumer, who may not understand the process enough to deviate from what the manufacturer suggests. Therefore, to keep the process as simple as possible for the majority, they keep the directions simple and straightforward, to minimize screw-ups.



What I have found works best is to clay right after washing with a fresh/new soapy mixture of car wash soap, my wash mitt, and the claybar. I lube a panel with my mitt, clay it, then wash it clean, and finally dry. Simple, effective, and produces the results I desire quickly.

so are you still washing twice then? wash, lube, clay, wash, dry? or am i understanding it wrong?



thanks

 

[TigerMike]

so are you still washing twice then? wash, lube, clay, wash, dry? or am i understanding it wrong?



thanks

No, not really washing per se. I am simply using the car wash solution as my lube and applying it with my wash mitt. I am not washing/scrubbing the surface again, just applying slick suds/solution to the paint. The process probably seems similar to washing, but washing is not the intended goal in this case.





Mike

:bigups

 

[theeloved1]

so are you still washing twice then? wash, lube, clay, wash, dry? or am i understanding it wrong?



thanks

The original question was about drying before claying, which I think we all agree isn't really "needed" but doesn't hurt anything.





Your question here is entirely different and I would say that you certainly should "wash" again after claying. Nothing major, just a quick rub down with clean suds and a rinse. With the residue and whatnot left behind from claying, you don't want that left on the surface when you start your first step of compounding/polishing/etc.

 

[imported_chpsk8]

<<<wash, rinse, wash-lube-clay, rinse, dry>>>



This fits the description of the second wash after claying. Once you clay the panel, run the mitt over it, rinse and dry it. No need to go over the car what would then be a third time to wash it after completely claying the vehicle.