Dont shoot me for asking

hmd5859

New member
I was detailing a 2007 Yukon, and the owner asked a question that truly stumped me. He asked for my opinion on the Turtle Wax "Clay Bar" and liquid ice. Since I never in my life used the stuff, I figured I might ask you guys what your opinion was of this stuff. The last time I clayed a vehicle, I used some yellow clay from Mothers. Worked well, but since then I have not been able to find some more yellow clay. Anyway, I digress... What say you guys on this new stuff?
 
IMHO....

The liquid clay bar will not/cannot replace the good old fashioned clay bar. The Liquid clay is more of an aggressive paint cleaner....again....IMHO
 
I hear you, I guess that all the hype that is out there amongst the customers is the easy use of this product. That coupled with the fact that whether using this product or the wax, the folks really dont have to worry about getting wax etc all over the trim and what not. Again, I know I have gotten some really good use out of the normal clay. I was wondering if anyone had used the product. Thanks man!!!
 
I just detailed a black Altima a few days ago with obscene water spots all over. I wanted to use the least aggressive method I could so I started with the vinegar soaked towel method. That was funny. Then I thought I would try the bottle of ICE liquid clay that has been collecting dust in my garage for the past few months. I taped off a section of the window and the hood and went to work with the included applicator. I worked that product until my arms hurt, but the spots didn't budge on the glass, or the paint. I'm sure this product has it's purpose, but it ain't water spot removal! A little SSR 2 did the trick of course, and I applied two coats of Xzilon sealant to make up for the clear coat loss.
P.S.-- I paid $18 for that bottle of ICE!!!
 
Real stubborn water spots expecially ones from hard water are very difficult to remove with out anything other then a good polish.

I have found at times even the clay bar would not get them fully off.
 
I used someliquid clay bar the other day. Used it on my Tempo that had been sittig outside collect critter spots and tree droppings, it cleaned the paint up real well but I dont beleive it will replace a real clay bar in any shape or form. Did leave surface smooth but then this is my roduct testing and procees trying vehicle. RANDAL
 
I jumped in and tried the Liquid Clay on my tailgate when it first came out. Worked ok for me, it was only after using the claymagic bar I noticed the difference. I suppose the liquid clay would be ok for a quick routine, but your best result will be with the clay bar. IMHO
 
I just detailed a black Altima a few days ago with obscene water spots all over. I wanted to use the least aggressive method I could so I started with the vinegar soaked towel method. That was funny. Then I thought I would try the bottle of ICE liquid clay that has been collecting dust in my garage for the past few months. I taped off a section of the window and the hood and went to work with the included applicator. I worked that product until my arms hurt, but the spots didn't budge on the glass, or the paint. I'm sure this product has it's purpose, but it ain't water spot removal! A little SSR 2 did the trick of course, and I applied two coats of Xzilon sealant to make up for the clear coat loss.
P.S.-- I paid $18 for that bottle of ICE!!!

So you used SSR 2? I just got some really nasty water spots....tried claying it but it is still there...anything i can get OTS cuz i wanted to fix this right away....and i'll get some of the better stuff for next time. I also will need to wax the car afterwards right?

thanks
 
How long have the water spots been on the paint? If they are fresh (<1 week) claying or a chemical cleaner may remove water spots, especially if it is on a waxed surface. However, if they have been on the paint for a long time, there's a good chance that they are etched into the paint and will require a lot of attention to remove. There really isn't anything OTC that will remove etched water spots, unless you take a trip to an auto body paint supply store.
 
i thought clay was primarily for fallout and rail dust etc, to lift particles out of the paint suface, not as a defect removal. i have used the mother clay and liked it and even some brand of clay from my work at the dealership im at, but even with the diff grits of clay available, wouldnt a high grit clay be basically wetsanding to a point? thus kinda defeating the purpose?
 
How long have the water spots been on the paint? If they are fresh (<1 week) claying or a chemical cleaner may remove water spots, especially if it is on a waxed surface. However, if they have been on the paint for a long time, there's a good chance that they are etched into the paint and will require a lot of attention to remove. There really isn't anything OTC that will remove etched water spots, unless you take a trip to an auto body paint supply store.

Its just hit a week yesterday....like I said, I had time Friday to clay it but no luck. Any suggestions on what particular production to use budman3?

Thanks
 
I have used a paint cleaner. It can remove/significantly reduce recent water spots. I used Mothers Pre-Wax Cleaner but Meg 's DC1 and other products may do it. A scratch remover could also be used such as Meg's ScratchX. You cangoo to NAPA or Carquest. I saw #9 swirl remover 2.0 there and they have meg's 83 as well. I am not sure 83 can be applied by hand.
 
I started back in the detailing hobby when I bought my new Yaris. On the recommendation of the Yaris board members, I bought ICE polish (liquid) and the QD spray. I used it every weekend. I liked the ease of use, the look was good and the QD kept things slick. What I found was the longevity was poor, despite their claims; but, the product was so easy to use, it really was moot in a way. A little goes a long way. I 'graduated' to other products and found that after a full detail and a solidly sealed finish, ICE polish was great for that 'look'. It glides on easy, puts up a good shine and you can put it on everything on the exterior.

My conclusion : On a well kept car, ICE has its place for the sheer ease of use. I mixed the QD with a few other products and I use this mix as my QD of choice.

The bad-mouthing about ICE is warranted if one is looking for longevity. For the average person, who doesn't want to deal with the perceived hassle of upscale products, and who's finish is in top condition, ICE isn't so bad. My .02 worth...
 
i thought clay was primarily for fallout and rail dust etc, to lift particles out of the paint suface, not as a defect removal. i have used the mother clay and liked it and even some brand of clay from my work at the dealership im at, but even with the diff grits of clay available, wouldnt a high grit clay be basically wetsanding to a point? thus kinda defeating the purpose?

Early on theres a good chance water spots are merely chemical deposits sitting on top of the paint and if they are not etched into the paint, claying would remove the spots. But then again that all depends on the type of water, the minerals in it, how long it sat, the amount of sun exposure, etc.

Iceboi- any wax or sealant spoken about frequently on these boards is likely to be a good candidate. For an OTC product, Mother's Synwax or Meguiars NXT are two good choices.
 
Early on theres a good chance water spots are merely chemical deposits sitting on top of the paint and if they are not etched into the paint, claying would remove the spots. But then again that all depends on the type of water, the minerals in it, how long it sat, the amount of sun exposure, etc.

Iceboi- any wax or sealant spoken about frequently on these boards is likely to be a good candidate. For an OTC product, Mother's Synwax or Meguiars NXT are two good choices.

Thanks...you are talking about cleaning the possible etched water spots with wax or sealant correct? i'll give it a try and keep you posted...*crosses fingers* COME BACK TO LIFE MY CIVIC SI!!!
 
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