If you clay and don't hear or see anything in the process...

[DefBringer]

...does that generally mean the clay isn't picking much up?



I tried claying a bit of my car with the PolyClay. I didn't use any pressure, I just glided it across the hood with soap and water as lubricant. It really didn't make any sounds or "catch" as I swept it across the surface.



Am I doing something wrong or is my new car free of contaminants? Or is the clay bar actually picking stuff up?

 

[thinksnow]

It has always been my experience that if the car is as clean as possible with the two bucket method but hasn't been clayed in a while, the clay won't "feel" as though it's doing much. It will, however, become dirty by the end of every panel. That's part of the beauty of the yellow color of Mother's clay--it's easy to tell the progress you are making. When you see visible color change, ball it up and continue. Good luck.

 

[shaf]

It depends on the contamination you're removing. Sometimes you don't hear or feel very much because it's so fine and the swiping action itself is making noise. Just buff the spot you're working on and check your progress with your fingers. Come back if you are NOT removing the contamination.

 

[imported_Dude]

Your paint might be clean. The last few times I have clayed, the bar has not picked up very much. I fanatically maintain my cars and store them in a garage (also park in a garage at work), so there just ins't much opportunity for them to get dirty. You might be expeiencing the same phenomenon.

 

[endus]

I didn't clay my car until last summer...and the clay still didn't pick up that much...but I do have to admit that my finish is better now. I think clay is good maybe once a year...if you clean the car religiously it's really not that important and doesn't do THAT much. So basically what I'm saying it that if the clay is totally clean after doing a panel, don't bother as it won't get you anything. If you see dirt at the end of the panel then keep going.