Question about Clay Bars & Polishing.

T

TortoiseAWD

New member
I've put three coats of Zaino (Z1/Z5, Z2, Z2) on in the last three days . . . here are a couple of tips to getting those really thin coats that both save product and make removal a breeze.



First, I use foam applicators (Zaino heresy, I know, but I've not had good luck with cotton apps). Before starting, I get the applicator completely wet and wring it out as much as I possibly can, leaving it just slightly damp. When I apply product to the applicator, I "scrub" back and forth with the bottle on the pad to distribute the product (see picture). I estimate that this amount would be dime-to-nickel sized if squeezed on the pad in a single spot.



(continued . . .)
 
Next, I dab the applicator in several spots around the panel before spreading completely with back-and-forth motions (see picture). I've found this lets me get product more evenly distributed around the panel . . . this works well on a cool surface, but on a warm day/warm car, the "spots" might begin to set up slightly before you get to them with the applicator. I've had good luck with my silver WRX in 70' weather, but if it was hotter or my car darker, this technique might not work. I'll have to wait until next summer to try it in the heat. Oh, BTW, I shoot the applicator with a small spritz of Z6 about every other panel that I do; it keeps the applicator "gliding" smoothly.



Car looks great . . . I'll try to post a pic in a day or two after the Z is cured and I've had a chance to make a pass with Z6.



Tort
 
let me ask you...is that ...that oversized large Viking foam applicator with the little handle thingy for a grip...i love that thing...got 1 for free with samples and havent been able to find it in any stores since....great pics...:up
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by FLONI [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>let me ask you...is that ...that oversized large Viking foam applicator with the little handle thingy for a grip...i love that thing...got 1 for free with samples and havent been able to find it in any stores since....great pics...:up [/b]</blockquote>

FLONI,

Autozone carries the big Viking applicators
 
I'll second that. I just found the big Viking applicator at Autozone, only place that had it. Perhaps stock depends on area though..
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by FLONI [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>let me ask you...is that ...that oversized large Viking foam applicator with the little handle thingy for a grip...i love that thing...got 1 for free with samples and havent been able to find it in any stores since....great pics...:up [/b]</blockquote>Yep, same one; found it at AutoZone.

Tort
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by FLONI [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>let me ask you...is that ...that oversized large Viking foam applicator with the little handle thingy for a grip...i love that thing...got 1 for free with samples and havent been able to find it in any stores since....great pics...:up [/b]</blockquote>
I love those applicators too. I was kind of worried of swirling my paint at first because they feel a bit tougher than the yellow disk shaped ones...but they worked out great, mainly with "liquid" products. Kinda hard to use with stuff like Paste Glaze.

Floni, if you can't find any in your area, send me a PM and I'll grab a bunch at my local Autozone and mail them to you.
 
i tried the 2 autozones in the bronx...none there....but there's like 5 in queens...so ill be going there later today...its funny...when u talk to the sales people...i get the vibe like they think we're nuts....i kept asking for specifically the big charcoal grey one...and the guy was like....we have viking stuff....but i dont know what kind...its all the same.....i wish that was true......like i said...i got one from a viking rep...in the mail....and i fell in love with it...before that i was using the terry's from Zaino....they are ok....the squareness makes it easier to hold.....but now i bought some round viking ones...terry...and after i put some Z1..Z5 on yesterday...i kept losing my grip on it....then it started hurting my thumbs.....so...its back to those larger ones.....intermezz....thx...ill let you know...i appreciate it...
 
Do I have to buff my car after I clay it? I sometimes get marks on my paint from the clay. I usually put a coat of wax on after, but I think it's hiding them because they come back after a few washes. What do you guys/girls do?
 
Marring does happen sometimes when claying a vehicle with not effort lubricant on it. You can wax it after claying if you want to but I would go straight to polishing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top