Temp to use Clay

[hambone575]

I was curious of what is the lowest temp to safely use clay on my car. I am in boston and its 40 maybe today and maybe close to 50 tomorrow is it safe to clay my car? I have never clayed too (as in me) and maybe the car. Its a 2000 saab 9-5 aero wagon in black

 

[joerockt]

As long as the lube stays slick and wet, I dont see a problem...

 

[hambone575]

So it shouldnt matter as long as there is enough lube on the car?

 

[ntoddalbert]

great question, I have clayed many times with no problems, except once when I clayed early in the day on a cold day. After claying I noticed scratches that I never got from claying before, and im fairly gentle and use good lube.



Feel the bar at room temp and compare with a bar at 40F, there is quite a difference in how hard the clay is. You could keep some inside and use a little at a time bit I try not to clay when its too cold out.



Others have not reported this but I can honestly say it was an observation that I attribute to temp since everything else was the same as my previous clay experiences.

 

[imported_Neothin]

i clayed today in the upper 50's with no problems. I think if you knead the clay often and keep it warm you shouldnt have a problem.

 

[ntoddalbert]

Upper 50's should be no problem, I was speaking of much lower temps. If you keep some clay inside and only bring little out at a time and keep in in your hands for warmth it shouldnt be a problem.



Today its gonna be mid 50 here, a great day to detail, a Festivus Miracle!

 

[foxtrapper]

I can't address freezing cold temperatures. But I have noticed that claying works better for me the colder it is. Cold paint water and clay all produce good cleaning effect quickly with no smearing. Warm things promote the smearing of the clay. I've learned to clay early on the morning in the summer to take advantage of the relative coolness.



So I'd say go for it, and expect good things to happen as a result.