I have read here before about "claying" paintwork to remove all the dirt and impurities.

My questions are, what is clay? How does it work? Where can I get it ? How do I use it? Should I get it cut polished to remove any small scratches before claying?

I have a black car which I have jus bought and I don't think it has ever seen polish.

Thanks for your help

Any automotive store like Autozone or Pep Boys carries Auto Detailing Clay. It is not the same as regular clay.

I've even seen auto detailing clay at Wal-Mart and K-Mart.

Popular brands are Meguir's, Mother's, and Clay Magic.

The clay is usually sold in a box along with a spray bottle of detailing spray.

You need a lubricant like detailing spray or a solution of water and car wash soap so that the clay glides over the paint.

The clay sort of works like a magnet in removing contaminants in your paint without abrading the paint.

I'd call the 1-800 number at Meguiar's and ask their technical support people. They will even sell to you over the phone.

You can find the number and other info at:

www.meguiars.com

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Tim,

Definitely use the clay bar before polishing your car. The claybar can cause light scrathes on the paint surface so you'll want to polish after claying.

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Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

seemed to me to do nothing. I used it on a 1991 black 300te that has a very decent finish for its age. Had not been waxed in several months. Washed the car, and followed Mcguire's instructions on doing small sections with the lubricant. After I finished I did not notice any change at all. Paid pretty good dollars for a small clay bar, a spray bottle of something (lubricant) and a tiny bottle of "cleaner wax." I felt just like I did after I bought my ding king.

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1992 Black 500e
1991 Black 300te 4m
1992 Black Renntech 620sl
1979 Porsche 911sc targa

Remember clay isn't designed to change the appearance of well maintained paint. It is designed to remove microscopic dirt debris from the paints surface creating a smooth surface. This surface can then be evenly polished and then waxed to create a uniform surface. While claying you should take a look at the portion of the clay that comes in contact with the paint, you'll be amazed how dirty it gets. I also use clay to remove tape residue from oil change stickers or debadging.

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Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

Gently run your hand over an area before and after claying. You will probably, unless you car is really clean, feel little bumps. Most stuff you can't see, but you can feel, much is just grit stuck into the finish. The clay will remove it. Somewhere there is a test you put your hand in a baggie, it's supposed to magnify the feel.

The best example though, the wife's car got some kind of paint overspray. So fine you couldn't see it unless you looked close. I tried a number of things, nothing even bothered it. A slow and careful rubbing with clay, and it is gone. What a job though.

Also really good for those scuffs, or marks that don't wash or rub off.

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KLK, MCSE

1990 500SL

I was always taught to respect my elders.
I don't have to respect too many people anymore.

Thanks for the replies.

Maybe it will be a Thanksgiving weekend project. The only thing is that a Toyota Landcruiser is a big thing to clay. Luckily, my wife's ML is good shape and doesn't need it! I think I will give it a try.

OK, here is an update. I must confess, I didn't do it myself but I called a professional detailer. He came to my house (complete with a very neat mobile detailing trailer which even included an awning to keep the car out of the sun)

Car was clayed and waxed. Result....UNBELIEVEABLE!!

Paintwork is now like new, smooth and shiny. A little expensive...maybe at $300 but 2 people spent 6 hours on the car which I think is good value.

The dirt that came out with the clay had to be seen to be believed. Car value must have increased by $1000 + with its new look paint.

I am very happy with the result and recommend either claying to anyone who needs to revitalize their paint.

Yea it's a job. I just got my 500SL in fall, a friend who is big into detailing and I gave it a good cleaning including some clay. But my main goal was a good coat of wax (Zaino) to protect it.

My goal for the spring is to do a panel or 2 each weekend for a month or so. I'll hurt after each session, but it is worth it.

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KLK, MCSE

1990 500SL

I was always taught to respect my elders.
I don't have to respect too many people anymore.

Ha Ha...do a proper claying once and yer hooked! So did you sneak into the garage later that night and run your hands all over her fenders???

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Dean Albrecht
"Lead, follow, or better yet, get out of the way!"E500 owners motto

I'm glad I'm not the only one that does that!

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Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

without the clay and see if you can tell the difference. I still think clay is in the ding king category.

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1992 Black 500e
1991 Black 300te 4m
1992 Black Renntech 620sl
1979 Porsche 911sc targa

I still remain convinced (after spending time in the garage runnig my hands over the fenders) that the clay mad a big difference. I have not had my wife's ML clayed yet but I have had it polished before and there is a difference in smoothness.

I'm happy with it, and I will have hers clayed as well, I just have to save up!!

Clay works great and is proven. Anyone who says it does not work either did not do it correctly or had a very nice finish in the first place that might not have needed it. The only thing that sucks about clay is that it leaves scratches in the paint when you're finished, especially if you had a lot of contaminants removed that are now stuck in the clay. Turn the clay constantly to expose a fresh surface and use the spray liberally.

Simple test. Put your fingers in some celophane, ie: cigarette package, or maybe a ziplock bag, or a bag from grocery store. rub your fingers across paint before clay.....then after. You will then realize difference. feels griity before.

Great way to prep your car for proper polishing.

FQ

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FAQ

W124
Sportline Swaybars
Bilstein HD Struts
16" E420 wheels