Guide to Detailing Your PT: Claying Your Paint

[Candyman]

Hello everyone,

Welcome to our next segment in our Guide to How to Detail your PT like a Pro!
Before we begin, lets get a little insight on what a Clay Bar is, and how it works!

Clay bars are designed to remove most types of paint contamination which can usually be broken down into three catagories.

1. rail dust: Produced by friction of train wheels as they make contact with the track. 70% of all vehicles delivered throught the United States are delivered by rail making this a big problem for paint contamination.

2. brake dust: Produced by friction of brake pads against the rotor dispensing microscopic metal shavings that collect on the paint surface.

3. Industrial fallout: AKA pollution. Bio-chemicals that disburse airborne particles that love to eat your paint.

These contaminates will cause the paint to feel rough to the touch, and cannot be removed by waxing, polishing, or buffing your paint. Unlike compounds, clay bars do not etch, or remove paint, and can be used as often as you like. The cost is approximately $25-$30 with a life expectancy of 5 to 6 uses before discarding. For those of you unsure of how to use this product, here's the basic idea.

Before you Clay your PT, it is a good idea to check your paint to see if you have surface contaminants. These contaminants range from rail dust that was left on the surface, to brake dust particles expelled from other cars on a busy freeway. Here is an example of just a few contaminants that can be found on most paint surfaces.

To check for contaminants, simply place your hand in a plastic sandwich bag, and run your fingers across the paint surface. If it feels smooth like glass, then you do not have contaminants, however if it feels rough to the touch, then you should remove the contaminants before proceeding. The best way to remove these contaminants is with a Clay Bar. The process is simple, and unlike buffing, Claying will not damage the surface, and can be performed as many times as desired without fear of damaging your paint.


As always recommended it is a good idea to work on paint that is out of direct sunlight, and cool to the touch. Like wax, work in a small area of about two to three square feet at a time. Mist the section with a good lubricant (as an example, if you use Meguiar"s quick detailer, or final inspection which are available at most retail stores works fine) and simply glide the clay bar across the paint till it is smooth and the clay bar glides freely. Wipe any access with a clean microfiber towel, and continue till you've completed your ride. Even though clay does not cut the paint, it can remove some chemicals used in lee expensive wax, so it is a good idea to follow up with a fresh coat of wax when your done.

QUICK TIP

Just like paint, your glass can also contain these same contaminants, and may be mistaken for tiny pits in the glass, but are actually on the surface. These contaminants can also be removed with the Clay Bar process, to restore clarity, and improve the overall look of your PT.

I hope you enjoyed this Tutorial on how to Clay your PT, and thank you very much for reading my Guide to Detailing! Till next time, take it easy, and I will see you a little further down the road!


Candyman

[Candyman]

Reposting in correct order