Porsche Boxster/Pics

[turbomangt]

On days like this I really love my job. This Boxster came to visit me today, and I will admitt, it was a labor of love. I did the plastic bag test with the owner and he couldn't believe how rough the finish was. Most likely it was never clayed before. It looks like glass now and feels like silk. Gary

[robinjoe]

Two questions:
1) What's the plastic bag test?
2) What is this "clayed" thing I keep hearing about?

Thanks,
Joe

[robinjoe]

OK, I viewed the video "The Veed" produced about clay, but I'm still not sure what the advantage of clay is. Is it better than polishing compound? Should I stop using polishing compound? (I've only used it once on my PT)

How often should I use clay?

Thanks,
Joe

quote:Originally posted by robinjoe

Two questions:
1) What's the plastic bag test?
2) What is this "clayed" thing I keep hearing about?

Thanks,
Joe

[turbomangt]

Clay will remove surface contaminants that the wash cycle does not. Most scratches occur during the wash and or drying stage. By claying first, you will get off micro particles attached to your finish, thus when going to the next phase (clean/polish/seal) you won't run those particles into the finish, which will result in damage.
The plastic bag test is simple, put your hand into a small sandwiche bag and touch your finish, gently move it on the finish and sense the roughness. Do it again after you clay, it will be smooth as glass.

[Cal Cruzer]

quote:Originally posted by robinjoe

OK, I viewed the video "The Veed" produced about clay, but I'm still not sure what the advantage of clay is. Is it better than polishing compound? Should I stop using polishing compound?

I thought Gary would be all over this! I would not use a compund on a car unless you have heavy oxidation on the paint. Compounds are abrasive. They will remove a layer of paint and paint these days is thin enough. They will also leave micro scratches in the paint that need to be buffed out. The clay will remove the contaminants without removing paint. As to how often? Do the bag test and you will know if you need it.

[turbomangt]

Cal Cruiser, YOU GOT ME! HOW DID I MISS THAT ONE. Polishing compound used in referrence to the same product is not meant for use by hand. LIke Cal says, it will remove too much paint, and possibly some of your clear coat. Thanks for watching me. Gary

[Cal Cruzer]

quote:Originally posted by turbomangt

Cal Cruiser, YOU GOT ME! HOW DID I MISS THAT ONE. Polishing compound used in referrence to the same product is not meant for use by hand. LIke Cal says, it will remove too much paint, and possibly some of your clear coat. Thanks for watching me. Gary

Grasshopper has snatched the pebble from the master's hand, it is time for him to leave