With all the new products on the market I'm hoping to hear some experiences members have had with Claying (other than dropping the car off at a detail shop). Aston paint is known to be soft and of course expensive. We have members rebuilding V-12's, surely some are tackling their paint finish with these new products! Thanks in advance.

 

Claying is easy. You don't use any pressure, and a lot of detailing spray or clay lubricant. I would pressure wash first using auto shampoo that strips any wax or sealant so you start with a clean surface. Claying doesn't take long and only remove contaminants, it does not polish. So you have a clean slate to polish, wax, seal etc. Chemical guys and Adams have great products and a lot of videos.

https://www.chemicalguys.com/complete-clay-system-kit/CLY700.html?gtmListValue=Internal%20Search

https://adamspolishes.com/collections/clay-bar-decontamination/products/adam-s-visco-clay-bar

 

There are lots of threads here on washing, prep, correcting, polishing and coatings for our finishes... I'd explore some of those threads first and then start asking some questions

 

I recently did 2600km in the V12 through some atrocious weather and when I got back the car was filthy. I washed it twice but couldn't get the stuck on road grime off. Using a clay bar and plenty of the fluid it was an easy process to get the panels smooth and clear. Then a light polish and car looks brilliant again.

simple to do, doesn't take long and so long as you keep the surface lubricated doesn't damage the paint.

Graze

 

100% you should clay before a polish or a ceramic coat, you will be amazed how smooth your paint will get
I have been a fan for years, it knocks off contaminants without harming the clear

Yes, you can drop it off at a detailer, I find satisfaction in doing it myself . . . Not often, but I do it
I also recommend watching "Pan the Organizer" on YouTube, great tutorial along with product (mostly non-sponsored, I believe) reviews-- Good luck! KH

 

I used to use clay but use a mitt now. It is so much quicker and seems to do the same job.

 

Big time on the mitt!!

I like the fine grade nano-mitt. I can do the whole car in about 20 minutes. Clay or mitt does mar the paint. You should do a polish afterwards. A Rupes polisher is worth every penny. They sell pads that have a matched polish and it's super easy to get pro results if you follow their steps.

The most innovative "must have" detailing product I have relied on recently is CarPro Eraser. It cleans the surface of the car of any oils or residue from polishing before a sealer/ceramic/wax finishing product goes on. The difference it makes and how well the finishing products lasts is noticeable.

 

Eraser is also a great window cleaner!
Thanks,
JH

 

+CLAY! It's like the first thing I do to clean/smooth the paint... Can't go wrong...

 

Appreciate the feedback. Always solid info on products for our cars from DYI forum members!