I did the clay detailing the other day, and she came out looking great. Now my color is not dark, so you don't get the deep wet mirror effect, but none the less I liked the results.

I used the Meguiars smooth surface clay kit, followed by the Meguiars cleaner wax (included in the kit) and the Gold Class Liquid wax. Used about 2/3 of the quick detailer spray on the whole car for the clay lube. It came with 2 clay bars. I used one, and can use it again stored in a zip lock bag.

It really brought out the shine, and is smooth as glass to the touch. Most of the dirt was on the front nose and rear bumper. The whole job took about 4 hours from wash, clay, to final wax.

This is after. Don't have a before pic but it was pretty clean to begin with. It is well worth the time, even if you think your ride is clean. Cheers!

 

Wow!!..

Looks good Dave

Fast Freddie..

 

Two comments after doing my car some time ago; The results are unbelievable, and the patent on the process is about to expire. It is about to get a lot more affordable.

Tight Wad Tom

 

Patent? Uh... how does one patent clay? LOL! I think I'll go patent toenails. They have to be good for something, and I want to charge royalties to everyone who grows toenails.

I'm not doubting you, It just seems crazy that the patent office would allow that.

 

I had this error message popping up like once a month. It turned out it was the steering alignment sensor.

Just something else to look at.

 

I feel like I'm in The Twilight Zone...

 

...random!

 

That was strange.

The 'clay' is a polyester product with polishing compound embedded in it. At the moment, all clay products are manufactured in one plant in Japan no matter what the brand on the box says.

If anyone has not tried this they should.

 

Ah... that makes more sense now.

The clay thing, not the steering alignment sensor thing. That one still makes no sense.

 

I've stuck to a tried/proven detailing process:

Clean (or clay bar recently)
Polish (Deep shine)
Wax (protection)

I've always used Maguires professional products for clean, polish, and Zymol for wax protection. A couple of days ago, David from Innovative Detailing wrote an interesting piece on choosing the right protection for your car. I am intrigued by the synthetic Polymer sealant products. To David's point, the traditional waxes do not last very long, especially in heat of summer

My X350 (being black/black) is about ready for "treatment" so I think I will do Clay - Sealant....for the first time.

 

steve, I do the same as you on my car, except instead of the wax, I use the synthetic sealant. My first sealant every to try was Zaino, if you're curious, give that a shot.

 

Is there any difference between those expensive waxes and a plain old carnuba wax like Kit? That's all I've ever used, and I've always liked the result.

 

I've been using one of the new (for me!) "detail" or "shine" products. Spray it on a relatively clean surface, wipe it off, and the paint is clean and smooth. A local detail shop advertises it as a waterless car wash. I don't know exactly what it is, but the car looks good. I use it at least once a week.

Mine is black (anthracite/metallic). I keep it under cover and claybar once a year. I haven't added any real wax to that procedure yet. Any suggestions, warnings??? Thanks, DaleD

 

The sales guy at the Autozone the other day says we have Armor All on sale. I politely said that stuff is not going anywhere near my Jag or any other car I own. And he gave me a blank stare...

I guess their told to push the stuff on sale.

 

Sounds like he's "in the zone" to me!

R.

 

Dave nice job!!!! Wanna come down and clay our vehicles!?

 

Try autogeek.com, not only do they have a large variety the products are for professional detailing even the professional McGuire’s that autostores don't carry, this is not autostore wax for a chevy of toyota but the quality stuff for your Jaguar, Ferrari or Lambo. Additionally they have online instructional videos that describe the entire process of swirl removal through polishing and sealing to final wax. Even if you don't purchase their products, the videos describe the proper way to maintain your expensive paint. I don’t work at autogeek, but I do use their products and they are great.