Clay and Polish

[JP4RNR]

The local carwash is offering a service a clay and polish for $75. Is this reasonable? I have read a lot of discussion about claying on the forum but I still do not understand what this process is and the benefits of it over conventional wax and polish.

I have a dark color and I see lots of swirls even after waxing. Does claying remove the swirls?

 

[tomhaney1]

The local carwash is offering a service a clay and polish for $75. Is this reasonable? I have read a lot of discussion about claying on the forum but I still do not understand what this process is and the benefits of it over conventional wax and polish.

I have a dark color and I see lots of swirls even after waxing. Does claying remove the swirls?

Claying won't remove the swirls but it can help prevent them from occurring. It will remove contaminants that can be moved while waxing, which can contribute to swirls. Only good polishing can remove the swirls. If they are going to polish the vehicle then that should do it...assuming they are good at what they do. 75 dollars for that process is a very good deal, especially considering that it can take several hours to complete. I have done it myself on a smaller vehicle and it took me about 6 hours. That was from first wash to final coat of wax. I would also ask them which products they use to ensure they are high quality. There is nothing worse than sub-standard abrasives at the hands of novices.

 

[toybox]

Sounds like a great price but I would be a little leery. Clay picks up a lot stuff and should never be dropped on the ground, therefore it should be used only a coupl of times and then thrown away. If they took out a new bar for each car and had a really clean floor then this would be an awesome deal because it is a lot of work and time consuming BUT well worth it.

 

[Uneek]

Claying when done correctly (as Toybox mentioned) will make the finish as smooth as glass. It basically removes all the contaminants (bird poop, sap, fallout, etc) from your finish. Try running your hand on a car that's a few years old and only been washed and waxed regularly, the finish will be rough and bumpy. As Tom said, it's a long and tedious process, but the effort is rewarded with a great looking finish.

Polish gives your paint a wet look and adds depth to the paint. Wax protects the finish.

$75 is a good deal. A good detailer here charges $295 for cleaning, polishing and three coats of wax/sealant.

 

[oua]

Does claying have a sanding affect on the paint/clearcoat?

let me rephrase

Does claying take off some of the paint/clear coat?

 

[jharris2]

Does claying have a sanding affect on the paint/clearcoat?

let me rephrase

Does claying take off some of the paint/clear coat?

Not if you use the lubricant properly. It takes of the contaminants on the clearcoat, leaving the clearcoat the way it should be. When done, claying leaves the surface in incredible condition.

 

[qballjr13]

The one thing that did catch my attention is that all you said was "clay and polish". A vehicle should be washed before it is clayed and polishing a car does no good without a good quality wax/sealer to protect that finish. I would just clarify with the person EXACTLY what their processes are and, like metioned above, the types of products they use.

 

[jharris2]

The one thing that did catch my attention is that all you said was "clay and polish". A vehicle should be washed before it is clayed and polishing a car does no good without a good quality wax/sealer to protect that finish. I would just clarify with the person EXACTLY what their processes are and, like metioned above, the types of products they use.

Qball - great points. Only thing I'd add to it is that you should wash before and after the clay -- first to remove as much dirt as possible, the second to remove any residue from the claying process. Then polish/wax right away.

 

[qballjr13]

Qball - great points. Only thing I'd add to it is that you should wash before and after the clay -- first to remove as much dirt as possible, the second to remove any residue from the claying process. Then polish/wax right away.

You can absolutely do that. I am a member of http://autopia.org/ These guys (and maybe a couple gals) are the best when it comes to detailing. A lot of them are proffesionals, some are just into it, like myself. I do as much research as I can and learn everything I can. Check them out if you have any questions about detailing ANY part of your car.

But I still wouldnt feel comfortable with a $75 detail. Just like dad always said, you get what you pay for. And when you end up paying a GOOD detailer $300 to fix all the problems the first guy started then it just isnt worth it!

 

[airbur]

The local carwash is offering a service a clay and polish for $75. Is this reasonable? I have read a lot of discussion about claying on the forum but I still do not understand what this process is and the benefits of it over conventional wax and polish.

I have a dark color and I see lots of swirls even after waxing. Does claying remove the swirls?

Hey JP4RNR, I personally clay bar my '04 Sport about twice a year. I can tell you it's an extremely slow process and a true labor of love. That being said, I would also be weary of a $75 clay job. Like others have replied, you need to make sure they follow a process....something similar to wash-clay bar-wash-complete wax/buffing. Also, make sure they clay bar the entire vehicle including the roof.

I'd expect to pay a pro at least $200+ just for the claybar portion of a complete detail for a vehicle the size of the 4Runner. Good luck!