Good Clay Bar for neglacted Paint

[NoMoreJeep]

I recently purchased a new to me 2003 4runner and the paint needs some TLC. It looks like the previous owner never waxed it or anything. I attempted to clay bar it this weekend using the Meguiars Clay Bar Kit but the clay it came with was way to mild for the condition of the paint. What is a good clay bar for heavily contaminated paint that hasn't seen wax in 10 or so years?

 

[mikebontoft]

you will be best off getting yourself an electric buffer.

clay bar with pull most of the surface contaminants off. if you have any tough spots like sap or tar use the suggested remover. what is the paint actually like?

 

[NoMoreJeep]

There is no tar or sap to deal with. The paint looks as though it has only seen drive through car washes/wax for about 10 years. I used the McGuire's kit on the hood and then waxed it and it looks great. The problem is that it took several hours and a lot of elbow grease to just get the hood cleaned up since the clay bar in the kit is so mild. I was wondering if there is a more aggressive clay that is better suited for a job like this.

 

[NJshadow93]

I would use Meguiar's Ultimate compound. That stuff worked wonders on my girlfriend's 2000 Plymouth Neon. Do that, then use Meguiar's Polishing Compound, followed by a wax. (Each step I listed should be after a wash, dry, and clay). Good luck!

 

[T4R2014]

Meguiar's has more aggressive types of clay, probably many others that do as well. I would get the cheapest but most aggressive clay. Try hitting up a local auto body supply store.

 

[2StepsAhead]

What is the condition of the paint that you need more aggressive clay? Usually clay bar is to remove stuff you dont want to gunk up your pads before polishing ie rail dust/rust specs, over spray, embedded dirt, etc but a good compounding/polishing will remove dirt/contaminants on its own and correct marring which is going to come from clay barring anyway. I would just clay as much as you can and use the bag test to see when you've got it pretty good and use compounding/polishing to do the rest.

 

[littlehandegan]

I recently purchased a new to me 2003 4runner and the paint needs some TLC. It looks like the previous owner never waxed it or anything. I attempted to clay bar it this weekend using the Meguiars Clay Bar Kit but the clay it came with was way to mild for the condition of the paint. What is a good clay bar for heavily contaminated paint that hasn't seen wax in 10 or so years?

You may be suprised, but the surface may be ready for detailing.

Use the plastic baggie technique.

The Bag Test: There’s a simple test that will indicate whether or not you need to clay. Wash and dry your vehicle, put a plastic sandwich bag over your hand and lightly rub your fingertips over the paint. If it feels gritty or rough, your paint is contaminated.


ALSO, look into a product called IRON X. It does wonders

Are you using enough lube? Also, are you sure it is in fact OEM paint?