bizzy928

I use S100

Smitty

iTrader: (1)

I just read this thread and it has been very informative but I have a question. I have a black ES300 and I have a few swirl marks in my paint. What is the best way to get these out. And I also read that superpats u said you "clayed" your car. I've seen the clay bars but what do they do and how do u use it?

superpats

Clay bars are used to lift contamination off of your paint that simply washing your vehicle won't do. Most clay bars come with a clay lube but you can also use quick detailer as a lubricant. Basically flatten the clay into a pancake shape and glide over your cars surface making sure there is plenty of lubricant on the surface. You'll be amazed at how dirty the clay gets even after you've washed your vehicle. This won't necessarily help to remove your swirl marks but it gives you a nice clean slate to work your compounds and polishes. As a test put your index finger in a clear plastic sandwich baggy and run your finger over your vehicles surface, if you feel the grittyness underneath your finger it would be a good idea to use the clay. You'll be amazed at how smooth the surface is when your done claying. For a more extended explanation on claying check this link out. http://store.premiumautocare.net/howtousedecl.html

HarrierAWD

Claying is good, but very tiring. I use 3M Cleaner Wax, it really gets the grime out and leaves the surface baby butt smooth.

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

The difference with claying is that it actually pulls stuff out of your paint, in addition to pulling stuff off.

markesc

iTrader: (2)

I use mequirs professional polish # ??? I have no clue, it's in a tan bottle and costs about $9. Two coats of that gives a really nice wet look and removes swirl marks....then the NXT goes on/off with outstanding ease! Makes my 1995 car look very new...

yESman

The problem with Consumer Reports is they don't test the better quality boutique brands like Zaino, P21S, Pinnacle, Poorboys, etc.

As for claying, it should be easy if you do it after the rinse part of the wash and use a quality lubricant. I like the Sonus brand Glyde from Autopia Car Care. Just using a cleaner wax will miss some things that clay is able to pick up. You also won't get as deep a shine since the surface won't be as smooth or clear.

UptownGS

I'm surprised I haven't heard many ppl using poorboys??? what the dilly?

400DGRZ

iTrader: (2)

This thread got me interested, so I went out and picked up Mother's clay, Meguier's Gold Class and went to work. WOW what a difference! The car feels smooth as silk. Thanks guys!

superpats

Makes a hell of a difference when claying before polishing/waxing don't it?
I would like it if a moderator could also sticky this thread along with the caring for leather thread that has already been stickied. I think alot of people could find it usefull.

HarrierAWD

True. They usually test brands that are widely available. For the same reason, they don't test drive Maserati, Bentley, or Ferrari like Car&Driver would routinely do. Lexus LS430 / BMW 7-series are as high-end as they'd go.

The jury is out on the "better quality" boutique brand. Many over-hyped wax like Meguiar and Mothers were rated so-so or poor in the test.

chicagoblknazn

Zaino because of the ease of use and you can reapply right after you take a coat off. But most importantly, I have yet to find anything else that gives a shine like Zaino.

osx-addict

I've used Zaino clay in the past and it works great, but for the guy that can't think in advance and order more, is there any difference between something like a Zaino clay vs. a clay that can be found at my local PepBoys or Kragen?

Just curious..

SoCalSC4

I used to detail cars in high school and college, and I built a pretty successful mobile detailing business called "Upward Mobility" auto detailing. Eventually I got tired of cleaning other people's cars and gave it up- but I still like to clean MY car!

When it comes to car care products, believe me, I have tried them all-
the Teflon professional coatings, Zaino, Meguiar's, Eagle One, 3M, Griot's Garage...

Far and away, the best I have tried is Adam's Polishes.

Adam and I are actually childhood friends, and we would occasionally detail cars together; our specialty was black cars
From his years of auto detailing experience he developed his current product line- he even has instructional videos on his website (yep, that's Adam in the video!). He still details a number of Concours cars for high-profile clients... go Adam!.

I used Adam's "Butter Wax" again last weekend on my GS. This stuff is absolutely amazing.
And his "Revive Polish" is amazing on cars that need a little polishing first. He also offers Clay Bars, a terrrific carpet cleaner, and the ONLY dressing I will use on my dash, VRT. His stuff even smells good. It isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for .

I encourage people to check it out:

Adam's Polishes

JDM SC4

OMG! you know Adam!

LOL. That's the only stuff i use on my cars.

His stuff is really good, I can vouch for that. He used to use "Der Stuff" but since then changed onto his own brand. Nice guy and EXTREMELY informative.