Clay Bar and Waxing
#16
Yes get those grit guards for sure along with the spinning lids for a tight seal from contaminants. The type of clay depends on the contaminants you are removing. Why not just buy the one I already linked? Can't go wrong under $20, if you aren't happy with the results then you can get more aggressive.
#17
First of all make sure you wash the car using a 5 gallon bucket with grit guard, if you don't have one, I would invest in one if you wash your car on your own.
Clay bar, I like Wolfgang and their clay lube, many other good brands available as well.
If your car doesn't have swirls and scratches, you can go directly to final polish with a blue pad.
I end it with Rejex sealant, it gives very good shine (especially on dark colors) and protects better and longer than regular wax.
You can then top it off with Carnauba wax if you wish.
Clay bar, I like Wolfgang and their clay lube, many other good brands available as well.
If your car doesn't have swirls and scratches, you can go directly to final polish with a blue pad.
I end it with Rejex sealant, it gives very good shine (especially on dark colors) and protects better and longer than regular wax.
You can then top it off with Carnauba wax if you wish.
#18
Here you go... check this thread where I just did the process to my mom's 2001:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-day-late.html
Pics included.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-day-late.html
Pics included.
#20
So - don't spend too much time figuring out what type of LSP you want to use. Instead, invest some time and money into understanding the paint correction process so you can maximize your efforts.
-Zach
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k20trick (05-12-17)
#25
Detailing clay is a non-abrasive substance... it can cause harm if/when it picks up bonded contaminates and those are rubbed against the paint. This is why it is important to knead the clay and fold it to a clean area regularly.
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k20trick (05-12-17)
#26
Imho, I really think for a daily driver it is extremely important to clay if needed (new or used) and put a quality sealant on the car and maintain protection going forward (this is a level 10 finish to most people). You should only need to spot clay and this will protect your finish in the long run, truth is most of the owners cant maintain a perfectly polished finish, hell they cant even maintain protection, that's why it is important to start from bottom, come up with a game plan, learn how to touch your paint so that when you are ready to correct it, it will last a long time. When you polish your paint are making a commitment to stop all the bad habits going forward, Im no expert however I have seen when cars were corrected and week later owners will take it to the drive through wash or even wipe the car dry with a microfiber with one week's worth of dirt on it, proper maintenance is key.
#27
Imho, I really think for a daily driver it is extremely important to clay if needed (new or used) and put a quality sealant on the car and maintain protection going forward (this is a level 10 finish to most people). You should only need to spot clay and this will protect your finish in the long run, truth is most of the owners cant maintain a perfectly polished finish, hell they cant even maintain protection, that's why it is important to start from bottom, come up with a game plan, learn how to touch your paint so that when you are ready to correct it, it will last a long time. When you polish your paint are making a commitment to stop all the bad habits going forward, Im no expert however I have seen when cars were corrected and week later owners will take it to the drive through wash or even wipe the car dry with a microfiber with one week's worth of dirt on it, proper maintenance is key.
#28
I keep it simple, seal the car every month or two depending on how the paint feels and maintain it weekly with a rinse less wash using Optimum No Rinse and about 15-20 quality microfibers in rotation and topping with meguiars xpress spray wax as drying aid.
Now that I have a coating I'll probably change the xpress spray wax to carpro reload.
Now that I have a coating I'll probably change the xpress spray wax to carpro reload.
#29
A comment on clay barring. I've clayed my cars for years with great results. I didn't realize how big a difference it makes until yesterday when I helped my kid with his car.
He bought a VW Golf R a year ago and it turns out that he never got around to waxing it. The car is now turning 1 yr old and we decided to clay it first. The crap took about an hour longer to clay out than it would have had he waxed the car. I was stunned how much crap was embedded in the paint. The day before I had done my wife's car which was a picnic by comparison.
It got done the paint looked much better and I followed it up with Chemical Guys JetSeal polymer paint sealant.
Followed by Chemical Guys Pete's 53 Carnuba with polymers. MeGuiar's NXT2 wax is another one I like.
Here's a pic of my wife's car. I should have taken the shot later in the day with the sun lower.
Last edited by EJC; 05-20-17 at 03:14 PM.
#30
There have been many good comments here and I'm sure you'll develop your routine.
A comment on clay barring. I've clayed my cars for years with great results. I didn't realize how big a difference it makes until yesterday when I helped my kid with his car.
He bought a VW Golf R a year ago and it turns out that he never got around to waxing it. The car is now turning 1 yr old and we decided to clay it first. The crap took about an hour longer to clay out than it would have had he waxed the car. I was stunned how much crap was embedded in the paint. The day before I had done my wife's car which was a picnic by comparison.
It got done the paint looked much better and I followed it up with Chemical Guys JetSeal polymer paint sealant.
Followed by Chemical Guys Pete's 53 Carnuba with polymers. MeGuiar's NXT2 wax is another one I like.
Here's a pic of my wife's car. I should have take the shot later in the day woth the sun lower.
A comment on clay barring. I've clayed my cars for years with great results. I didn't realize how big a difference it makes until yesterday when I helped my kid with his car.
He bought a VW Golf R a year ago and it turns out that he never got around to waxing it. The car is now turning 1 yr old and we decided to clay it first. The crap took about an hour longer to clay out than it would have had he waxed the car. I was stunned how much crap was embedded in the paint. The day before I had done my wife's car which was a picnic by comparison.
It got done the paint looked much better and I followed it up with Chemical Guys JetSeal polymer paint sealant.
Followed by Chemical Guys Pete's 53 Carnuba with polymers. MeGuiar's NXT2 wax is another one I like.
Here's a pic of my wife's car. I should have take the shot later in the day woth the sun lower.
After trying coating, I can see whey their getting big, heres one I just did with Optimum Gloss Coat, not a Lexus but still looks great!: