Car Washing - Some newbie questions

RoryMurphyJnr

Hi all,

So I take pride in the family car and clean it inside and out every 2 weeks.

Couple of questions I'd like to ask those in the know

1. What's "Clay?" I've seen it mentioned in a couple of threads
2. Best way to dry the car after washing?
3. For polishing inside dash etc. what's the best spray to repel dust

Much appreciated thanks
Rory

Curran

1: Clay / claybar is effectively like a harder version of Blue Tac - you can shaped it, turn it and fold it. It is used after you wash your car, to remove bonded contaminants and fallout from your cars paintwork - even when you think you have washed it perfectly clean, you havent. If place your hand in a plastic bag, run your fingers over your paint work, it will feel rough....this is because your paint isnt perfectly clean. With the use of the clay and lubricant, the clay pulls contamination away from your paint and into the clay bar. After claying the car, the paint work will feel totally different - smooth and glass like.
Perfectly clean paint, reflects light much more uniformly and thus giving the appearance of a much shinier finish. Also, a fully clayed car, gives a better surface for polishing and/or your protection (wax / sealant)

2: The best way to dry your car is with a Microfiber Drying Towel, if necessary with the aid of a quick detailer.

3: Interior plastics are tough to keep dust free - best thing to do is keep on top of it by vacuuming the car more frequently, but Poorboy’s Natural Look Dressing, Chemical Guy's Natural Shine Dressing or Orchard Autocare Interior Wizard, offer a matt finish that will help.

RoryMurphyJnr

Much appreciated Curran thanks

Curran

Should have mentioned that you'd only clay the car maybe every 6 months, not after every wash....and make sure to de-year the car before staying to clay.
Plenty of advice on claying, and preparing up clay on DetailingRepublic.ie

RED PASSION

Curran wrote: »

The best way to dry your car is with a Microfiber Drying Towel, if necessary with the aid of a quick detailer

What about chamois leather cloth to dry, is it any good.

corktina

Curran wrote: »

Should have mentioned that you'd only clay the car maybe every 6 months, not after every wash....and make sure to de-year the car before staying to clay.
Plenty of advice on claying, and preparing up clay on DetailingRepublic.ie

predictive text?

Curran

corktina wrote: »

Curran wrote: »

Should have mentioned that you'd only clay the car maybe every 6 months, not after every wash....and make sure to de-year the car before staying to clay.
Plenty of advice on claying, and preparing up clay on DetailingRepublic.ie

predictive text?

Yeah

Re: chamois - they're not ideal. When they dry out, they become hard, which will leave light scratching in your paint.

RED PASSION

Curran wrote: »

chamois - they're not ideal. When they dry out, they become hard, which will leave light scratching in your paint.

I think that may already have happened. thanks man