Re-using Clay

smax71

Hi. Long time lurker here. Recently got some stuff from Curran. (Thanks by the way .. great to have stuff delivered to door!) and for first time tried a bit of detailing rather that reading about it. Seemed to go OK .. plenty of beading .. not to the standard regularly displayed here but reasonably happy for a beginner. One question about claying - I cut off a 1/3 bar of Autobrite fine grade clay and went about my business .. must say it removed quite a lot of dirt from what I though was a clean car. Presumably this clay should be discarded now? Will the remaining 2/3 bar last until next session? Does it need to be stored in an airtight container?

One other Q since I'm on .. when I was applying the Collinite 476 wax I found it difficult to get the stuff onto the car such that there was very little haze to be buffed off. (I had 1st polished and sealed the car using Chemical Guys Extreme All-in-One Polish) I used a damp microfiber cloth to apply the wax but it seemed quite difficult to get wax to stick to cloth and then to transfer to car. Should I be doing something different?

Sorry about all the questions.

Black_Knight

Dump the used clay.

Pop the unused clay bar into a ziplock bag, no harm to put a spray or 2 of clay lube/quick detailer in there also.

Get a wax applicator pad for the wax. Not sure ive ever used a MF for wax before.
Something like these guys I find really easy to work with.
http://www.detailingshed.com/accessories/96-chemical-guys-super-soft-ufo-applicator.html

Dont worry about the questions. Questions are good, they make us better. We're all still learning, and its better to ask now rather than scratching the shít out of your car with used clay later.

Curran

If the clay isn't totally ruined, sometimes it can be helpful to hold onto it...maybe for the wheels. Store it separately.

Storing the remaining clay; it wont go off, but store it in the box, wrapped if possible but not necessary, just to keep contamination bonding to it. Give it a bit of a knead before using it next time!

As above...microfibre cloth wouldn't really the way to go....applicators would do a lot better job. A very light spritz of water, a veey light misting, if you are struggling to spread it. Remember thin layers are better and easier to remove. Better 2 or 3 light layers than one lashed on!

smax71

Thanks for the tips lads. Will invest in a couple of applicators for the next session. Presumably I should use an applicator for the polish/sealant also?