85g Megs clay bar

[Darren S]

How far would an 85g bar go on a 182? I know you're supposed to use it roughly in three pieces or so, but am I likely to go through a full bar on say the bonnet and front wings?

I'd rather buy more than one that to run short half-way through!

Also, do clay bars have a shelf life? Can they 'go off' if they aren't used for a month or so?

Cheers,
D.

 

[Acejon]

It doesnt wear away as such as its clay, it literally picks up all the crap that normal washing doesnt. one bar is plenty split into three bits. Im still using the first bit as I only intend to do it maybe 3 times a year.

Keep 'folding' the clay and work it with your hands. As a rule of thumb I tend to do this twice for every pannel. maybe more depending on the levels to which the paint is marked.

Tip is to feel the paint you have clayed, it should be smooth as silk.

Edit:

I use the sonax clay which doesnt have a case to keep it in so i use a freezer bag in a small tupawear box.

 

[MRBILLYUK]

It doesnt wear away as such as its clay, it literally picks up all the crap that normal washing doesnt. one bar is plenty split into three bits. Im still using the first bit as I only intend to do it maybe 3 times a year.

Keep 'folding' the clay and work it with your hands. As a rule of thumb I tend to do this twice for every pannel. maybe more depending on the levels to which the paint is marked.

Tip is to feel the paint you have clayed, it should be smooth as silk.

Edit:

I use the sonax clay which doesnt have a case to keep it in so i use a freezer bag in a small tupawear box.

After you have folded it a couple of times , to get a clean surface , don't you eventually end up with the part of the clay that has picked up the sh*t coming back up to the surface ?

MrBillyUK !

 

[Darren S]

Cheers for the tips acejon.

Is the standard bottle of Quik Detailer fluid plenty enough for a full car too?

D.

 

[Acejon]

After you have folded it a couple of times , to get a clean surface , don't you eventually end up with the part of the clay that has picked up the sh*t coming back up to the surface ?

MrBillyUK !

Id imagine it would yeh, but itd be a fair few more than just a couple of folds...

Just fold to expose fresh, clean clay until you feel thats impossible i spose!

Will last ages if you look after both the clay and your car. Shouldnt need doing every wash if the paint is kept in top condition with polishing, sealing and waxing as per r-jays recommendations, and if your not doing that, claying is pointless anyway IMHO...

 

[_Kenny_]

some people use the quik detailer fluid mate others just use shampoo in a bucket of water. The standard bottle should be more than enough

 

[Rich]

I find a third of the bar fine to do a whole car 182 size normally unless its got lots of contaminents on it. Keep folding and kneading it to get a clean surface. If it gets very grimy use the next bit.

I store the un used partion in an air tight tupperware box. Anything else, cling film or plastic bags has ended up sticking to the clay over time for me.

I wouldnt waste the quick detailer to clay, mix up a solution of car shampoo and water in a spray bottle and clay the car while its still wet from rinsing after the wash.

 

[Acejon]

some people use the quik detailer fluid mate others just use shampoo in a bucket of water. The standard bottle should be more than enough

Pretty much agree with that dude.

I use the clay while I wash keeping it in the second clean water bucket so its plyable when you use it, that way your not stood in the freezing cold rubbing hard clay around in your hands...

Have used QD/Lub but personally prefer this method

 

[Alan]

Rich I've heard blue tack and some solution same as you said does about the same job?

 

[Rich]

Id imagine it would yeh, but itd be a fair few more than just a couple of folds...

Just fold to expose fresh, clean clay until you feel thats impossible i spose!

Will last ages if you look after both the clay and your car. Shouldnt need doing every wash if the paint is kept in top condition with polishing, sealing and waxing as per r-jays recommendations, and if your not doing that, claying is pointless anyway IMHO...

A good tip for the used clay before you chuck it away is to save it to do your wheels.

Once or twice a year is all you should need to clay a car IMO.

 

[Rich]

Pretty much agree with that dude.

I use the clay while I wash keeping it in the second clean water bucket so its plyable when you use it, that way your not stood in the freezing cold rubbing hard clay around in your hands...

Have used QD/Lub but personally prefer this method

Tip of the thread ^^^^^

Make sure the clay is warm and soft like play doe or plastacine you had as a kid, other wise if its hard it will damage your paint.

The hot water and keeping it in the bucket works well, some people warm it up in the microwave first to!

 

[Rich]

Rich I've heard blue tack and some solution same as you said does about the same job?

I always use clay with car wash solution, not tried blue tack tho.

 

[Alan]

The blue tack idea is a bit ghetto' tho lol

 

[Darren S]

Nice one - tips aplenty here! I found the microwave idea funny!

You've actually answered my next question too. Obviously, claying is something only to be done when needed. I did have the idea of maybe twice a year being enough and that seems to be the consensus here...

Is there anything that the clay should NOT go anywhere near? Glass, headlight units, Renault badges, etc?

Thanks again guys... :approve:

D.

 

[Acejon]

Is there anything that the clay should NOT go anywhere near? Glass, headlight units, Renault badges, etc?

Not as such no, works brilliantly on all surfaces, windscreens especially.

Rule is dont over use, use the techniques and you will be chuffed with the results

 

[Darren S]

Well, I got some at dinner, so there's no going back now!

Picked up one of the Meg's Water Magnet Drying Towels as well after hearing some good reports about them....

Wish me luck!

D.