clay differences?

[TundraPower]

If these clay alternatives are so much more convenient and cheaper due to the readability, why doesn't everyone just use them?

Clay alternatives are not in a position to replace clays yet. Yes, clay towels are very useful, I use them. Yes, Iron Out and IronX are very useful, I use them. But I always check the end result with a clay bar. If it slides on the surface like snot on a door knob, the surface is smooth.

 

[Tato]

Funny thing, I went out to the garage to make sure I had quick detailer (no not the ultimate) and found a new unopened bar from Meqs so it looks like I am set for this year. Thanks for the info, it will help going forward.

This setup will make your introduction to clay (as well as your car's surface) really smooth.

Keep informed about proper technique for claying, and use plenty of lube. Avoid 'pressing' too hard, or to press uneven (harder pressure on fingers). Do not 'press at all', I mean, clay must 'glide' over lubed surface.

Good luck,

Kind Regards.

 

[van185]

I've never used Clay Magic and have used Poorboys, Pinnacle, Megs, and Chemical Guys. If Clay Magic is really as good , for the price I will give it a try. Keep the reviews of Clay Magic coming, I'm interested.

 

[CowboyTruckn]

I've never thought about clay differences. I've always stick to old faithful (megs) and had awesome results with them. I HATE claying though, with a passion. I have been wanting to try a clay block (rubberized alternative in a square shape). I figure it would be the most similar in use to traditional clay. What keeps me from pulling the trigger is the cost. They are usually more expensive but can last longer. I really only do my own vehicles so longevity isn't an issue.

 

[SR99]

I've never used Clay Magic and have used Poorboys, Pinnacle, Megs, and Chemical Guys. If Clay Magic is really as good , for the price I will give it a try. Keep the reviews of Clay Magic coming, I'm interested.

Clay Magic is the original (it is the house brand of the company that owns the patents that all the other companies are licensing for their clay products). So I suppose it could make sense that they have some "secret sauce" they aren't sharing with the others.

Clay Magic Blue is my current favorite, but I haven't tried all that many. I just picked up some Riccardo Yellow that I plan to compare to the clay magic blue one of these days.

However, as I posted earlier, I found a claim of 1 year shelf life in the MSDS. I don't know what that means since my bar is over a year old and seems fine.

 

[SYMAWD]

Clay Magic is the original (it is the house brand of the company that owns the patents that all the other companies are licensing for their clay products). So I suppose it could make sense that they have some "secret sauce" they aren't sharing with the others.

Clay Magic Blue is my current favorite, but I haven't tried all that many. I just picked up some Riccardo Yellow that I plan to compare to the clay magic blue one of these days.

However, as I posted earlier, I found a claim of 1 year shelf life in the MSDS. I don't know what that means since my bar is over a year old and seems fine.

The patent is gone now.

Riccardo clay and Adam's clay are no longer like what we've been stuck with. I believe Optimum's new clay and CG's OG clay bar are also different.

 

[SR99]

The patent is gone now.

Yep, I'm aware, and I guess I could have worded that better. Still, those companies continue to sell the same clay and I presume are still buying it from Automagic and manufactured w/ the same recipe in order to keep the product the same for their users. So it seems the patent expiration didn't have any impact as far as those products go.

 

[stilltipping3]

Used the clay bars and said to myself "why would I buy a NanoSkin mitt"?

I was successful in using clay and it was great. But when I had the chance to purchase the NanoSkin products I did. I am very happy with them. I wont be going back to clay anymore. I let my friends buy my old bars off me. LOL

The Mitts are just a faster and more effective way of doing what clay does. It will last many many cars and cut down the time by half at least.. Just wanted to say this stuff is the real deal. Check into it.

 

[cardaddy]

Used the clay bars and said to myself "why would I buy a NanoSkin mitt"?

I was successful in using clay and it was great. But when I had the chance to purchase the NanoSkin products I did. I am very happy with them. I wont be going back to clay anymore. I let my friends buy my old bars off me. LOL

The Mitts are just a faster and more effective way of doing what clay does. It will last many many cars and cut down the time by half at least.. Just wanted to say this stuff is the real deal. Check into it.

THIS!

Two Nanoskin bars/sponges are a GOD SEND. Paint, wheels, glass... crud, leftover dirt, overspray... doesn't matter .

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using AG Online

 

[SYMAWD]

Yep, I'm aware, and I guess I could have worded that better. Still, those companies continue to sell the same clay and I presume are still buying it from Automagic and manufactured w/ the same recipe in order to keep the product the same for their users. So it seems the patent expiration didn't have any impact as far as those products go.

Most stayed the same but the 4 I mentioned had the bars available just after the patent expired.

 

[Coopers ST]

I know a lot of you have each, but if you were to only have one grade, (fine, medium...) what would you get?

 

[van185]

Clay Magic is the original (it is the house brand of the company that owns the patents that all the other companies are licensing for their clay products). So I suppose it could make sense that they have some "secret sauce" they aren't sharing with the others.

Clay Magic Blue is my current favorite, but I haven't tried all that many. I just picked up some Riccardo Yellow that I plan to compare to the clay magic blue one of these days.

However, as I posted earlier, I found a claim of 1 year shelf life in the MSDS. I don't know what that means since my bar is over a year old and seems fine.

Thanks for the information. I will give it a try. The price looks better than most other brands.

 

[Tato]

I know a lot of you have each, but if you were to only have one grade, (fine, medium...) what would you get?

That's the 1.000.000$ question!

Or maybe, the $80 question (with ~$80 you can solve it and buy both!).

For claying, you should think as you would when polishing: start with the least aggressive method to get the job done.

That said, it's sure to start with the Fine Grade.

However, if you face many old or heavily contaminated vehicles (~2 or more years old cars that sits outside and had never been clayed), medium grade would be your choice.

Based on this, you have to think regarding on what you're planning to do.

If you're going to clay only your car, and it's new and/or well maintained, you'll be fine with a Fine Grade Clay Mitt. Also, for newer vehicles (0km, or 3-6 months old) I wouldn't like to 'attack it' with a medium grade. Fine grade would be gentle and leave a lot less marring, but also a very smooth surface.

If your car is severely contaminated, you'll benefit from medium grade, but following with a polish step is 'mandatory'. By the way, I would still follow with a polish even when using the fine grade.

Always better to have both grades, but you can think on your use and try to decide to get only the Fine Grade (least aggressive to get the job done)...

Sorry not giving a direct answer, I've passed for this 'dilemma' some time ago, and I couldn't solve it without ordering both clay wash mitts (fine and medium).

Hope to hear from you,

Kind Regards.

 

[spiralout462]

I know a lot of you have each, but if you were to only have one grade, (fine, medium...) what would you get?

Fine clay causes marring on my black Toyota paint. I won't use anything more aggressive on my vehicles.

 

[Tato]

You're right. Once I've clayed with medium 6' clay pad on a dark honda paint and it looked like I've wet sanded (3000 grit) the whole area, admit to be very concerned at that time.

However, 1 step polishing with M205 on a white polishing pad solved and finished really great. Like the same easy it marks, easy it is to remove those marks.

I've also marred a black paint the same level described above with conventional clay (3M purple one). I remember to have hand polished after with UC with same good results.

The Meguiar's Clay (white) I've told before barely mark the paint, yet remove contaminants well.

Talking about Toyota, I have one (Graphite) and it is the hardest paint I'll ever face. You can sit on top of the car without scratching it (metaphor, please). Being so, it's a PAIN to correct, hope my MF pads and Uber Compound would take care (they are to arrive).

Thank you for talk,

Kind Regards.