Claying vs. Polishing

TOGWT said:
"As far as the decontamination washes i dont see how they could be as effective as claying".

Acid neutralizing wash - I would strongly recommend an acid neutralizing wash followed by a corrosion inhibitor on an annual or semi-annual basis. You will find that a proper acid neutralizing wash opens the paint fissures (pores) and will release most of the imbedded ferrous oxide deposits and the remainder comes off very easily by clay encapsulation. These systems will produce a better finish on the paint surface than is possible with detailer’s clay alone and is also the only solution that addresses acid rain, industrial pollutants, and tree sap etching as well as other polyurethane clear coat concerns

A three step neutralization and wash system comprises; (a) Acid Neutralizer (b) Alkaline Neutralizer (use in conjunction with detailer’s clay) and (c) a pH 7.0 Surface Conditioner, which safely removes both surface and subsurface contamination (i.e. rust) that collects on a painted finish which includes, industrial fallout (IFO), rail dust, acid rain, hard water spots, road tar, bird excrement, waxes/silicones, oxidation, adhesive residue, road grime and rust stains introduced via road salt, ferrous metal deposits. Auto International -
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I see what you are saying. I might just give one of those kits a whirl. When i said that a decontamination wash was not going to be as effective as clay. i was refering to clays ablilty to remove bonded contaminates to the surface.
 
Thejoyofdriving said:
When i said that a decontamination wash was not going to be as effective as clay. i was refering to clays ablilty to remove bonded contaminates to the surface.
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Are you saying you think washing with decontamination chemicals will not remove contaminates from the surface, or that clay will do it better?
 
Thejoyofdriving said:
I see what you are saying. I might just give one of those kits a whirl. When i said that a decontamination wash was not going to be as effective as clay. i was refering to clays ablilty to remove bonded contaminates to the surface.
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The main purpose of decontamination washes are to remove bonded contanimation... along with water deposits, bugs, tar, grease, etc.

Claying only shears off the top of contaminants which could rust in the future if not fully removed. These washes remove everything.
 
budman3 said:
The main purpose of decontamination washes are to remove bonded contanimation... along with water deposits, bugs, tar, grease, etc.

Claying only shears off the top of contaminants which could rust in the future if not fully removed. These washes remove everything.
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Please forgive the hijack, but budman, have you used any of these decon kits? I've been researching this and have been trying to get others' impressions. Thanks!!
 
I have yet to use one but I have been researching it for awhile now. The two that always seem to come up are the FK1 and Auto Int. products. As others have stated in this and other thread ABC washes are worthwhile especially on very neglected surfaces. Sorry I couldn't help.
 
ZoranC said:
Are you saying you think washing with decontamination chemicals will not remove contaminates from the surface, or that clay will do it better?
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No im sure that the washes work. But i dont see how a wash could remove things that are bonded onto the car. Im sure washes work great at cleaning the paints pores. I would bet money a clay bar can remove more bonded contaminants like sap for example from a cars finish than any safe wash could do.
 
m4gician said:
Okay,

Clay picks up stubborn MICRO dirt that gets stuck in the pores of the paint.

Polishing, is the act of WEARING DOWN the unevenness in the paint and smoothening out rough edges and lines....kinda like this guy here.:buffing::buffing:

It's the same when they polish your teeth at the dentist, except the main difference is that a CAR doesn't grow back layers of paint like your teeth grow back enamel.
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I know this is an old post, but I wanted to clarify something. Your tooth enamel does not grow back, so the original analogy is exactly correct. Also, I believe when people say polish evens out the paint, I believe they are really referring to the clear coat. If you use "clear coat safe" polishes and pads, you don't really have to be too concerned about removing too much clear coat. (Most modern cars have 3 layers of clear coat.)
 
One question I have, when I clay a vehicle will I remove any protection I have applied in the past few weeks like wax, sealant, and what not. Just not real sure how often one should clay
 
Outdoorliffe99 said:
One question I have, when I clay a vehicle will I remove any protection I have applied in the past few weeks like wax, sealant, and what not. Just not real sure how often one should clay
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In one word...Yes.

In the "process" claying is more or less in the beginning, then on to compounding/polishing etc.

Bill
 
Outdoorliffe99 said:
One question I have, when I clay a vehicle will I remove any protection I have applied in the past few weeks like wax, sealant, and what not. Just not real sure how often one should clay
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Effectively, yes. Clay pulls contaminants away from your paint. This will leave "holes" in your surface protection. Depending on if you waxes and/or sealants and if you regularly park your car outside, I would say you should clay/polish/wax and/or seal your car 2 to 3 times a year. Some people actually wax over a sealed surface, but this does not add any significant additional protection on top of the sealant which may seem counter intuitive. Sealents generally last 6 mos or longer, and a quality wax 4 - 6 mos. Also, it may not be necessary to clay your entire car everytime.
 
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