Claying

BritOn2wheels

BritOn2wheels

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There are several schools of thought regarding the procedure to wash a car, but the one that I use that seems to make the most sense is the top down method. As you all know the theory is not to mar the upper (cleaner) areas with dirt from lower on the vehicle.

So can I use the same logic when claying? Top down as in washing?

Or does it make more sense to start at the back where theoretically there is less embedded contamination and work towards the front? Anyone favor starting at the front where there is more contamination but the clay is new and therefore more efficient?

Come on guy's and girl's, what are your theories, comments or recommendations? :confused:
 
No idea, I usually start with the hood for clay. In regards to the back, every car's rearend I have done has been the worst! Lots of gritty stuff on the tailgate, etc, I usually hit that area and the lowerslast with the clay because that seems where you pick up the most particles.
 
I cut the clay up in 3 pieces 1 -for the hood and 2 F.F. 1- roof and both doors. 1- trunk and both 1/4s this way if i drop the clay i don't have to throw away the whole piece.....

front to back......for me......:-)
 
if you clay often, you dont even really need to do the sides hardly. roof and hood and trunk/ tailgate get the worst because stuff settles on the horizontal surfaces easier
 
Kelso said:
if you clay often, you don't even really need to do the sides hardly. roof and hood and trunk/ tailgate get the worst because stuff settles on the horizontal surfaces easier
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:iagree: For me personally mines in a garage kept pristine parking environment, and not an every day ride, once a year for me for the whole car, every 6 months hood, trunk, deck lid.
 
couple of things I have found beneficial in claying:

1. Top Down works Well --- use alot of lubrication.
2. Follow a back and forth pattern as wind would travel ACROSS the panel
3. Allow the clay to tell you where work is needed -- no heavy pressure
4. Claying more than 2X per year is probably wasted work time
5. Different degree's in clay (just like polishes) can help in given situation
6. If you drop it, likely you should just toss it.
 
QUOTE: Follow a back and forth pattern as wind would travel ACROSS the panel

Wind Across the panel =front to rear

Back And Forth = Side to Side..........:iagree:
 
In my experience the worst embedded dirt is behind the wheels(lower sides not wheel wells) and very low on the car after that i think the hood. I think after many years of washing top down anything else i do to the car is automatically top down.
 
Great idea to cut the clay bar into pieces, but the darn thing is so small to begin with! I just got the Pinnacle clay and it is awfully small. What's up with that?!:confused:
 
Reddwarf said:
Great idea to cut the clay bar into pieces, but the darn thing is so small to begin with! I just got the Pinnacle clay and it is awfully small. What's up with that?!:confused:
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I AGREE:-) Very small it is...... but it you take your time and go easy and hold tight as can be?? it will be ok.......a horror story would be to really be into claying with intense concentration and then OPPPPPPP'S you drop the clay in dirt. all you need is a speck of grit and your finished, i like that insurance of extra pieces.....;)
 
I like the idea of cutting the clay up into pieces, makes sense, but Lord knows it's small enough to start with!

Smaller pieces = more likely to fumble and drop. :(

I guess I'll just have to buy it by the pound.
 
For me? i do the trunk and roof and hood and maybe sides in that order.dont really know why:confused: maybe because im left handed and a scorpio:D
 
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