What does a paint cleaner do that clay does not?

[conman1395]

What does a paint cleaner/cleaner wax do that claying does not? I understand that it is a "chemical cleaner" versus a polish with abrasives (and also understand a cleaner wax can have abrasives too) but what "stuff" does it remove that claying does not?

Thanks,
Connor

 

[expdetailing]

conman1395,
I don't have an answer. Do you have time to apply a cleaner wax, then clay the vehicle and let us know your findings?

 

[conman1395]

conman1395,
I don't have an answer. Do you have time to apply a cleaner wax, then clay the vehicle and let us know your findings?

I usually clay only when I am going to polish, so every time I've clayed I also used a product with abrasives and therefore never need a paint cleaner. I do use DG 105 which is also a chemical cleaner, but also have only used it after correction. Unfortunately I just took my car in today to get a part of my front bumper cover repainted so I don't have it to test on.

 

[FUNX650]

I usually clay only when I am going to polish, so every time I've clayed I also used a product with abrasives and therefore never need a paint cleaner.

To me this is the "Best Practice".

And:
Didn't you notice how clean the paint was after using your polish? No need, then, for any additional:
Cleaning of the paint...with even more chemicals!!

I do use DG 105 which is also a chemical cleaner, but also have only used it after correction.

DG #105 has (among other ingredients):
"polishing agents"; and Naptha.
http://www.duragloss.com/documents/MSDS 105,106.pdf

This might well be the reasons for its cleaning-up abilities.
But, IMO:
Might as well just use Naptha...or similar chemicals...
if you're going to "chemically clean the paint".

Unfortunately I just took my car in today to get a part of my front bumper cover repainted so I don't have it to test on.

Good Luck on the re-spray!

Bob

 

[Jaretr1]

That is a very generic question, but let me try to answer it.

Clay removes the above surface contaminants. These are things that can somewhat be felt on the surface of the paint.

A paint cleaner or cleaner wax removes the buildup of dirt or film that settles on the paint. This cannot really be felt but can be seen especially on lighter cars. The cleaner is chemical based. Surely clay does remove some of this, but not all.

Then there are also pure paint cleaners that are specifically designed to remove any wax or sealant, or polish residue to leave the paint "pure" for coatings or sealants.

Claying alone doesnt totally clean the paint. Cleaners alone also do not totally clean the paint. A combination of both virtually will.

I hope that makes sense.

 

[Audios S6]

^^^ very good explanation.

Also, if you apply the paint cleaner/cleaner wax with a polishing pad via DA, you can remove some light defects.

 

[Belair]

I agree with the guy from Excelsior, er, ah, Shoreview.

 

[VISITOR]

clay = remove above surface bonded contaminants

paint cleaner = remove embedded dirt from the pores of the paint

 

[Belphegor]

Then there are also pure paint cleaners that are specifically designed to remove any wax or sealant, or polish residue to leave the paint "pure" for coatings or sealants.

Would you mind listing a product or a few that do this? IPA and Strip Clean? Just looking for some info, many thanks in advance.

 

[conman1395]

Okay this all makes sense. Thanks guys.

 

[ScottB]

never seen clay remove any oxidation, have seen products like Klasse AIO remove it. Its primarily a chemical based paint cleaner.