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Claying paint – is it worth it?
Every car owner will be pleased with the fact that you can easily restore the shine of the paint. There is no denying that car paint is susceptible to all types of dirt. Both pollutants consisting of large particles and those made of small ones are dangerous for him. Large particles can immediately damage the paint surface, while the effects of small particles can be seen over time. How does it happend? These contaminants penetrate and blend into the structure of the varnish, causing its color to fade and become dull. As a consequence, the continuity of its surface may even be interrupted, which is a short way to corrosion and similar problems. To counteract this, it is worth using the so-called claying of the paint.
What is car clay?
Car clay is a specially designed polishing compound containing unique polishing particles similar to those found in polishing pastes. Clay has very interesting properties. It has the ability to polish the paint by penetrating its micro-crevices and cleaning it thoroughly. Unlike classic varnish cleaning, clay allows you to easily remove resins from trees, traces of bird droppings, asphalt particles and other chemical substances. During washing, even with pressurized water, this type of contamination may remain on the paint or even be pressed into its nooks and crannies. It is worth knowing that washing the paint surface does not guarantee that it will regain its shine.
Claying paint – how to do it?
What makes car paint require claying? You can check this yourself in a simple way. The washed and dried car should be wiped with a clean hand. If the hand moves through the varnish with difficulty, it can be concluded that the varnish requires claying. Any resistance is generated by impurities hidden in the micro-fissures of the paint.
In order for claying to achieve the expected effect, certain steps must be followed and the car's paint surface must be prepared. Claying should be part of the process of cleaning and polishing the paint. So:
- first, the varnish should be thoroughly washed with shampoo. Dishwashing liquids should not be used for this purpose, only products intended for cleaning varnishes,
- the cleaned paint surface is polished with clay. The clay will literally sweep away all dirt and impurities from the paint surface and its micro-crevices,
- the last stage should be waxing, which will add shine to the varnish cleaned by the clay.
What does the claying process of paint look like?
It is worth repeating that although claying may seem to be a process requiring certain skills, it can be successfully carried out independently, without the help of specialists. However, the sequence of treatments must be strictly followed. At the very beginning, you should purchase the necessary means for claying, i.e. clay and a slip lubricant to provide slip during claying. It is also possible to use water with car shampoo for this purpose.
Claying process:
- A semicircle is formed from a piece of clay weighing between 30 and 40 grams and the selected area of the varnished coating is rubbed with it. This operation is performed after applying the lubricant to the varnish. When claying, you should not put too much pressure on the clay.
- After a short time, you will notice impurities on the clay, which should be kneaded into it and the semicircle formed again. Smaller impurities are trapped in the clay, and larger particles should fall to the ground along with its remains.
- Claying is considered completed when you no longer feel any resistance under your hand with the clay, only its smooth movement over the surface of the varnish.
- The last stage is a thorough inspection of the paint. You can then assess its condition and correct any imperfections.
It's worth knowing – claying of paint
Clay comes in solid form. A piece of clay weighing 100 grams costs from PLN 40 to PLN 80, depending on the manufacturer and the polishing additives contained in the clay.
Polishing clay gives:
- perfect gloss of the paint even on cars that have lost it a long time ago,
- allows for even better interaction of the varnish with the later applied wax,
- makes it difficult for new dirt to stick,
- subsequent car washing becomes much easier,
- the so-called hydrophobic effect, i.e. water flows off it immediately, leaving no streaks.
What is also worth emphasizing is the fact that other car elements can also be clayed. By choosing clay of the appropriate hardness, you can use it to clean mirrors, headlight lenses, windows and even rims.
As you can see, claying can help restore the vehicle's long-lost aesthetic values.
