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      09-19-2013, 03:23 PM   #1
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Clay Bar

Perhaps someone can tell me if it is a good idea to use a clay bar on the soft X3 paint. Will the clay bar actually smooth out all the swirls and fine lines?
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      09-19-2013, 06:16 PM   #2
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Clays do nothing for swirls or scratches, in fact if not used right it will make them! You need a polish and glaze.

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Originally Posted by Amber View Post
Perhaps someone can tell me if it is a good idea to use a clay bar on the soft X3 paint. Will the clay bar actually smooth out all the swirls and fine lines?
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      09-19-2013, 07:24 PM   #3
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I use it on my wife's 328i. It makes it feel smooth as a new piece of glass. Don't really know about the swirls and scratches, but it takes off all the little bits that land on your paint and stick (tiny particles like tree sap that make the finish feel rough to the touch).
Go to YouTube and look up clay bar how-to videos and you'll see its a favorite to people that love to keep their car finishes in tip top shape.
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      09-20-2013, 07:38 AM   #4
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Clay is good for removing dirt particles washing leaves behind. I use it before polish. Be sure to use enough of the clay lubricant and use a light touch.
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      09-23-2013, 12:48 PM   #5
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I used it before applying Zaino. First time I tried it I didn't know how it would come out so I tried a small section on the roof so if I messed up it might not be as noticeable. But if you use a solution and a light touch (as someone else said) it comes out beautifully. you know your done with a section when your clay bar glides like a hockey puck on ice....no more particles. Makes applying polish easier too.
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      09-23-2013, 08:10 PM   #6
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Clay is for cleaning the paint - you need to do it before you polish out the scratches or otherwise you are just swirling the dirt around with the polisher. Clean thoroughly, clay and then wash the clay lubricant residue off and dry, then tape and polish to remove swirls and scratches, then protect with good quality wax or sealant. Then keep it well waxed, clay it once or twice a year and never use a car wash or the swirls come back.
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      09-25-2013, 03:04 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EvilGenius View Post
Clays do nothing for swirls or scratches, in fact if not used right it will make them! You need a polish and glaze.
I don't really know what you mean by a glaze?
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      09-25-2013, 08:02 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Amber View Post
I don't really know what you mean by a glaze?
A glaze is a substance that is used that can help fill in fine swirl marks or to deepen a shine on a fully polished car (for shows, etc). It isn't used typically of day-to-day cars because it can be washed off from one rain storm.

Dont take this the wrong way because I mean it to be constructive, but recommend some googling around for car paint care before you tear into your paint job yourself. Based on your questions it looks like you are just starting out and this is such a big subject that there are entire forums devoted to automobile paint care, and I would not want to see you harm your paint job by not knowing what you are doing.
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