What Clay-Bar do you recommend?

ATD1 · 01-31-2008, 09:00 AM

I have a 1 year old 335i jet black and plan on giving it the full once over this spring (after all the snow, salt, and sand is gone). I aready own a PC, 106FF, FMJ, FTG and have all the necessary pads and MF's. The only thing I don't have is a CLAY-BAR. Can you guys recommend a clay-bar that will work well and any tips would be great too. I plan on lubricating the paint with a quick detailer or something like it...what else can I use?

Also if anyone has any other recommendations of what else I should have in my detailing collection.

Thanks.

Detailed Image · 01-31-2008, 09:14 AM

For a 1 year old jet black car, you're probably best off sticking with a fine grade clay bar. I'd recommend the Clay Magic Fine Grade Clay, which is big enough to cut into multiple pieces so that if you drop one, you can throw it out and grab a new one. This clay is easy to use and comes with a convenient plastic case that works well for future storage.

If you are looking for even more depth and gloss with your finish, consider topping the FMJ (after 24 hours of cure time for optimal results) with a carnauba wax. Some recommendations on Jet Black would be Pinnacle Souveran, P21S Pure Carnauba Wax, and Natty's Blue. Each wax has their pros and cons. Souveran will yield the deepest, wettest looking finish on Jet Black, however it doesn't last more than a few weeks. The glowing, hard candy effect though is tough to match until you start spending a few hundred or more for a jar of wax. P21S Pure Carnauba Wax is easy to use and looks great on all color vehicles, light and dark, where the other two waxes are designed specifically for darker colored vehicles. Natty's Blue Paste Wax is my favorite wax for dark colored vehicles for under $20. Dollar for dollar this wax is a great wax and yields a lot of depth and gloss.

Let us know how the detail turns out, take some pics if you can!

George

ATD1 · 01-31-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

For a 1 year old jet black car, you're probably best off sticking with a fine grade clay bar. I'd recommend the Clay Magic Fine Grade Clay, which is big enough to cut into multiple pieces so that if you drop one, you can throw it out and grab a new one. This clay is easy to use and comes with a convenient plastic case that works well for future storage.

If you are looking for even more depth and gloss with your finish, consider topping the FMJ (after 24 hours of cure time for optimal results) with a carnauba wax. Some recommendations on Jet Black would be Pinnacle Souveran, P21S Pure Carnauba Wax, and Natty's Blue. Each wax has their pros and cons. Souveran will yield the deepest, wettest looking finish on Jet Black, however it doesn't last more than a few weeks. The glowing, hard candy effect though is tough to match until you start spending a few hundred or more for a jar of wax. P21S Pure Carnauba Wax is easy to use and looks great on all color vehicles, light and dark, where the other two waxes are designed specifically for darker colored vehicles. Natty's Blue Paste Wax is my favorite wax for dark colored vehicles for under $20. Dollar for dollar this wax is a great wax and yields a lot of depth and gloss.

Let us know how the detail turns out, take some pics if you can!

George

Thanks for the reply George...I actually purchased all those goods from you guys. In fact I just ordered some Tarminator and Plexus which should arrive today, but I completely spaced on the clay-bar which kinda blows cuz I'll have to pay shipping again. I can't believe I did that.

I actually forgot to mention I do have the P21S Carnuba which couldn't be easier to use as far as waxing goes. I also love the fact that its clear and doesn't leave white residue.

Raz335 · 01-31-2008, 10:35 AM

I've tried the P21S during my last full detail and noticed that it made my Space Gray look a shade brighter (Less dark and deep) than normal.

cntlaw · 01-31-2008, 10:44 AM

Mothers clay I use is softer.

ATD1 · 01-31-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raz335

I've tried the P21S during my last full detail and noticed that it made my Space Gray look a shade brighter (Less dark and deep) than normal.

Perhaps I should something else to get better results on my Jet Black...hmmm.

L~R~G nor cal · 01-31-2008, 09:44 PM

CG light clay w/CG lube. Works great for me.

!Xoible · 01-31-2008, 09:45 PM

not mothers... too little, expensive, but it's okay, not bad

ohsnap · 01-31-2008, 09:55 PM

have been using mothers but just picked up some sonus (sfx ultra-fine detailing) clay which i hope to try out this weekend.

328i · 01-31-2008, 10:04 PM

The sonus ultra fine detailing clay is a great choice, and will not cause marring if used correctly.

FMINUS · 01-31-2008, 10:05 PM

SONUS/Pinnacle Green clay or Riccardo Yellow are the 2 more gentle clays you can get.

ATD1 · 02-01-2008, 08:31 AM

Thanks for all the feedback...helps steer me in the right direction. Any good tips about how to use this stuff. I don't want to do more damage than good.

Thanks

Nate · 02-01-2008, 10:24 AM

keep up posted! Fminus is there any significant difference between Sonus and Pinnacle?

FMINUS · 02-01-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate

keep up posted! Fminus is there any significant difference between Sonus and Pinnacle?

same stuff. All clay comes from the same place in the US

01-31-2008, 09:00 AM	#1
ATD1 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i Sedan [0.00]	What Clay-Bar do you recommend? I have a 1 year old 335i jet black and plan on giving it the full once over this spring (after all the snow, salt, and sand is gone). I aready own a PC, 106FF, FMJ, FTG and have all the necessary pads and MF's. The only thing I don't have is a CLAY-BAR. Can you guys recommend a clay-bar that will work well and any tips would be great too. I plan on lubricating the paint with a quick detailer or something like it...what else can I use? Also if anyone has any other recommendations of what else I should have in my detailing collection. Thanks. __________________ *2007 335i (E90) - Jet Black - Dark Burlwood - Black Leatherette - Auto - Sport Pkg - Paddle shifters - Heated Seats - BMW Assist*
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-31-2008, 09:14 AM	#2
Detailed Image 373 Rep 5,052 Posts Drives: Detailed by Detailed Image Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Albany, NY iTrader: (5)	For a 1 year old jet black car, you're probably best off sticking with a fine grade clay bar. I'd recommend the Clay Magic Fine Grade Clay, which is big enough to cut into multiple pieces so that if you drop one, you can throw it out and grab a new one. This clay is easy to use and comes with a convenient plastic case that works well for future storage. If you are looking for even more depth and gloss with your finish, consider topping the FMJ (after 24 hours of cure time for optimal results) with a carnauba wax. Some recommendations on Jet Black would be Pinnacle Souveran, P21S Pure Carnauba Wax, and Natty's Blue. Each wax has their pros and cons. Souveran will yield the deepest, wettest looking finish on Jet Black, however it doesn't last more than a few weeks. The glowing, hard candy effect though is tough to match until you start spending a few hundred or more for a jar of wax. P21S Pure Carnauba Wax is easy to use and looks great on all color vehicles, light and dark, where the other two waxes are designed specifically for darker colored vehicles. Natty's Blue Paste Wax is my favorite wax for dark colored vehicles for under $20. Dollar for dollar this wax is a great wax and yields a lot of depth and gloss. Let us know how the detail turns out, take some pics if you can! George
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2008, 10:35 AM	#4
Raz335 Major 55 Rep 1,162 Posts Drives: BMW M3 Convertible Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: LI,NY iTrader: (2)	I've tried the P21S during my last full detail and noticed that it made my Space Gray look a shade brighter (Less dark and deep) than normal. __________________ Jerez Black/Fox E93 M3 - Prem 2/Cold/Conv/DCT/EDC/19's/Ext Lthr/Crbn Trim/Enhanced Sound/Sat Mods- 20" BBS LM's DBK/Challenge Catback/Eibachs/Trim wrapped black/Lux Angel eyes/35% Tint
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2008, 10:44 AM	#5
cntlaw Major General 246 Rep 6,874 Posts Drives: 330i E90 C55 AMG Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2005 Mercedes Benz ... [0.00] 2002 Z3 2.2 USA Spo ... [0.00] 2002 Toyota MR-S Co ... [0.00]	Mothers clay I use is softer. __________________ BMW 2006 330i E90 Jet Black/Black Leathers/Aluminium, Steptronic Active Steering; MTech Aero Kit Carbon Fibre Splitters/Diffuser. Bilstein PSS9 Coilover, Rays VOLK Racing RE30 Formula Limited Edition 18" Pirelli Rosso; Project Mu 355mm Forged 4pot Caliper. HID:Osram D1S 6000K, PIAA 6500K White Ring, Philips Diamond Vision HB4 5000K, PIAA H490/H491 Super Bright 6500K LED Interior Lights. Chrome S.Wheel Cover, Rear Windows Sunshades.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2008, 09:44 PM	#7
L~R~G nor cal Perfection Is In The Details 70 Rep 1,044 Posts Drives: 06 E90 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	CG light clay w/CG lube. Works great for me. __________________ 2006 E90 SG-Dinan Ram Air Intake-Dinan Throttle Body-Dinan Exhaust-19' Hyperblack CSL's-15/5 tint-Matte Black Grills-M3 Spoiler Lip-Amber Delete-Smoke Side Signals
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2008, 09:45 PM	#8
!Xoible Banned 904 Rep 46,010 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	not mothers... too little, expensive, but it's okay, not bad
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2008, 09:55 PM	#9
ohsnap Lieutenant 27 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 08 E90 AW 335i 6MT Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Seattle iTrader: (6) Garage List 2008 E90 335i [0.00]	have been using mothers but just picked up some sonus (sfx ultra-fine detailing) clay which i hope to try out this weekend. __________________ \| M-Tech Kit \| M-Sport Wheel \| M-Sport Shifter & E-Brake \| Blacklines \| JB3 PnP \| BMC Drop-In \| Zeck M-CDV \| MTech H7 \| Luminics HB4 \| LUX 4.0 \| \| 30% Tint \| OEM Alum Pedals \| Matte Black Kidneys \| KW V2 \| H&R Sways \| 18" SSR Type C RS \| Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2008, 10:04 PM	#10
328i Colonel 153 Rep 2,934 Posts Drives: E46 ///M Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: central NJ iTrader: (15)	The sonus ultra fine detailing clay is a great choice, and will not cause marring if used correctly.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2008, 10:05 PM	#11
FMINUS Captain 76 Rep 758 Posts Drives: FMINUSDETAIL@gmail.com Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chino Hills CA iTrader: (2)	SONUS/Pinnacle Green clay or Riccardo Yellow are the 2 more gentle clays you can get.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-01-2008, 08:31 AM	#12
ATD1 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i Sedan [0.00]	Thanks for all the feedback...helps steer me in the right direction. Any good tips about how to use this stuff. I don't want to do more damage than good. Thanks __________________ *2007 335i (E90) - Jet Black - Dark Burlwood - Black Leatherette - Auto - Sport Pkg - Paddle shifters - Heated Seats - BMW Assist*
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-01-2008, 10:24 AM	#13
Nate New Member 2 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2008 Jet Black 335i Sedan Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Union City CA iTrader: (0)	keep up posted! Fminus is there any significant difference between Sonus and Pinnacle?
	Appreciate 0 Quote