[vtec96]

I am planning to detail my wife's 3 years old black car...
It has never done any wax or detailing before!!
I am to lazy to clay the car...so I was wondering if there is any cleaner product that I can use with the porter cable 7424?

I just hate claying so much,,,,,

[jopa489]

I would never touch a car with a PC until it's been thoroughly clayed, especially one that hasn't been detailed and used daily for 3 years.

It really doesn't take long, if you're going to do a detail why skip steps? You'll risk doing more harm than good.

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

You need to clay.

[Innovative Detailing]

Always, always clay first.............the best way to prep the surfaces before polishing or waxing.

[I335]

Agree with the others, and I think claying is actually one of the easier steps in the process...

[Fresh330]

Question while on the topic:

I detailed my car a little over a month ago and plan on doing another detail in october or so (before winter). I bought my car used and even though the paint was in great condition I clayed EVERYTHING. Very time consuming as you know.

On my next detail, how crazy do I have to get with claying? Now that I'm more familar with what a properly preped car feels like while I need to reclay everything again?

Just curious what everyone's experience is what that.

[twinturboa51]

reclay everything especially if youre going to be doing a full detail. you dont want any contamination on the car while you polish.

[BK]

Originally Posted by I335

Agree with the others, and I think claying is actually one of the easier steps in the process...

+1 I'm not sure why you hate claying, vtec96. Maybe you're making it harder than it should be? IMO, there are lots of other parts to a detail that are more annoying. Washing the wheels, taping/masking, buffing off stubborn excess product. Those are things I don't like.

[MCMLXXXIX]

Originally Posted by BK

+1 I'm not sure why you hate claying, vtec96. Maybe you're making it harder than it should be? IMO, there are lots of other parts to a detail that are more annoying. Washing the wheels, taping/masking, buffing off stubborn excess product. Those are things I don't like.

+1, claying isnt that bad. i guess it seems like a waste of time cause its really a detailed process but thats detailing lol. and afterwards, youll feel better when you notice the results
and i hate masking the car, sooo boring and its quite time consuming

[ToadHollow]

LOL ......... you guys and your masking ..... I kinda like that part!

OP, look at it this way. If you've done a good job claying the first time around then chances are you're main concern is going to be the top surfaces (roof, hood, trunk, bumpers) in making sure the surfaces are clear of contamination. Go ahead and check the rest of the car but, realistically those areas probably won't need the same amount of attention. Again, this is solely dependant on how thorough you were the first time around.

Aside from what I mentioned ....... if you are able to develop a decent routine for working your way around the car then time spent claying is going to be much less than time spent doing everything else. Remember, the smallest of chores makes the end result that much more appreciated.

[chrisE92]

Originally Posted by jopa489

I would never touch a car with a PC until it's been thoroughly clayed, especially one that hasn't been detailed and used daily for 3 years.

It really doesn't take long, if you're going to do a detail why skip steps? You'll risk doing more harm than good.

+1000000000000


don't skip steps!

[vtec96]

Originally Posted by BK

+1 I'm not sure why you hate claying, vtec96. Maybe you're making it harder than it should be? IMO, there are lots of other parts to a detail that are more annoying. Washing the wheels, taping/masking, buffing off stubborn excess product. Those are things I don't like.

well....claying always take me at least one hour....
I clayed my E92 back in April and now my hood is full with contamination again....

Anyway....thanks guys! I think I should not skip claying