Claying

~ What is Claying ~

This next stage uses abrasives, albeit fine, on your bodywork. So be careful!

Claying is the process of using detailing clay to remove dirt and particles from the bodywork of a vehicle (or surface).

During day to day use dirt gets embedded into the top layer of the bodywork, usually lacquer, or clear-coat. Normal washing, and shampooing of the vehicle does not remove this dirt.

You do not need to apply any pressure to the clay when doing this., the clay should glide over the surface.

As the clay picks up dirt, you will be able to see it in the clay. As the clay gets dirty, the dirt can be folded into theclay, revealing clean areas of clay.

The purpose of this is to lift off any dirt, which has bonded onto the surface of the bodywork.

The goal is for paintwork which feels like glass to the touch.

The process of claying, can remove light swirls from the bodywork.

Once complete, you are now ready to polish the car.

The image below shows an example of some dirty clay. This dirt was lifted from the bodywork after the car had been rinsed, and washed.



Links

'Manufacturers:

Chemical Guys

Meguiars

Retailers:

cleanyourcar.co.uk

Examples:

Example from cleanyourcar.co.uk forums

Example from mateymatey.com