MK5 Golf GTI

General => Detailing => Topic started by: George10 on February 21, 2013, 10:16:28 am

Title: Clay balm
Post by: George10 on February 21, 2013, 10:16:28 am

I'm looking for a clay balm/ kit
Don't really know what I'm looking for.

Any suggestions?

Title: Re: Clay balm
Post by: AndyED30 on February 21, 2013, 12:49:42 pm

If you've never used them before pop into the local Halfords and grab a Meguiars clay kit. I think around £22 ish and contains everything you'll need for a first crack at it.

Not too abrasive and you'll get the hang on things before deciding on moving onto another more specialised clay if you wish to.

Andy.

Title: Re: Clay balm
Post by: George10 on February 21, 2013, 06:05:23 pm

Okay cool  :smiley:
Do you know it there's a specific way of use?

George

Title: Re: Clay balm
Post by: suave on February 21, 2013, 06:31:18 pm

Buy a Bilt Hamber clay bar for around £11.00. You don't need lube with it just use your hose when washing.

You can get one from RubbishBoys website with very prompt delivery

Title: Re: Clay balm
Post by: AndyED30 on February 21, 2013, 06:58:26 pm

Just Youtube it and there's plenty of 'how to' vids on there. To be honest it's not rocket science or brain surgery or brain science.

I think the Megs Youtube vids are pretty helpful!

Title: Re: Clay balm
Post by: George10 on February 21, 2013, 09:10:09 pm

Okay sweet.
Cheers for your help

Title: Re: Clay balm
Post by: homesqueeze on February 23, 2013, 04:42:48 pm

+1 for the bilt hamber clay bar. I found it to be cheapest direct from bilt hamber themselves. They also do a special offer if you buy it as a set with a wax and car wash solution.

Title: Re: Clay balm
Post by: George10 on February 24, 2013, 03:50:21 pm

Sweet :)
I'll have a look. Cheers :happy2:

Title: Re: Clay balm
Post by: stealthwolf on February 24, 2013, 06:18:28 pm

You should get two bars in a pack. Break one in half. Work the piece with your hands until it is soft and pliable. Stick the other piece in hot/warm water. Mould the piece in your hand so it's fairly flat.

Spray lube onto the car and gently rub the clay across the surface. It should skim across smoothly. If it catches, there's not enough lube. Lack of lube means friction and hence paintwork marring.

Every half panel or so, inspect the clay surface. If it's dirty, fold in half, reflatten and continue. If you end up with a dirty surface every time you fold, chuck it away. If you drop it, chuck it away. If it becomes hard or brittle (mainly in cold weather) stick it in the hot water and use the other piece.

Go slowly - you'll use loads of lube and clay on a previously unclayed car. I prefer to use Born Slippy with Bilt Hamber soft autoclay.

Title: Re: Clay balm
Post by: George10 on February 24, 2013, 06:24:20 pm

This has helped a lot. Thanks mate!

Title: Re: Clay balm
Post by: MC71 on February 24, 2013, 06:26:33 pm

That is a great description Stelth.  :happy2:

+1 for Born Slippy Lube, I like the Sonus Ultra Fine Clay.