I'm going to attempt a clay job!

[Mitch]

I'll have some spare time at home over the next several days, I am considering doing a clay bar treatment on the M5. Anyone done this? I've got some show car shine that I can use for lubrication. Its been a while since I've done it, but it is well worth the effort.

[PaintPolisher]

Hi Mitch,

I copied this from my website write up section.
If you have any questions or concerns either post up of give me a call.

Clay Bar Process

This process is for achieving a show car type shine at home by hand with easy to purchase OTC products. This is a lot of work but the results are stunning!


Wash the car

Clay bar will take about the same period of time to do as it takes you to apply and buff off wax. All depends on the size of your car.


Start with roof and work downward, clay the trim, badges, bumpers and glass. Now that the major parts of the body are done clay bar door jambs, hood and trunk gutters, gas refill area. Now do your wheels and lugs.


I use surgical type gloves as I also spray the clay in my hand with QD as I kneed the clay. This keeps the QD from getting all over my hands. I lay newspaper taped together under the area I will be working on. This keeps QD over spray from getting on my floor [this is slick stuff when you forget about it and walk over the area after the car has been returned to the client] ask me how I know about this indoor slip and slid. If the bar slips out of my grasp and touches the floor it is immediately pitched into the trash. You do not want to be putting new marks into the finish. Just pitch it.


Next step would be to use a cleaner wax/cleaner polish.
Next step is to add a pure polish to the car.
Next step apply your wax or sealant.
Stand back and admire your work……… take before and after pics!


If your have read this far you are well on your way to a show car type shine by hand.


These are all ballpark estimates on costs from your local auto supply store.

I use Meguiar's products because I am familiar with their product lines and the results I can produce each and every time for my clients.

Smooth surface car clay bar kit $18 Check inside the box to be sure your clay bars have not been stolen!

Cleaner/wax or cleaner/polish $10

Pure polish $10 If you use the cleaner/polish above there are enough oils that you do not have to add a coat of polish.

If the auto supply store carries Megs #21 sealer $12 Purchase this then apply the gold class wax if you wish.

Gold class wax $10

Plan on spending all day doing this and you will be hurting a bit the next day as this will be a workout for all muscle groups.


Al

[Mitch]

Thanks for the tip!

[Jdudley13]

I did once about 5 years ago, great results but not nearly as thorough as Al...Thanks for the tip Al

[88e28]

To much work, Thats why I'll pay someone to do for me, Lazy maybe or just getting to old (yes).

[Philip]

I'll have some spare time at home over the next several days, I am considering doing a clay bar treatment on the M5. Anyone done this? I've got some show car shine that I can use for lubrication. Its been a while since I've done it, but it is well worth the effort.

I've probably done 100 cars when I worked as a detailer (summer after high-school) It's alot of work but you can't the same results any other way. I'm clay-barring the M3 as soon as I get it home.

[Mitch]

Phil how did the clay bar work for you?

[Need4Speed83]

Clay barring ur car really does an amazing job!! Definitely reccommend doin it at least once every 6months or so to keep an awesome shine.

[Need4Speed83]

definitely takes a loooooong time to do though.. prepare to spend a few hours

[Philip]

Phil how did the clay bar work for you?

It takes foooooreeeeeever, but it is so worth it. Any car you love deserves a good clay-barring once a year or so. The crap that comes off of your paint (after you wash your car) would blow your mind.

[BMWManiac]

Shouldn't you wash your car again after clay-barring?