Claying: will any clay do?

[tHe_sTiG]

Hi folks,

This will be the first time my VZ gets clayed. Where I'm living, there isn't any special clay for cars available. The lubes are sold seperately. I just bought myself a spray-bottle of Mothers Showtime. Would it be alright to use any clay at all, even plasticine or blue-tac maybe?

The back of the Mothers Showtime bottle mentions using a terry cloth, but I'm guessing the results wont be as good? I got this idea because someone here on the forum used clay instead of terry cloth with the Mothers Showtime.

My car is already waxed. Can I clay it after a normal wash? Or do I have to remove the wax as well?

Is there any downside to claying? Does it harm the paint or clearcoat in any way? I got this idea because I heard the clay acts like fine sandpaper... dont like that...

I'm new to this whole idea of car detailing mates, but I'm really enthusiatic about learning more. I'd like to know all that's needed to be known about washing, claying, polishing and waxing. I'm aware there's a sticky in this section by Car Care Products, but the diagram shown is very generalized. Is there a thread explaing all the steps in detail? The do's and donts, the why and how etc.

Would really appreciate your help,
Thanks in advance guys

[LowerSpasm]

I’ve clayed my car using a meguiars kit. It did a fantastic job. I probably wouldn’t use plasticine or blue-tac to be safe. If it was your first time claying a car, and your car isn’t heavily contaminated with brake dust, tar and other contaminates I would go for a fine grade clay bar. You can find them at online shops like car care products, zas and waxit.

this website has a good write up on what a clay bar is and will answer most of your questions.

Search YouTube on how to clay, they’re all generally the same

[toey@carfx]

get onto car care products and get them to send you out whats needed. very easy to deal with and very helpful. also check out there website as it has a how to section that explains what to do and also has videos to go with them.

how to clay your car

[tHe_sTiG]

this website has a good write up on what a clay bar is and will answer most of your questions.

Thanks for that. Elastrofoam. That's interesting, eliminates the chances of paint marring. Good one to consider, especially with me being inexperienced with removal of paint contamination... and the clay virtually non-existent here.