Wednesday, October 14, 2009

What is “Clay” and how does ”Claying” help the surface of a car?

When people contact me about a Precision Detail for their vehicle, I will mention the process of claying the horizontal surfaces of the vehicle. The inevitable question is, “What is claying and how does it help my car?” Well, here’s the answer: Claying removes ‘bonded surface contaminants’ from the vehicle. Bonded surface contaminants are substances like sand, rubber powder from tires, acid rain, airplane exhaust, sap from trees and ‘orange peel’ or paint overspray.

Professional detailers have known the benefits of the use of clay or the process of “claying” a car for quite some time. Automotive surface clays have been around for quite a while, but their availability to the consumer market has just occurred in the past several years.

The process of claying involves a professional detailing clay, a spray lubricant (spray detailer) and a microfiber towel. The horizontal surface (hood, roof and trunk) is sprayed with the lubricant and the clay, molded into a flat shape, is rubbed across the surface with a minimal amount of pressure. After the area (24”X24”) is wiped in two directions, the remaining lubricant is wiped dry.

As you can see, the process is fairly simple, yet it yields amazing results. Cars that have just been washed can still maintain a gritty feel to the surface. As the clay removes the bonded contaminants, the painted surface is restored to a smooth buttery feel--making your vehicle pleasing to the eyes and the touch.

So does it really work? Take a look at the ‘’after’ picture of this clay. The contaminants that were removed now darken the clay bar. And the surface of the vehicle? “Like butter”.

In West Texas, claying is usually an annual process depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle and frequency of cleanings.

At Wilson’s Precision Detailing, claying is a routine practice for new customers and an annual occurrence for our regular clients.

As we like to say, “Keep Abilene Clayed.”

Wilson’s Precision Detailing, Leave Your Car with People You Trust.

4 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

I need some car detailing supplies, do you know of any good companies? I have heard that automotive detailing supply is a good site, what do you think? I need a headlamp restoration kit

October 28, 2009 at 11:16 AM  
Anonymous PushtiulK said...

Great article.

April 6, 2010 at 7:07 AM  
Anonymous car wax said...

Do a lot of car owners use clay and apply this process on their vehicles?

August 13, 2010 at 10:36 AM  
Blogger Todd Wilson said...

While claying has been used by professionals for years, there are companies that are making clay kits. I would recommend the Meguiars kit but you can find other kits at your local autoparts store or Wal-Mart. Each kit includes instructions and is one of the easiest things to do to deep clean our car's finish. Good luck!

August 23, 2010 at 6:32 PM  

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