Ncinsguy,
Clay bar is one of the best things you can do to a car. It's the process of removing contaminants from the paint so it has it's maximum potential to shine and feel smooth.
This video really explains well the process so grab some popcorn and take some notes:
Car Wax, Car Polish, Auto Detail Supplies - Clay Bar Part 1
Car Wax, Car Polish, Auto Detail Supplies - Clay Bar Part 2
Rim cleaning:
Car Wax, Car Polish, Auto Detail Supplies - Cleaning Wheels & Tires
It really isn't intimidating at all and really it's kinda fun. Gives you a chance to literally get hands on with your entire car (including rims and glass.)
The Detail Spray is a must for this as it goes hand in hand with the clay bar. The surface should be cool to the touch and freshly washed. The clay bar will glide easiest the more the surface is lubricated with the detail spray so have a full bottle handy.
You'll want to do sections of your car to keep track of where you have already been, but simply feeling the paint will help guide you. Start with an area that is easy for you to work with, I usually work with an area just a few feet square. Spray the area will Detail spray and slowly rub in a circular motion the clay bar with it cupped in your hands (so you can maintain control of it. Clay bar that ends up on the ground is dangerous to use since you may have picked up rocks or metal fragments that could scratch your paint.) As you move the clay over your lubricated paint, you'll feel the little imperfections I mentioned. Eventually after a few strokes, they'll go away and you can move on. After you finish a section, wipe it down with a micro fiber towel and you'll instantly see the results. Use the back of your hand to feel the surface and you'll smile, I promise.
The same process can be applied to rims. I like to remove my rims first so I can get to the wheel wells after. Spray the wheels with Adam's All Purpose Cleaner; scrub with a soft wheel brush, spray down, then start the clay bar process on them. Finish up with Adam's Metal Polish 1 and 2 and seal with some Brilliant Spray Glaze.
Call me if you have any questions, (909) 342 4194 if you have any questions during the process, BE SURE TO POST PICTURES!!!!
-JASON
Quote:
Originally Posted by ncinsguy
i'm not familiar with the "clay bar" process so could you elaborate on that please or is what you typed the whole process? i understand wax and polish what do you mean by "auto detail supplies"? here's a pic of my 08' i got the wheels off ebay and they are new. would you suggest doing this on new wheels? all i've done so far is clean them with soap and water then windex. here's a pic so you can see what type of wheels i have. sorry i don't have a close up yet.
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