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The majority of paintwork contamination consists of tiny metallic particles. These particles normally come from trains (wheels & brakes) as well as normal cars. The tiny bare metal particles are extremely hot and normally found in the air nearer the train tracks. They are basically exposed to the air during the braking of cars and train. Slowly but surely they manage to find their way imbedding themselves into the paintwork of our cars. This is often the case on brand spanking new cars before they even reach the dealership!
The above is a more severe form of paintwork contamination but extremely common.
Tree sap is also a common problem along with general industrial pollution.
On darker vehicles it is normally more difficult to spot the tiny bare metal filings but you can definitely feel them. On lighter cars you can often see these particles and are normally brown. They are brown because they have basically oxidized and rusted into your paintwork.
You may be worrying that your brand new car is actually slowly rotting away. Well, do not worry, there is a cure as to getting your car back to feeling silky smooth again.
We need to basically perform a "clay bar treatment".
Ultimately it is possible to compound your cars paintwork to remove such impurities but this is the incorrect procedure. Compounding will also remove unnecessary clearcoat thus "cutting" into your paintwork.
The best solution is a clay bar which will safely and effectively remove rail dust and industrial fallout by "pulling" it off the surface. It also does not "cut" into your paintwork and will not create any damage if used correctly.
Elite Detailer stock various grades of Clay, we would recommend a mild grade bar and these can be seen HERE. In addition to Clay Bar you need to use a lubricant. In this case we will be using Meguairs Last Touch. You will also need to pour the Last Touch into an empty spray bottle.
Regardless of which mild clay bar you decide to use, it is imperative to use on a clean surface straight after washing your car. If there are any dirt deposits on your car then it is highly likely that you will scratch your paintwork while performing this procedure.
1. To begin with you need to pull need the clay bar to get it nice and soft. Once you have done this, we are then ready to begin. In you are working in cold conditions, it can help to dunk the clay bar in warm water before use to aid softening the car.
2. Spray the Lubricant solution onto the panel quite liberally. It is important to use enough lubricant as it is quite possible to lightly scratch the surface.
3. Now with your clay bar, gently rub onto the surface in back and forth motions. Work in 1ft squares and take your time. Keep gliding the clay bar across the wet surface until you can feel it is all nice and smooth. This is illustrated here:
4. Now with a clean Microfibre Towel wipe the surface.
Now "re-need" by refolding and pulling to create a clean side of the clay bar ready for the next section and repeat step “3” on the next part of the panel. This can be seen again below:
It is important to not reuse the clay bar once it has been soiled and we prefer to throw them away. If is only slightly soiled it can be used to great effect on deep leaning wheels. Here is a picture of a clay bar which has been soiled. The example shows the level of dirt which has come off a low mileage Porsche 2004 911 GT3 in Guards Red:
Performing this process will not only make your car feel a lot smoother but in many cases enhance the appearance. The clay bar is great for use on glass as well as the paintwork, especially in the corners of the windscreens where so often there is a build of dirt. You can also use it to remove imbedded dead flies from the front of your vehicle including the wing mirrors as shown below on a Ferrari Enzo:
With regards to how often do you need to clay, well in most case twice a year is more than adequate. Although this process is recommended on all cars of all ages, it is even a more worthwhile procedure for cars which are slightly older as well as ungaraged vehicles. Below is a simple diagram illustrating what claying can do for your vehicle. We hope this guide is helpful for you all.
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