Whats the differance between the chemical paint cleaners and the clay bar method of cleaning paint. I have used the Meguires paint cleaner (as recommended in this forum) with good results. Is the clay method better? I am always looking to improve.

 

The clay works really well. Takes the grit out and makes it easier to wax.

 

Great question srfd.


The main difference is in what you're cleaning.

A chemical paint cleaner is going to remove some oxidation and also will probably help to address some swirls and such on the paint. The cleaner may also help to remove some of the 'stuck on' contamination as well.

A clay bar will remove the surficial contamination like rail dust, tar, and other 'stuck on' types of contamination however, will not address much in the way of oxidation and will not address swirls.

Both work by abrasion but, the chemical also can work by chemical agression.

Does that make a little more sense?

RP

 

Yep, what RP said!

Think of it this way............ paint cleaners will help remove contaminates imbedded "IN" the paint. Whereas clay will remove contaminates on "TOP" of the paint.

If you were to look at a vehicles paint surface under magnification, you would see millions of tiny cracks and crevices........... paint is not perfectly smooth. A good paint cleaner can get into those cracks and crevices and help loosen/remove those contaminates........... clay will just glide over that stuff.

Hope this helps too.

 

Thanks

That makes it more clear. I'm looking to clay my ride sometime in the near future as the paint has a rough surface. Probably will do it when the weather breaks abit

Again thanks for your replies