A few questions before I finally clean my car!

[rocket3004]

Well, I got my order for Danase, and am really excited to clean my car up and make it shine once again. But first, I had a few questions:


When using the clay bar, do you cut it into smaller peices and work it out to a bigger peice or use it as is? About how small should i cut the poorboy's clay if i do that? Should I be constantly flipping it over or kneading it so that it doesnt stay "dirty" or should I just use it, then flip it for every other section or something? Should I be cleaning it every so often?

Can/Should I clay over the trim to remove crap from it, then use a trim protecting agent?

Is it okay if I use the Poorboy's EX sealent w/ carnuba after claying but w/o polishing? The car doesnt have very many scratches or swirl marks, so I didnt buy any polish (and I dont have an electric wheel buffer)... I also figured it has carnuba in it, so i dont need to wax over it... or do I?

Should I remove any sealent that gets on plastic trim? How do I do so? Or shouid I use the sealent on the trim?

I think thats about it before I get started.

[jaybs95]

Hi Rocket,

When using the clay bar, do you cut it into smaller peices and work it out to a bigger peice or use it as is? About how small should i cut the poorboy's clay if i do that? Should I be constantly flipping it over or kneading it so that it doesnt stay "dirty" or should I just use it, then flip it for every other section or something? Should I be cleaning it every so often?

I Always cut mine into 2-3 pieces because if you drop your clay IT IS TRASH, throw it away.
Knead your clay as it begins to looks dirty, you may not even make it through 1 panel before you have to knead it.


Can/Should I clay over the trim to remove crap from it, then use a trim protecting agent?
I do my windows, body molding, rims, anything with a "smooth" surface. I would avoid doing anything that is textured

Is it okay if I use the Poorboy's EX sealent w/ carnuba after claying but w/o polishing?
You can apply EX after you wash if you want, but it is best to properly prepare the surface before you apply any LSP (Last Step Product) to make your car look it's best


I also figured it has carnuba in it, so i dont need to wax over it... or do I?

EX is a sealant so it does not require a carnuaba on top of it, but some people will top it with a carnuaba (I like to top mine with natty's or natty's blue), just because I like the look.

Should I remove any sealent that gets on plastic trim?
I apply my LSP to any painted surface

HTH
Good luck and don't forget to take pictures,
"J"

[rocket3004]

There are 3 soft sticky tree sap spots on my hood. I just washed the car, with 4 star wash , but these 3 spots just couldn't get it off. I only noticed 2 when washing, and just found the 3rd one while drying the car off.

What can I use to get rid of it? Bob recommended the 4star remover in another post, but what is locally available at the Murray/Autozone/Etc. that I can use that WONT stain the paint?

And also i didnt have enough time to clay and seal the car after washing it,, and was wondering if it would i can do it tomorrow morning or later in day w/o it being RIGHT after washing the car.
If I cant/shouldnt, then I will just do it later I guess.

[BigLeegr]

So, how'd it turn out?

If I'm going to be polishing right after anyway, I'll sometimes take a plastic scraper (or unpopular credit card) and try to scrape the globs of sap off. I use a QD for extra lubrication, so as to minimize the chance of marring. Maybe even your fingernail, if you are careful. Bug and Tar removers sometimes work too, but often they end up either clouding the wax or even removing it entirely. Not a problem if you are going to be polishing right after anyway, but a word of caution if you think of trying it during a maintenance step.

Even though it's too late to help this time, I find that it's ok to do part of the car one day and the rest the next, as long as you wash it (or at least use S+W) to get rid of any dust that may have settled on the paint overnight before continuing.