Corvette Forums - Corvette Enthusiast Site - Claying Your Car with Pinnacle

Claying is one of the most important steps in detailing your car and you should do it about once a year. The purpose of claying is to remove contaminants that are in your clearcoat. A simple wash will not remove these contaminants. Your vehicle is under constant assault from airborne pollutants. Brake dust, industrial fallout, acid rain deposits and rail dust all can adhere to your vehicle. Detailing clay glides along the surface of your paint and grabs anything that protrudes from the surface. The particle sticks to the clay and is therefore removed from your vehicle. Claying will increase the gloss and clarity of your paint.

This is the Pinnacle Ultra Poly Special
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...7/IMG_2643.JPG

What’s Included:
4 oz. Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay
This new ultra fine grade of clay removes paint contamination yet is recommended for frequent use. Use Ultra Poly Clay as often as needed to maintain a slick, smooth finish. This is an ultra safe, nonabrasive grade of clay that works on all types of paint, glass, and chrome.
16 oz. Pinnacle Clay Lubricant
Pinnacle Clay Lubricant creates a slick barrier between the paint and the clay cleaning material. The high lubricity formula prevents loosened contamination from scratching delicate clear coat finishes yet it will not break down or degrade the integrity of the clay.
2 Gold Plush Jr. Microfiber Towels
The Gold Plush Jr. Microfiber Towel is perfect for buffing because it has a deep pile where dirt and dust can accumulate away from the paint, rather than being rubbed into the paint. Plus, the long, silky microfibers do an excellent job of massaging away fingerprints and smudges.

Step 1: Wash and Dry You Vehicle
I used the Pinnacle Liquid Crystal Waterless Wash Concentrate with Carnauba to wash the car. Very easy and fast to use.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...7/IMG_2640.JPG

Step 2: Do the Bag Test
Put a plastic sandwich bag over your hand and lightly rub your fingertips over the paint. If it feels gritty or rough, your paint is contaminated.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler.../IMG_26502.JPG

Step 3: Lubricate and Rub
Spray a small area with clay lubricant. Gently rub the clay bar back and forth across the wet area. It will grab at first. This means that it is pulling contaminants out of the paint. When it glides freely, the paint is clean.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler.../IMG_26463.JPG

Step 4: Wipe Off the Clay Residue
Wipe the area with a microfiber towel and use the clay lubricant to remove any clay residue. Rub your fingers across the paint and it should be as smooth as glass. If it’s not, repeat the process. Reshape the clay bar as needed to expose a clean surface. Keep the clay well-lubricated.

AS YOU CAN SEE, THE CLAY DID PICK UP SOME CONTAMINANTS
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler.../IMG_26493.JPG

At the end of the day, store your clay in a plastic zip lock bag and spray some clay lubricant in it to prevent the clay from drying. Any questions, just let me know. Thanks