The most common type of clay is the clay bar. It looks like a large rubber eraser(in colors like yellow, pink, blue) and it is usually sold with a spray bottle which is the lubricant for the clay.
The basic function of the clay material is to remove surface contaminants that are on top of your paint. It is like a super fine sandpaper that basically smoothes out the outermost layer of your paint/clear coat by 'grabbing' and picking up any contaminants that make your finish feel rough or grainy.
Even a 'clean' car that looks shiny and well maintained can have a horrible finish. A simple test is to run your finger tips lightly over the finish and listen/feel for any roughness. Yes, you can actually 'hear' a unclean surface if it is contaminated enough. What is this junk on your paint?
On any given day, your paint is exposed to the elements that can slowly, over time, deteriorate the shine, depth and smoothness of the finish. Rain water, fallout, overspray, road dust, brake dust, industrial fallout, bee/bird droppings; these are all chemicals that can land on your paint and over time eat into it and cause significant damage.
As mentioned earlier, a clay bar is used to pick up these contaminants from the surface and leave a smooth, clean finish that is prepped and ready for a good coat of wax or sealant. By using a spray lubricant like SmartDetail and a small pad of clay and gliding it over the surface, the junk on your paint is picked up into the soft clay material, leaving behind only a clean, ready to wax smooth surface. The cleaner the surface is, the better adhesion of product you will have. Not to mention producing a higher level of shine and gloss.
So how does the ClayBlock differ from the standard clay bar? The difference lies in the design of the clay material and how it is handled. The Smart ClayBlock is basically a thin layer of the clay material spread onto a easy to handle foam sanding block. The result is a tool that is much easier to hold in your hand, easier to work with on the surface you are claying and longer lasting.
Traditional claybars are often difficult to use and easy to drop. The ClayBlock is designed to be easy to handle with a cushion grip that conforms to the shape of your hand. The cushion grip allows for even pressure to be applied over the surface of the ClayBlock providing the highest quality results.
Another added bonus of the SmartClayBlock; unlike clay bars that must not be used once it is dropped on the ground(the clay can pick up rocks, sand, grit when dropped and would cause detrimental damage to your paint if you try to reuse it again!), the ClayBlock can be dropped and cleaned off and used again. Because the clay material is not as 'sticky' like a ball of bubble gum as a clay bar, the ClayBlock does not pick up anything and simply needs to be rinsed off after dropping to be used again right away!
The Smart ClayBlock can also be used on glass, chrome, wheels; basically any flat surface that you can clean and could use a good prep for wax!
Achieving professional detailer-like results is simple! Utilizing SmartDetail as a lubricating agent on the surface for the ClayBlock to glide over the paint and do its job, a simple side to side swiping motion over the surface is all it takes!
Directions / Use:
-Wash vehicle completely to remove excess dirt and debris.
-Apply SmartDetail to the surface.
-Gently glide the ClayBlock over the surface until a smooth feel is achieved.
-Remove any excess SmartDetail with a microfiber towel.
-Follow up with SmartWax or SmartSealant on the freshly cleaned surface to ensure proper protection.
The finish that is left behind after ClayBlocking the paint should be nothing short of 'glass smooth'. It is the ideal condition for your paint to be in to apply a good application of SmartSealant or SmartWax or both! The optimum adhesion of the wax to the fresh paint surface will ultimately enhance and prolong the durability and shine of the product.
Happy 'Blocking and from all of us at SmartWax, Happy Holidays!!
And Don't forget...SmartWax makes a great Christmas gift for Dads, Sons, Brothers or anyone else that's into detailing!
Gift sets are available at the following vendors:
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SmartWax Car Care products are currently available locally at the following locations:
Mod Industries
238 Sand Island Access Road #R6
Honolulu, HI 96819
808-842-9916
www.modindustries.com
Wrench Werks
812 Ilaniwai Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-593-0335
www.wrenchwerks.com
Al's Tinting
98-115A Kamehameha Hwy.
Aiea, HI 96701
808-484-5093
www.alstinting.com
RevTek Speed and Tuning
94-547 Ukee St. #308/309
Waipahu, HI 96797
808-678-1112
Also available from the following quality Detailers and Paint shops:
Akamai Detailing (Mobile)
808-729-6778
www.akamaidetailing.com
Faith Collision Center of Hawaii
39 Hoolai St.
Kailua, HI 96734
808-261-4664
