If you clay do you still need TCut?

[dionh]

With the wealth of car cleaning products on the market, I am confused (not unusual). It strikes me that claying and using a product like TCut have much the same purpose in life.
Or am I wrong and that ideally you should still use both to bring back the original colour/lustre before polishing and waxing. Not that I'm planning to do any of this at the moment, just curious.

Di.

[Mike]

I would not recommend using T Cut on 75/ZT paintwork. T Cut is a very aggressive abrasive paste and can go through modern paint very quickly.

Clay has a different purpose from an abrasive - it picks up and removes all the small dirt and other contaminant particles that get 'stuck' to the paint and leaves a very smooth finish. Claying is a first stage in restoring paint.

hth

[pmessling]

i clayed my 260 and was very impressed with the finish, not something to do everytime you wash your car, just once or twice a year, and then a could coat of wax and top sealer.

[baxlin]

Isn't there a How-to about this?

As I see it, claying removes the grot, T-cut removes the paint. They do different jobs, but as said above, don't use t-cut on the 75's laquered paint.

I've clayed mine a couple of times, using Megs (from Halfrauds), paint feels like silk afterwards.

A really satisfing couple of hours' work

malcolm

[GERFIX]

Originally Posted by baxlin

Isn't there a How-to about this?

As I see it, claying removes the grot, T-cut removes the paint. They do different jobs, but as said above, don't use t-cut on the 75's laquered paint.

I've clayed mine a couple of times, using Megs (from Halfrauds), paint feels like silk afterwards.

A really satisfing couple of hours' work

malcolm

I'd certainlt recommend the clay. It does give an excellent surface to polish, wax etc. I, personally, wouldn't use T-cut on a modern motor. I do remember using it once on my first car (1976 Ford Capri 2000GL Auto ) and it was like a miracle cure for the Roman Bronze paintwork. After that, a bit of polish every now and then was fine. The only reason I'd use T-cut now is if the paintwork was seriously dull and non-metallic/pearlescent. Just my opinion - maybe because I remember how difficult it was T-cutting that first one.

[dionh]

Hi guys,
Thanks for your input. If I am reading you correctly, the general opinion would seem to be that claying is sufficient on its own - no need for further cleaning agents before polishing and waxing.
A sticker on my windscreen says that my car has been treated with Diamondbrite. Anyone know what this means?

Di.

[Kandyman]

diamondbrite is one of the market leaders in paint protection. although normally supplied as part of a full car protection package, i would wait to speak to one of the professional before claying the car as i am not sure if/what it would do to the sealant ?

You could try speaking to member Aurora ZT-T (Andy) @ either the address below as there both him

MG & ROVER Specialists based in North Kent.
www.mgr-service.com

www.exv-mobile.co.uk = Executive Valeting---Paint & Fabric Protection Specialist

[deano78]

Originally Posted by dionh

Hi guys,
Thanks for your input. If I am reading you correctly, the general opinion would seem to be that claying is sufficient on its own - no need for further cleaning agents before polishing and waxing.
A sticker on my windscreen says that my car has been treated with Diamondbrite. Anyone know what this means?

Di.

claying will remove the diamondbrite. but dont despair. you'll probably find a decent sealant (such as jetseal 109 or chemical guys m-seal) topped with a decent wax will look better than, and last longer than, diamondbrite.
best regards
dean.

[tourerfogey]

T- Cut is more suited to older types of paint such as cellulose IMHO

[MrBitsy]

Originally Posted by dionh

Hi guys,
Thanks for your input. If I am reading you correctly, the general opinion would seem to be that claying is sufficient on its own - no need for further cleaning agents before polishing and waxing..

More or less correct

Claying the car removes contaminates 'bonded' to the paint surface. This step will make the paint feel very smooth. After that, you then polish the paint. This step removes dullness from the paint and gives it a gloss finish. There are two ways to polish the paint - modern versions of T cut that are abrasive, or chemical cleaners that are applied then rubbed off.

Now the paint is smooth and clean, you can apply a last stage product 'LSP'. This may be a sealant, glaze, wax or a mixture of all three! Have a look at the guide over at Polished Bliss http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/guides.html

To buy products, I would recommend CleanYourCar http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/ - really great service