Cape Cod Porsche Gruppe forum

Clay finish my 1988 911 Porsche?

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From Paul Simard

Hi,

Looking for suggestions/advice on how to get the best finish on my 1988 Porsche red cab that I’ve owned since 1990. The red paint is original, never been hit or even noticeably dinged.

However, even after waxing it with premium products, many cars have a much better shine than mine at our Saturday morning meets. I’ve been told about using a clay bar to get the best finish but been warned that it could be labor intensive and possibly take a half to a full day to complete.

That’s OK with me if the shine warrants it. Mequiars advertises a complete clay finishing kit for about $35, and claims that the process takes only an hour.

Please, your thoughts or remarks. Thanks Paul

14 responses to “Clay finish my 1988 911 Porsche?”

  1. Frank Avatar
    Frank

    If you are looking for the best results have a professional do a complete paint correction followed by a ceramic coating. You will just have to maintain the finish for the next five years. You will not be able to achieve the same result no matter what products you try. The results are remarkably superior with a true professional. That has been my experience.

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    1. Paul Simard Jr Avatar
      Paul Simard Jr

      Thank you very much, Frank. Do you know of or have a suggesgtion for a professional who does this on the Cape?
      Paul

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  2. Alex Natalenko Avatar
    Alex Natalenko

    Have you tried to study the issue of liquid ceramics as body protection? Usually this is covered after full polishing, and the car looks like new for 4-6 months?

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  3. Steven Avatar
    Steven

    I’m no expert, but I use a clay bar to remove surface contamamints, in preparation for wax, polish. Etc

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  4. dhdickson Avatar
    dhdickson

    I’ve used a clay bar and in my experience it’s been no more labor intensive than using a paste wax. Don’t know where the half-to-full day estimate is coming from — perhaps it’s for a full clay bar / wax / detail project?

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    1. Jason Murray Avatar
      Jason Murray

      The clay is for cleaning. If your looking for gloss and shine you will need to do more than clay…

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      1. dhdickson Avatar
        dhdickson

        Yep. It’s prep for everything else. But the clay process itself doesn’t take that long.

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  5. Maurice Avatar
    Maurice

    Griots Garage polishes worked great for me.

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  6. sailorjerry3 Avatar
    sailorjerry3

    Hi Paul – lots of good info out there on YouTube for paint correction techniques. A clay bar is used for removing surface contaminants which is one step in the process. For a Porsche sized vehicle, it wouldn’t take too long to do that process, maybe a couple of hours. You’d be amazed at how smooth the finish will feel afterwards. The shine will come from polishing the clear coat with compounds and applying wax or ceramic coat to really bring out the depth in the finish. I can’t wait for spring to do this to my car.

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  7. Nathaniel Page Avatar
    Nathaniel Page

    Hi. 

    <

    div dir=”ltr”>This is nate with nato solo detailing

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  8. Herm Avatar
    Herm

    Hi Paul

    Clay is usually applied prior to waxing 

    I clay barred my black 2014 Cayman and then applied Wolfgang Deep Gloss paint sealer with a Griot’s random polisher.

    <

    div>The finish is stunning. Peop

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  9. Kevin S Avatar
    Kevin S

    use the plastic sandwich bag and put it on your hand and drag lightly across a panel, you will instantly know if paint needs a clay job (it will drag and snag).. I’ve used Griots Garage products their clay and their speed shine, warm the clay in your hands spray speed shine and start lightly dragging the clay across the panel, after a bit use the plastic bag again and you will see a difference it will go across without any grit or snagging. once clayed then polish I’ve used Dr Beaseys polish then wax or ceramic (your choice)

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  10. Brian McNamara Avatar
    Brian McNamara

    Clay bar will remove contaminants in the paint but won’t bring back lister. After slaying the car you will need to polish the panels. Flex and Rupes make great polishers that web used with a cleaning and polishing compound will remove dead paint and bring back life to tires oaint. We use Dr Beasley products and have found them to be extremely good. Their website has many videos about ways to improve the paint on your car. Depending on tne level of detail you are looking for you can spend an hour on each panel using a three step process.
    Good luck!!!!

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  11. Rick Provencher Avatar
    Rick Provencher

    Hey Paul,I shared your concerns before I finally did my “93 cab.  It was easier than I thought it would be and didn’t take a half day.  Keep it wet and do small areas at a time and you’ll be amazed how smooth and shiny your 911 will be.   Happy driving, Rick Provencher

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