2. analog
  3. 1271546036

Cleaning vinyl with auto detailing clay

For those who don't know the product, it's a bar of clay that you rub over a car's body to remove all sorts of tiny particles in the paint. Yes, it sounds crazy. But I had a cheapo lp that was very noisy, so I figured why not give it a try?

To use it, you have to spray on some type of lubricant, or else the clay will stick. Auto detailing kits come with this also. So I applied it to the record and then gave it a few passes on the VPI to make sure all residue of clay/lubricant was removed. Of course, I tested it on an old TT/cartridge, but I must say, it seems to have made a noticeable difference. The lp was almost unlistenable before. Now, it's not perfect, but it's definitely possible to enjoy it.

It would be great if others could give this a try, so that we can compare notes.
slanski62
rello
311 posts
 
If the proposal is for the auto clay systems the lubricant is Mothers Showtime or Meguiars Quick Detailer. I would think you could also try warm water although the products mentioned do create a slicker surface when using the clay. In my experience neither product leaves residue but my experence is in using them for automobile application only. The clay works very well in removing surface contaminants on a painted surface...not sure how well it can get into grooves. Last...for what its worth I ultimately prefer the Mothers clay product to the Meguiars product. Either lubricant works fine.

Thanks for the idea.
mepearson
100 posts
 
Me thinks if you get to the point that you are using spray lubricants and clay on an LP in hopes of improving its terrible condition, it's time to throw it out. I know I would.
jsman
246 posts
 
The clay also works on glass windows.
sop1
12 posts
 
Have you heard of using wood glue? I stopped in a vintage vinyl store today and just learned of this process. I have not tried it but the guy says it is great. The idea is the wood glue and the vinyl do not stick to each other but the glue pulls out all the deep dirt in the grooves when it dries. Here are some links.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm4bQVmV3Ok&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq8jkEx7aiA&feature=related
More to discover