Tell me about using clay bars to clean your vehicle

[BBQ_HotDogs]

I have seen numerous posts referring to clay bars. So tell me in simple details, what does this consists of. Is it hard to use? How do you take it off once applied? Is it worth it?

 

[Albino 94LTD]

Clay bars are great! They will turn your 4.0 into a 5.0, just shove it through the throttle body.

Sorry 'Dogs' I couldn't resist.

They are great.

It is really a small bar of clay that you rub over your paint after lightly spraying the lubricant that comes with it. You can hear the clay picking up the embeded dirt out of the paint. Just nead it and fold it over frequently to expose some 'clean' clay and wax as usual when done.

There really isn't much to it, just a lot of rubbing then a really nice shine.

Go for it I did and will again at least once a year.

 

[IAmTodd]

The results are great. But for some reason I have the problem of not turning it enough(kind of a constant thing thats gotta be done) and I get hairline scratches in the paint. I only do this about once a year. There is a great thread about claying around here somewhere.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

Well I have defiantely got to give this a try. The old college try if you may. But I noticed something about Clay Bars that has NOT been discussed nor addressed in this forum. There are 2 types of clay bars, 1 is a fine grit, and the other is a med grit. I would hate to assume, but would the fine be for newer cars with less surface smuck and the med bar be for older vehicles that have not been deeply cleaned for awhile? Anyone know this one? I noticed that a moderator named Stephen was pretty up to date on this stuff, is he still around?


Ronnie

 

[bender]

clay

-i have detailed many cars and have used numerous kinds of clay. there is the over the counter "mothers" it is for normal use. it will remove contaminants that are just waxed over. keep in mind that claying removes all old wax and polish so you need to apply wax after clay baring.

- clay is used in body shops for removing paint overspray. this is where the different grits come in. the fine grit is what you get from the stores. the more coarse grit is for heavy contamination and paint overspray. these can be found at automotive paint stores and suppliers

- the key to claying is plenty of lubrication the spray that the kits come with is the same as quick detailer from mequiars. or other "quick shine" spray....you will go through a lot when claying so you can add some water to it to make it last longer...also dont do it in direct sunlight or the clay will soften and stick to the paint.

-clay baring is amazing and your finish will be 10x better than waxing alone especially on older vehicles.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

Thanks for the info. I bought the "ultimate shine kit" from an online deal that I saw after going through this forum, so I have all the wax and ready. Spring is here and so is the time to do the ultimate spring cleaning of my Explorer, "Pookie". She needs several good coats to get ready for the Texas heat. So if I am going to get out there and do it, I want to do it right once, not several times. LOL, know what I mean?

 

[Redrig]

It is excellent. Check out my truck pics when it was stock, then looks at the ones lifted. The june 0126 is just aftwr the caly bar I think. It is definately worth it.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

This picture? Nice shine. Did you use the "perfect shine" when you did this? Is this also using the clay bar? I can't wait to get started on my red X.

 

[Redrig]

Yes, thats the pic. I used Mothers clay bar kit from autozone and then waxed it with Maguires.

 

[RFR2212]

Is there only one manufacture or do most car car product companies make it? I checked briefly around one of our smaller autozones and didn't find anything, but i'll have to check the other larger one.

 

[Redrig]

Im not sure how many car product companies make it. I have only seen the mothers kind so far, but I havent really looked for it after I got mine.

 

[Flounder]

Mothers, ClayMagic, Zaino, are just a few...

 

[dtl 2k2 sport]

I just clayed my sport today. UP until last week i never heard of this either, but it didnt really take that long and actually did a really great job on smoothing out my trucks finish. Now i gotta do my moms and dads eddie b next ! oh we'll, ,

 

[03ExplorerSPT]

I had never clayed before and the first time I used it was when waxing my new X in December. The results were amazing!! Definately something I'll continue to do. I use Adam's Polishes Clay Bar.

 

[dtl 2k2 sport]

as you clay that doesnt do anything to the clear coat does it!?

 

[Flounder]

If you keep it properly lubricated (use about a capful of car wash concentrate with 12 to 15 ounces of water in a spray bottle) it will not hurt it. Check the clay now and then for large pieces of debris and remove. If you're careful and take your time, you won't scratch it at all.

 

[hydroxy]

can't wait to try this out...

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

You'll love the feeling after claying it. You can clay one 3x3 inch spot, then feel it with the back of your fingers. Slide your fingers through the clayed area then *screeech*...the roughness of the unclayed spot. It's a great feeling!!

 

[nc_snoskier]

i bought the mothers clay bar a few weeks ago and did mine. then waxed it with maguires gold class. it looked great. i forgot to take pics though

it was very easy to use.

 

[dtl 2k2 sport]

Getting ready to detail my ride (again) if it doesnt rain !(again) , do you all clay every time you wash? I clayed it last weekend for the first time! Just wanna make sure i dont over do it!