Using a clay bar?

[MO_GUY]

I bought the mothers clay bar system from wal-mart and was wondering exactly how to use it?

it came with the clay bar, instant detailer and wax...

i know you use the detailer for a lubricant but do i spray it on the bar or on the truck? does the truck have to be washed before doing this?

 

[Mike 92 XLT]

Yes, make sure the truck is washed before claying it. The best time to clay is immediately after washing it. Spray the instant detailer on the panel you are claying, and glide the clay across the surface. Make sure to keep the surface well lubricated so the clay doesn't scratch the paint. Use a back-and-forth motion with the clay and you will feel the panel getting smoother and the clay will glide more easily. Once you are satisfied, rinse the panel and move on to the next one. It's pretty easy, and you'll get the hang of it quickly.

Mike

 

[Magicfan25]

Quick detailer is a PIA. Get a spray bottle and some car soap for lube. Then just wash the whole car when youre done, so much easier

 

[MO_GUY]

i heard of using car soap as a lube but i dont have any handy so i just used what the clay bar came with....you are right...its a PITA...the stuff dries too quickly and i found myself hitting dry spots....plus when it dries on the paint you have to use even more detailer to buff it off, the paint is a lot smoother but i will give it another shot with soap next time

 

[Stephen]

I always wash the whole car, then rinse, then go around to each panel with my wash mitt and the clay, resoap the panel, clay it, then rinse it again. This works great and you'll never hit any dry spots. Spray bottles are a pain in the butt.

 

[EliteConcept]

how much was the clay bar? i would like to do it to my new 97 before i wax it

 

[Black Magic]

Claying will make a night and day differnce in the paint! Good Luck

 

[IAmTodd]

Using the instant detailer scatched mine to h*ll and back! I'm gonna try using Stephen's method, it seem much better!

 

[AR123]

Try using glass cleaner - like windex or something. Works great!!! And make sure you are not in the sun and that the body panels are cool. If they are hot from driving or being in the sun, whatever you spray on it will evaporate quickly.

 

[metalhed]

I just saw it at o'reilly's for ~$14.. It may be cheaper (or more expensive) depending on where you go.

The wal-mart around here doesn't carry it, neither does autozone.. Kinda weird. But I'd look at wal-mart first.. They usually have good prices.

 

[Stephen]

NO GLASS CLEANER ON THE PAINT!!!!!!!!!!

WAY too harsh a chemical for your paint

 

[MO_GUY]

wow! i just clayed again today but this time i used soap in a spray bottle.....what a PITA.....should have believed you Stephen! it was all fine and dandy until the clay was so slippery it dropped on the ground! i finished everything except the hood and i had to throw it away cause all the dirt and rocks in it......oh well better luck next time! im very pleased with the way it works though...my paint is smooth as a baby's bottom

 

[Stephen]

Yeah, trust me the spray bottle is more trouble than its worth Just using the wash mitt and the bucket is so much easier. Good move throwing the clay away.

Also a little tip, you dont need to use all the clay, break it into peices and then flatten it, that way it lasts longer, and you have a backup if you drop one.

 

[Redrig]

anyone ever just buy the bar? if so where

 

[Stephen]

Yeah! You can buy the Clay Magic bar (a very large one that will last for years) from http://www.premiumautocare.com

The Clay Magic bar is the best out there.

 

[Big Green]

You guys say that the Clay bar will take off all grit and grime that is on the paint, wouldnt that eventually take off the clear coat, and leave the vehicle dull and in constant need of polish and wax? Just a question that i thought of. I almost bought the Mothers kit today ($19) but I thought I'd ask you all first. I have a 02 and the paint doesnt feel glass smooth, but it doesnt feel real rough either. Would the clay bar still be a good investment? Thanks

 

[IAmTodd]

Clayed the X the other nite using regular car soap. Wow is all i have to say. Finally figured out the i have to keep changing the surface of the clay. Looks awsome. Looks almost new. Can't wait to get my freshly painted bumpers on!

 

[Stephen]

No, the clay bar isn't nearly aggressive enough to strip paint, and all clearcoat is is a layer (or layers) of paint with no pigment. It makes bonded contaminates stick to the bar, and pulls them out of the paint, invision a zit if you will lol.

 

[Blaine Cooper]

I have read about you old schoolers talking about claying your rides for the last few years and never tried it until a couple months ago. My wife thought I was an idiot when I told her about it. The 2000 Chrysler T&C we had at the time had some kind of orange overspray crap all over it. After a couple of wipes I showed her the clay and it was orange. Then I followed up with some Rain X wax and it looked brand new again.

I am a believer in the clay bar. Does anybody know if you can use simple modelling clay? Is there something different about these clay bars.

 

[Rob Slade]

My guess is that simple modeling clay wouldn't hold together very well...especially after getting wet. I'm sure it is a different type of clay.