To me Claying is one of the most important steps in the car care process. The Clay will do a deep cleaning of the paint with its ability to safely remove Overspray, Rail Dust, Light Tree Sap Residue, Bug Splatter, Industrial Fallout and General Road Grime. Not only do they remove the surface contaminants but the added benefit is that your wax will form a much longer lasting bond with your paint after the surface has been cleaned with a clay bar. But what is a clay bar? It is similar in appearance to PlayDough. In fact, there are nearly as many colors of clay bars as there are of PlayDough. However, it's texture is close to Silly Putty. But it is NOT a toy! Clay Bars are serious business.
Considering the thinness of today's paints Professional Detailers and Body Shops often use clay bars in place of a rotary buffer to remove surface contaminants. Although it might be a minute stretch of the truth to say that clay bars don't contain abrasives they are generally considered to be safe on all painted surfaces, chrome, wheels and windows. Clay bars were originally were used in the early 1900's to remove overspray from automotive finishes during a rather crude period of car care in the automotive industry. Clay bars, back then, were rather unrefined when compared to today's synthetic clay bars. This unique "clay-like" surface cleaning material is specifically formulated to remove stubborn contaminants from the paint finish of automobiles that cannot be removed using regular cleaning methods and are easy to use, and most clay bars are safe for all paint finishes, including clear coats [see guide below]. It works best with a surface lubrication that is included with most retail packs. One 7oz clay bar will last an average of 25 cars.
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The Ultimate Clay Bar Guide
Started by
Guest_DetailingDude_*
, Jan 20 2003 06:52 PM
11 replies to this topic
#2 Guest_DetailingDude_*
Guest_DetailingDude_*
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Posted 20 January 2003 - 06:52 PM
Before beginning make sure
you have the following:
(Clay Bar and Lube) A Clay Bar System [see guide below]
(Towel) 100% Cotton Hand Size
Towel or a MicroFiber Towel (90,000 threads per square inch)
(Wrapper) Cellophane Cigarette Wrapper
In a
well-lit, cool and dry area:
Step 1: Check for Surface Contaminants.
Technique: With two
fingers inside the Wrapper gently glide it across the Surface. This will magnify any amount of Surface Contamination.
/>Tech Tip: Do not press down hard as you may free up some of the Surface Contaminants and scratch the Surface.
/>
Step 2: Break off a 2 oz. portion of the Clay Bar.
Technique: Break off a 2oz piece of the Clay
and roll it into a ball (store the remainder of the Clay in the container).
Tech Tip: If the Clay Bar is ever
dropped onto the floor discard IMMEDIATELY.
Step 3: Saturate the Surface with the Lube.
/>Technique: Mist the Lube onto the Surface.
Step 4: Rub the Clay Bar onto the Surface.
/>Technique: Firmly press the ball of the Clay Bar onto the Surface to mold it to the contour of the Surface. Rub the
Clay Bar on the Surface in a side-to-side motion with the Contour of the Panel.
Tech Tip: If the Surface begins
to show any signs of drying wet again with the Lube.
Step 5: Wipe the Surface with the Towel.
/>Technique: Do not press hard onto the Surface with the Towel as you may induce some light surface scratches.
/>Tech Tip As you move from panel to panel 'fold' the clay to a new section.
Step 6: Inspect
the Surface.
Technique: With the Wrapper inspect the Surface as in Step 1
Tech Tip: If the Surface
still has some roughness to it repeat Steps 2 through 5.
you have the following:
(Clay Bar and Lube) A Clay Bar System [see guide below]
(Towel) 100% Cotton Hand Size
Towel or a MicroFiber Towel (90,000 threads per square inch)
(Wrapper) Cellophane Cigarette Wrapper
In a
well-lit, cool and dry area:
Step 1: Check for Surface Contaminants.
Technique: With two
fingers inside the Wrapper gently glide it across the Surface. This will magnify any amount of Surface Contamination.
/>Tech Tip: Do not press down hard as you may free up some of the Surface Contaminants and scratch the Surface.
/>
Step 2: Break off a 2 oz. portion of the Clay Bar.
Technique: Break off a 2oz piece of the Clay
and roll it into a ball (store the remainder of the Clay in the container).
Tech Tip: If the Clay Bar is ever
dropped onto the floor discard IMMEDIATELY.
Step 3: Saturate the Surface with the Lube.
/>Technique: Mist the Lube onto the Surface.
Step 4: Rub the Clay Bar onto the Surface.
/>Technique: Firmly press the ball of the Clay Bar onto the Surface to mold it to the contour of the Surface. Rub the
Clay Bar on the Surface in a side-to-side motion with the Contour of the Panel.
Tech Tip: If the Surface begins
to show any signs of drying wet again with the Lube.
Step 5: Wipe the Surface with the Towel.
/>Technique: Do not press hard onto the Surface with the Towel as you may induce some light surface scratches.
/>Tech Tip As you move from panel to panel 'fold' the clay to a new section.
Step 6: Inspect
the Surface.
Technique: With the Wrapper inspect the Surface as in Step 1
Tech Tip: If the Surface
still has some roughness to it repeat Steps 2 through 5.
#3 Guest_DetailingDude_*
Guest_DetailingDude_*
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- Guests
Posted 20 January 2003 - 06:53 PM
The Blue Clay Bar:
I recently tested 3M's and ClayMagic's clay bar and have the same one that is imported from Japan (even has the
same exact patent numbers on them, LOL). However, there is a tremdous price variation between the two with 3M's being
around $5.00 less. I have found the 3M one for around $18. My Rating: Very Good.
The Yellow Clay
Bar:
I recently tested Mother's, Zaino's and Zymol's clay bar and they appear to have the same exact one
(although there is no patent number, LOL). Mother's clay bar is available for is available for around $18 as well but
I was given my Zaino clay bar so I am not sure of the price. Zymol's clay bar is $80.80!! My Rating: Very
Good
The White Clay Bar:
I tested Meguiar's clay bar a years ago and was not at all impressed.
Meguiar's clay bar retails for $10. My Rating: Good
The Grey Clay Bar:
I recently tested
Lusso's clay bar and the quality appears to be right in line with the 3M, ClayMagic, Mother's and Zaino. Lusso's
clay bar retails for $14. My Rating: Very Good
The Red Clay Bar:
I have not recently tested
AutoMagic's red clay bar. It contains a mild abrasive. I would recommend that this bar only be used in a professional
bodyshop atmosphere. I will not give this product a rating.
I recently tested 3M's and ClayMagic's clay bar and have the same one that is imported from Japan (even has the
same exact patent numbers on them, LOL). However, there is a tremdous price variation between the two with 3M's being
around $5.00 less. I have found the 3M one for around $18. My Rating: Very Good.
The Yellow Clay
Bar:
I recently tested Mother's, Zaino's and Zymol's clay bar and they appear to have the same exact one
(although there is no patent number, LOL). Mother's clay bar is available for is available for around $18 as well but
I was given my Zaino clay bar so I am not sure of the price. Zymol's clay bar is $80.80!! My Rating: Very
Good
The White Clay Bar:
I tested Meguiar's clay bar a years ago and was not at all impressed.
Meguiar's clay bar retails for $10. My Rating: Good
The Grey Clay Bar:
I recently tested
Lusso's clay bar and the quality appears to be right in line with the 3M, ClayMagic, Mother's and Zaino. Lusso's
clay bar retails for $14. My Rating: Very Good
The Red Clay Bar:
I have not recently tested
AutoMagic's red clay bar. It contains a mild abrasive. I would recommend that this bar only be used in a professional
bodyshop atmosphere. I will not give this product a rating.
#4
jarheadoo7
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- Members
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Member
Posted 21 January 2003 - 09:08 PM
hey explain the contents
of the "lube" is this just water?
of the "lube" is this just water?
#5 Guest_DetailingDude_*
Guest_DetailingDude_*
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- Guests
Posted 22 January 2003 - 01:36 AM
class='quotetop'>QUOTE
Originally posted by jarheadoo7@Jan 21 2003,
07:23 PM
hey explain the contents of the "lube" is this just water? [/quote]
/>Dude, great point. I'll add that to the description, thanx. The Mothers kit comes with a suface lube..... and is
proably the best value.
07:23 PM
hey explain the contents of the "lube" is this just water? [/quote]
/>Dude, great point. I'll add that to the description, thanx. The Mothers kit comes with a suface lube..... and is
proably the best value.
#6
richiezoom
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Member
Posted 13 February 2003 - 09:37 PM
Interesting, so how long will
it take to do a Contour assuming a zero skill level?
THX. ZZZ.
it take to do a Contour assuming a zero skill level?
THX. ZZZ.
#7 Guest_DetailingDude_*
Guest_DetailingDude_*
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- Guests
Posted 14 February 2003 - 09:39 AM
class='quotetop'>QUOTE
Originally posted by richiezoom@Feb 13 2003,
07:52 PM
Interesting, so how long will it take to do a Contour assuming a zero skill level?
THX.
ZZZ. [/quote]
45 minutes, assuming you have both arms, of course!
07:52 PM
Interesting, so how long will it take to do a Contour assuming a zero skill level?
THX.
ZZZ. [/quote]
45 minutes, assuming you have both arms, of course!
#8 Guest_DetailingDude_*
Guest_DetailingDude_*
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- Guests
Posted 14 February 2003 - 09:40 AM
class='quotetop'>QUOTE
Originally posted by DetailingDude@Jan 21 2003,
11:51 PM
Dude, great point. I'll add that to the description, thanx. The Mothers kit comes with a
suface lube..... and is proably the best value. [/quote]
just few drops of your car wash
soap.
11:51 PM
Dude, great point. I'll add that to the description, thanx. The Mothers kit comes with a
suface lube..... and is proably the best value. [/quote]
just few drops of your car wash
soap.
#9
SVTjeff
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- Members
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Member
Posted 02 March 2003 - 03:28 PM
Detailing Dude -
I must
admit you grasp of this topic is awesome. I have detailed many cars in my day, although I do not own a shop - and have been
doing it for over 15 years. I consider myself "anal" about this stuff, but you might just have one up on me
Most of my work has been by referral, and I would put my work up against anyone - not tryin' to
be cocky, but I am very methodical.
Anyway, my question relates to the clay bar stuff you recently posted. I have
always used Meguiar's products in a combination with a Flex rotary polisher and manual application, but never tried a clay
bar. What advantages do you see in using the bar - and what determines when/if you would use the bar - as opposed to say a
cleaner with the polisher?
Also - it appears the Meguiar's bar did not perform as well as the others. Have you
tried it recently? - just curious I as am very fond of most of their products.
Anything you could add would be
appreciated. Thanks very much.
Jeff
I must
admit you grasp of this topic is awesome. I have detailed many cars in my day, although I do not own a shop - and have been
doing it for over 15 years. I consider myself "anal" about this stuff, but you might just have one up on me
Most of my work has been by referral, and I would put my work up against anyone - not tryin' to
be cocky, but I am very methodical.
Anyway, my question relates to the clay bar stuff you recently posted. I have
always used Meguiar's products in a combination with a Flex rotary polisher and manual application, but never tried a clay
bar. What advantages do you see in using the bar - and what determines when/if you would use the bar - as opposed to say a
cleaner with the polisher?
Also - it appears the Meguiar's bar did not perform as well as the others. Have you
tried it recently? - just curious I as am very fond of most of their products.
Anything you could add would be
appreciated. Thanks very much.
Jeff
#10
big d
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Junior Member
Posted 16 April 2003 - 01:06 PM
The clay will make your finish
VERY smoooooooth!!!
I clayed my car for the first time a couple of weeks ago and it was a night and day
difference. I thought the finish was smooth before, I was very wrong. The clay bar was picking 'stuff' off my paint
like crazy. Now it is so much easier to polish and wax! :woot
VERY smoooooooth!!!
I clayed my car for the first time a couple of weeks ago and it was a night and day
difference. I thought the finish was smooth before, I was very wrong. The clay bar was picking 'stuff' off my paint
like crazy. Now it is so much easier to polish and wax! :woot
#11
ryan03580
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Member
- Location:Bowling Green, OH
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Vehicle owned:
None
Posted 23 August 2006 - 11:44 PM
Wow.. I just "clayed" my car for the first time today and it's like night and day difference. After doing a small section on the roof of the car, I ran my fingertips across the clayed and un-clayed sections and noticed a huge difference. The un-clayed areas felt gritty. Once I get the wax on it tomorrow, I can't wait to see the shine!
If you haven't tried yet, CLAY YOUR CAR!
If you haven't tried yet, CLAY YOUR CAR!
#12
iringtwyce
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Member
- Location:Graham, TX & Houma, LA (swampbilly HQ) ... I commute.
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Vehicle owned:
'98 SE MTX, '98 SVT #2993
Posted 23 August 2006 - 11:54 PM
:biggrin: It IS like night and day, isn't it? The one downside I found is that now I can clearly see all the blemishes that were hidden before. The minor hail damage I have sticks out like a sore thumb. :cry: It's still better clayed than not! Just wait until you get a good synthetic wax on it. You hand will try to slide right off!
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