clay bar?

[Brett Hartwig]

so, since I am lazy and don't feel like searching... what's up with clay bars? You guys use them? do they take the place of wax? Never used one before, didn't know if I wanted to take on the project. what do you do with them? Do they make much of a difference?

 

[Jeffksf B]

I like them alot, you have to wax after using the clay. Myself I use the clay then a swirl remover then wax. The clay makes it smooth as a baby's bottom. I can do the the ST with clay in about 30-45 min. easy.

 

[Ed Fenwick]

Aloha freeport, Clay bar removes suffice dirt and grime. Junk that is in the air and settles on the paint. It will poorly remove wax so it is best to wash the paint with dish detergent before applying the clay bar. If the paint is oxidized more than a little bit, you should use some polishing compound (not rubbing compound) first. It does not tale the place of wax, you must wax the paint after using clay bar. The paint is naked and should be waxed 2 (two) times for protection. It is not difficult to use. Be sure to read directions and use the application spray to keep things lubricated.

Try it you'll like it! Ed

 

[scott degroot]

Clay bars take out all the contaminants that have embedded themselves in the paint. They do not remove scratches, swirls or anything else. They are very simple to use. First wash the vehicle very good. Then get a clay bar and some quick mist detailer, mist a small section and then rub the clay bar over it, do not let the area dry, and then wipe clean with a clean towel. Fold the clay bar frequently. If you drop the clay bar on the ground throw it away or it may pick up something that scratches the paint when you use it. Afrewards you will want to wax the vehicle. Completely do a small secton first and then compare it to the adjoining area...makes a pretty good difference. i have my vehicles clayed once a year along with polishing and then waxed every 4 months.

 

[Brett Hartwig]

hmmm....I just washed and waxed yesterday so maybe I don't want to do this yet? All of my wax will come off right?

 

[Johnny O]

The clay bar will likely take the wax off. I don't use it every time I wax but for sure on the first wax job after winter. If you hit the headlights with it and wax too once in a while they won't get foggy.

 

[FlipTrac_511]

A clay bar will not remove swirls. You will need a polisher to correct the swirls (physically remove the fine scratches in the clearcoat) or you can just wax the paint to temporarily hide it. As others have already said, a clay bar is used to remove grime and stains that a wash alone can't remove. The paint will be smoother and brighter. In other words, clay is used to really clean the paint. It will remove any wax on the paint however so it's pretty much mandatory to follow up with a waxing. Try Mother's kit. Comes with lubricant, two clay bars, and a microfiber towel. Make sure you check there are two bars in the box. I've seen many stolen off the shelves.

 

[Brett Hartwig]

bought the Mother's kit today, so maybe in a few weeks I'll give it a try. When you guys use the polishing compound, do you use a orbital type polisher, or do you do it by hand manually?

 

[FlipTrac_511]

I use a random orbital for polishing and waxing. Make sure you follow the instructions and don't drop the clay! Also make sure you frequently knead the clay to prevent dragging the debris it just lifted from the clearcoat/paint therefore creating more scratching.



Make sure you avoid getting polish on the black trim; polishes will leave a white stain (more so than wax). Pretreating the trim with some kind of dressing helps (I use Mother's Back to Black).



Your red Adrenalin is going to look great! Follow up with a good wax. Again, I like Mother's brand; try their new California Gold Synthetic liquid wax.

 

[Johnny O]

Unless the paint is highly oxidized I wouldn't recommend using a buffer. I like Meguiar's polish. If it's just the microscopic scratches then glaze is better than polish. Then wax over top of that. If you use a wax with cleaner, the cleaner IS a light-duty polish. If you use a polish or glaze first then you want a pure carnuba wax with no cleaner in it.



My uncle gave me some wax for Christmas called RivStar, it's liquid pure carnuba made locally here in Pittsburgh. Awesome stuff, brings out the metallic like you wouldn't believe.

 

[Dreman]

I used a clay bar one time and got an added benefit...I got to see that stupid cat that kept leaving paw prints on my truck go sliding over the side! Either he was declawed or didn't react fast enough, but he didn't scratch it, thank God. Never saw paw prints after that!:banana: