Clay bar
- Thread starter Andyk
- Start date
conaero
Forum Owner
- Messages
- 34,633
I was sceptical and did not get on very well with it.
Then I worked out that you had to wet the car, then it was easy.
Brilliant results especially if you still get that rough feeling after waxing.
One think I would say is be careful not to pick up any grit, I am sure you can imagine what dragging a bit of grit embedded in the clay would do all over your car.
Then I worked out that you had to wet the car, then it was easy.
Brilliant results especially if you still get that rough feeling after waxing.
One think I would say is be careful not to pick up any grit, I am sure you can imagine what dragging a bit of grit embedded in the clay would do all over your car.
Andy, I'm amazed you haven't found the wonders of clay bar yet given you're an obsessive car cleaner!
I used it for the first time a couple of years ago and am a complete convert. You only need to clay a couple of times a year - there are plenty of products to choose from. Clay bars are mild abrasives, so you can buy different grades. I use the Meguiars clay, mainly as it's not too abrasive and partly because I haven't run out of the first lot I bought. I use it with Megs quick detailer. It's important to ensure plenty of lube is used when claying. You won't believe the difference after claying - the paint surface is like glass afterwards and you can feel the difference with your fingers.
I used it for the first time a couple of years ago and am a complete convert. You only need to clay a couple of times a year - there are plenty of products to choose from. Clay bars are mild abrasives, so you can buy different grades. I use the Meguiars clay, mainly as it's not too abrasive and partly because I haven't run out of the first lot I bought. I use it with Megs quick detailer. It's important to ensure plenty of lube is used when claying. You won't believe the difference after claying - the paint surface is like glass afterwards and you can feel the difference with your fingers.
Last edited:
hodroyd
Member
- Messages
- 14,150
An easy way to tell if you need to clay bar, after you have washed and dried your car, get some cling film and keeping it flat, gently drape it over the car whilst moving it across the paint, you will be amazed how many times the cling film will grab and that's the minute particles on the paint catching the cling film. After you clay bar these should be gone..??
Tipmethewink
Junior Member
- Messages
- 366
Always thought it was a load of OCD tosh but then used one to get tree sap off of my wife's car. She told me she'd walked past the car a couple of times at the supermarket after I'd done it as it was a different colour. I'm a convert.
2b1ask1
Special case
- Messages
- 20,280
Buy quality bar not cheap rubbish as it is all about the quarts crystal particles that are suspended in the clay. Whatever you do keep it very well lubed and work on small areas in straight lines following the shape of the panel. You don't need any pressure and check the clay for any debris and pinch out anything that you find.
As ever I'm more than happy to demo anytime at meets.
In itself it is not strictly an abrasive, think of it working more like a razor when you shave; likewise just as you can cut yourself shaving, you can damage your paint imam instant. Beware, be careful and check all the time.
As ever I'm more than happy to demo anytime at meets.
In itself it is not strictly an abrasive, think of it working more like a razor when you shave; likewise just as you can cut yourself shaving, you can damage your paint imam instant. Beware, be careful and check all the time.
Andyk
Member
- Messages
- 61,168
Thanks Newton....That really helps..........Do you recommend a make to use...?
Andyk
Member
- Messages
- 61,168
Was thinking maybe this....
http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/de...xMi9zdGFydGVyLWtpdHMtLWJ1bmRsZXM/c29ydGJ5PQ==
http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/de...xMi9zdGFydGVyLWtpdHMtLWJ1bmRsZXM/c29ydGJ5PQ==
EnzoMC
Member
- Messages
- 1,999
Andy - try http://www.zymol.co.uk/zymollehmklayiii.aspx
EVOeng
Junior Member
- Messages
- 220
Have a look at http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detailing-clay/cat_9.html
2b1ask1
Special case
- Messages
- 20,280
I'm away from home so limited to I-phone at the mo. I use zymöl but then I would, EVO has made some excellent suggestions.
I will say that most of the lubes are way too concentrated. If water basses you can knock them down to last much longer. Also the clay is supplied in a brick and you only need about a quarter of one of these. Keep clay wrapped and moist when not in use.
As it gets used it will darken with tar and rubber debris, not a problem in fact it helps to age it, I keep the real old bits for taking heavy tar spots off panels and cills etc.
I will say that most of the lubes are way too concentrated. If water basses you can knock them down to last much longer. Also the clay is supplied in a brick and you only need about a quarter of one of these. Keep clay wrapped and moist when not in use.
As it gets used it will darken with tar and rubber debris, not a problem in fact it helps to age it, I keep the real old bits for taking heavy tar spots off panels and cills etc.
fcz360
Sparky
- Messages
- 826
One caution note, if you drop a clay bar on the floor - throw it away, from experience dont risk it as a tiny imperfection can cause big scratches. I cut mine in half just in case.
I also always warm mine up in very hot water and knead it first, the water helps the clay bar move.
Dont be tempted to buy expensive clay lube, detailing spray is the same and mild soap works wonders. I also keep old pieces like Newton to do the wheels as it gets disc spots off quickly.
I also always warm mine up in very hot water and knead it first, the water helps the clay bar move.
Dont be tempted to buy expensive clay lube, detailing spray is the same and mild soap works wonders. I also keep old pieces like Newton to do the wheels as it gets disc spots off quickly.
