Using a clay bar
Clay bar products are most frequently used to remove paint over spray or contamination on a car. Contamination consists of tiny metal shavings from rail dust, brake dust and industrial fallout. This contamination affects all paint finishes and can cause serious damage when left untreated. Paint contamination can be felt as a "rough or gritty" texture on the paint's surface and can lead to tiny rust spots.
There is no wax, natural or synthetic, or any chemical treatment that can prevent or protect against this contamination. Compounding with an abrasive polish may remove this contamination but it can only be performed a few times before removing too much of the top, clear coat finish.
The solution to this problem is a clay bar, which safely removes over spray, and industrial fallout by "pulling" it off the surface. What differentiates a clay bar from other abrasive polishing or compounding solutions is that it does not perform any abrasive actions.
When clay bars were brought to the United States several other usages were found for them. Clay bars were found to be effective for removing over spray, tree sap, acid rain & water spots and a variety of other surface contaminants.
Today, professional detailers and body shops use clay bars as a simple, safe way to remove over spray and surface contaminants from painted surfaces, including chrome and glass.
How to use clay bars:
The clay bars are used in conjunction with either soapy water or a spray detail product as a wetting agent for the gentle rubbing of the paint surface with the clay. This process is similar to wet sand paper procedures. Clay bars should always be used on freshly washed, clean surfaces. Dirt on the surface could cause scratches.
It is recommended you start out by working on a small area of a few square feet at a time, gliding the clay bar on the paint surface misting the paint surface with the soapy water or spray detail lubricant. At first you should feel a slight resistance on the surface when running the bar over the paint. As you go over the same area repeated times you will feel less friction until the surface glides smoothly. When the bar moves freely you are done. Wipe the surface with a clean dry towel and continue in sections until the entire vehicle is complete.
As the bar becomes soiled, simply pull, stretch and refold to expose a new, clean side. When the bar becomes totally soiled (dark colored) discard it. Typical life span of a 4 oz. bar is about 10 to 12 cars. If a bar falls on the ground immediately throw it away, and use a new bar. Failure to do so can result in scratches on your paints surface from picked up debris. Upon completion, spray the bar with lubricant and store in an airtight container or zip-lock storage bag.
If the paint is in good condition and free of scratches, proceed with your favorite wax.
Notes: Clay bars will not remove scratches, swirls or dull, oxidized paint. If working on an older vehicle with dull paint and/or surface swirls, follow the claying process with your favorite polish, then wax.
I have done this to my ST and it does a very nice job. The surface is unbelievably smooth afterwards.
Good info post. :thumbsup:
I use clay bar once a year in the spring to get all the winter grit off.
I've used Zaino myself
Great info
I use clay bar once a year in the spring to get all the winter grit off.
Me too. Part of my "spring cleaning" regimen for the vehicles.
Nice lookin truck
Zaino"s Great stuff :thumbsup:
I got some clay bar made by Mother. Didn't think it was that great, had an amazing shine but didn't think it was worth the amount I paid for.
I got some clay bar made by Mother. Didn't think it was that great, had an amazing shine but didn't think it was worth the amount I paid for.
Did you wax after using the clay bar?
If you haven't already done so, do this test in about three months: Use the clay bar on half of your hood, then feel the clay-barred side, and feel the non-clay-barred side. You'll be amazed at how gritty the non barred side feels from all the crap and contaminants in the paint, compared to the smoothness of the side upon which you used the clay bar.
Better yet, do this test about this time next year, after a full year of tree sap, road tar, salt, winter, and general road crap have had a chance to embed in your paint. :wink:
oh I felt the difference alright, nice smooth and shiny look I mean the color of my truck even looked lighter after using it. My buddy has made several comments about the truck looking so good. However, I paid 17 bucks for the stuff and it came with two some what small clay bars. Now, I never tried the clay bar stuff made by other people that sold it cheaper so the stuff i got might have been the "best" or whatever. I was just surprised about the cost really.
nobounce, that is about right for the price. I've had mine that I bought two years ago. I've used it on quite a few cars. Now I'm in need to get some new stuff, so I can do my mother-in-law's car and my father-in-law's ST. :wink:
2 Bars of clay, 1 bottle of QD, 1 MF = $17. I wouldn't complain. Advanced Auto had $5 off a few weeks ago. That's when I bought my set. The Mother's clay is softer than the Blue Clay Magic I used several years ago. Overall, I think I like the Blue Magic better. Unless your vehicle was extremely dirty (or you drop the clay), it will last you several uses (2x/yr = a few years of use).
Just clayed for the first time - earning free BEER!
Just clayed my black 2008 ST... results were great and it was very easy to do. Used the Meguiars' kit and finished with their liquid cleaner wax. Also clayed the wife's Lancer GTS, also looks great. Neighbors are now offering me cases of beer to clay their cars!!
If you're hesitant to do this, please know that there is nothing to fear... it's harmless. I was able to use the same bar for both vehicles.