NiborGnissom

OK.............just getting ready to rip into the Zaino Kit.......instructions for the Claybar are "as an area becomes dirty, roll the clay over on itself and kneed back into a patty and continue"..............when does the Claybar get too built up with particles and could start etching the surface rather than removing contaminants..........I dont mean to be a worry wart, I just like my paint!

fastter

I just read about a technique that calls for cutting the clay bar up into smaller pieces and flattening them out to about the size of a silver dollar. You use each of the smaller pieces until they get dirty and then throw them out. The reasoning behind this was that if you keep rolling the bigger clay bar over eventually the dirt will catch up with you and you will get scratches. Makes sense to me.

NiborGnissom

Damn great info and I thank you for that my friend. What is a clay bar kit cost and how often do we do it, maybe twice a year. Scratching the paint in several places will be very costly..............hair transplant............due to us pulling our hair out after torturing a nice paint job.
Thank again

wolfdogs

yup, thats what i do. after all, all you are picking up and "storing with" is the micro fine surface of the clay...

Red Rochester

Yeah use it once and throw it away.

George Ware

Same here!

George Ware

ALLEGRO

Don't forget that you can also "super clean" your windshield with the claybar as well. I save one just for that purpose. When I get a new bar (usually three uses) I replace the "windshield" bar at that time.

JMHO

keyplyr

Clay every time my car gets washed.

BigKitty

Does the claybar take the place of compounding.I have not used one before and am not sure of it's purpose?

FortMorganAl

Before doing my first claybar someone here had posted a link on a DIY that said to take about a 3/4 inch ball and flatten it on the windshield. I ended up with about a 2 1/2 inch disk.

Others have pointed out that if you drop it you must throw it away. They suggested using a plastic dropcloth below the work area. I found it impossible to drop if you are using such a small thin piece because it just sticks to your fingers.

wolfdogs

no. the clay bar removes fine particle contaminants that are imbedded in the surface of the clear coat. it does not remove swirls.

jimmie jam

it is not necessary to discard a claybar after only one use. the particles that they collect are microscopic. that would be a waste. you can get many uses of a claybar with no chance of damaging your clearcoat. store it in a zip-lock bag with a spritz of lube. REMEMBER, if you drop it on the ground pitch it - no exceptions.

PeterM

You really needn't use a claybar all that often. Your fingertips should be your guide: gently glide them along the finish of the car (when it is clean) and concentrate on what you feel. If your hand glides freely along, there is no need to clay, but if you actually do feel gritty bumps or contaminates then do use the clay.

But you shouldn't use it just to use it, as it can be slightly aggressive toward the clearcoat.

Another interesting bit of information I've read explains that the best clay for cleaning an automotive finish is the yellow clay, which is patented. It seems that Mother's is paying royalties for the use of the yellow clay. I usually find it for the best price at W@%mart.

Gordon Shumway

Very true. Using a claybar only once is a monumental waste of money. Remember, any clay bar will have instructions that say to thoroughly clean the vehicle, and be sure all loose particles are removed before using the claybar. The claybar is removing microscopic contamination, not loose dirt.

Daytona Bob

stupid question. Does playdoh work? (modeling clay)

It's 99cents a can for my kid.

widgetsupply

I really like the Clay Magic clay bars that are sold at Autozone.

need-for-speed

That's not a good idea. First of all, clay removes wax.

Second: clay is a very mild abrasive. That's why it's good for removing contaminants, paint overspray, etc. I wouldn't cay a car more than once a year - or less.

And as mentioned above - I cut mine into about 3 pieces. I use soapy solution as a lubricant, and I use LOTS of it rather than (expensive) detail spray. The downside is the soapy solution makes that thing slippery.

inthehunt2

If I remember reading correctly on Zaino's site, it says something like 3 or 4 uses before discarding the clay. I imagine it depends on how much "contaminant" is pulled from the surface.

And yes, if you drop it, it's over. Pitch it in the nearest trash can.

OK... Just read through the recommendations at Zaino's website in terms of number of uses...

"Do not overuse. A single bar will do 3-4 medium size cars with moderate contamination. If you are removing heavy overspray or rail dust, use the bar once and throw it away."

rakuhn

Well everyone, I learned something new today as well.

Thanks.

need-for-speed

I believe playdoh is made of flour and water (or similar) so it would not have any abrasive properties. It wouldn't do anything.