drs

I noticed a few weeks ago, that my car felt very rough to the touch. This included the paint as well as the windows. I was a little surprised as I take good care of it, and it is normally very smooth and slick. The only thing I can think of, is at the office, they were cleaning the sides of the building with a high-pressure spray that was blowing around. And maybe that coated my car with something.

Anyway, I washed my car thinking whatever it was, would come off with a normal wash. However, after the wash, the roughness remained. So, I washed it a second time and "really scrubbed it". Same result, the roughness remained.

Finally I resigned myself to an episode with a clay bar. As you may know, the bar produces nice results, but it sure is a pain. Then I ran across the Clay Mitt. And I have to admit I ordered it with a bit of reluctance, as I just didn't believe it would work as advertised.

Yesterday, I washed my car (yep, still rough) then went to work with the clay mitt. Application is the same as the bar, you work on one section of the car at a time, liberally spraying some form of lubricant prior to rubbing the car. But instead of constantly folding the clay to keep a 'clean' side for the car, you regularly dip the mitt into a bucket of clean water to remove any contaminants. I did not use a lot of pressure. Just gently rubbed the mitt across the surface, similar to a normal wash mitt. I noticed that when starting a new section, I could feel the roughness and hear a sound like rubbing bare feet across the concrete. Then after the first couple of passes, the roughness was removed, and the sound went away. I was still a little skeptical, but started to have hope that this would work. Sure enough, after finishing up and washing/drying again. The finish was back to a smooth as glass feel.

I don't know that the mitt would work as good as the bar in all situations (like removing rail contaminants, etc.) but for this example, the final result with the mitt was just as good as if I had used a bar. And the process took only 15 minutes or so to complete the entire car, was easier to use, no need to fold, or worry about dropping it. And the mitt is reusable.

If you find yourself in a similar situation and are thinking about using a clay bar, you might try a mitt instead. I'm sure there are many versions, but this is the one I used.

Eff A Ford

Thanks. Gonna try it out soon.

Tom/99

I bought one about a year ago, from Autozone. It works great.

maxp

^^^ Never heard of the mitt before, thanks for the info

Rooster OG

I have the nanoskin version of that, I agree, it works great and is a lot easier than a clay bar.

Patches

Never tried the "Mitt" but always open to better solutions.

When traditional clay bars don't do the job, try some Turtle Wax Liquid Ice liquid claybar. Best stuff I have ever used. Took stuff off regular, human claybars could not even phase.

Saved me from a butt-whippin' from the SO a while back. I had gotten some really nasty spray grease all over the wife's black C5 once and nothing in my vast detailer's arsenal would take it off - Zaino, Mother's, Meguire's . . . nothing. I tried paint cleaners, claybars, solvents - everything. As a last resort, I bought some Ice Liquid Clay Bar and it worked perfectly - took the crap off instantly and completely.

I know, I know - Turtle Wax. But, hey, the stuff rocks.

Maxie2U

Count me as skeptical in regards to magical products like this. I'll stick with the traditional clay bar.

BIG Dave

Sounds dangerous.

HoustonMidtown

Same here....

LimeRay

I was skeptical also, then I tried it and realized I was a close minded fool. It takes a fraction of the time and effort, works incredibly well.

Streetrod782

Been using the nano skins for years. Couldn't even tell you where my clay bars are at anymore. This renders them virtually obsolete.

NavyDoc2007

I've been curious about this myself. Thanks! I have been using the nanoskin (if necessary) while washing and dip it in the wash soap to get it lubed up really well prior to using. Works great.

Red C8 of Jax

Interesting, never used one before

capevettes

Thanks for a very interesting post. I have been a little hesitant to try this as I have always used the clay bar with success. This sounds like it's worth a try, at least on the wife's car first.

Boomer111

I have never used the clay but am a happy user of the Nano product.

It just seems to be a easier and safer application method.

With the light roughness I had I used the "fine" sponge and experienced no marring.

I have heard that the "coarser" sponge can lead to a polish requirement afterwards.

bigcypress

i , too , have wondered about the mitt . been hesitant to use clay i bought years ago in spite of the fact i've been given some great suggestions here on the forum . the mitts are about $42 so have been considering a similar ''block'' for about $12 , i'm OLD and thrifty . glad to see this post . . . peace

Boomer111

The Nano sponge is small, say two cigaret packs, it can come out of my hand, but a quick rinse and it is back in action. Unlike the clay which should be thrown away.

The mitt I am sure will be more steady in the hand but is 3-4 times more $$.

ronkh57

For what it's worth.....

I prefer clay. It gives me a better "feel".

BudgetPlan1

Yep. Clay is sometimes fun but when ya wanna decon quick, Nanoskin or similar is the way to go.

SouthBaySurfer

I have them both and have used them both. I prefer the nano.YMMV.