Clay Bar question
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 30,770
Likes: 41
From: Down the Shore New Jersey, Elev.3 feet
St. Jude Donor '17
For the last 2 years I have had my vette detailed at a local detail place and they wash,claybar.wash and wax with a pure canuba wax made for jets and boats. The result is amazing! Never did it myself but it is as smooth as a babys a$$! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 2
From: Arlington VA
to the Clay Magic blue clay bar. This stuff is expensive but it really does a great job. Unless Meguiars has changed their formula, I did not like it as well as it had a tendancy to smear and streak the paint. Pain to then clean the streaking off the paint. I had none of this with Clay Magic. As others have said, cut the bar in half and pancake it in your hand. Use plenty of quick detailer and light pressure when using these products. It should barly touch the surface. If the bar begins to drag at all, stop and add more detail spray. I do not recommend going in circular motion, just back and forth in a straight line from front to back.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,252
Likes: 0
From: NH
From a clay bar NOOB - I've been washing and waxing for a lot of years but just recently discovered clay bar. I tried it on my garage queen black Z06 and didn't notice any changes at all. I tried it on my d/d truck that lives outside and all I can say is WOW! Amazing stuff!
Cliff Notes - Results will vary.
Cliff Notes - Results will vary.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville TN
I've used both the Mother's clay bar and a system of my own. Both seemed to give me the same result. For my cheapo system, I used regular modeling clay and a mixture of water and baby shampoo for the lubricant. The only difference I could tell between the two was that I really had to make sure that the surface was good and wet or the modeling clay would stick to the paint.
I think I paid less than $5 for that setup. Sure beats $20 for a name brand clay system.
I think I paid less than $5 for that setup. Sure beats $20 for a name brand clay system.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 562
Likes: 21
From: Southington Connecticut
Agree with all. 
Paint clay is a miracle product. I've used it for years on many different vehicles. Did the Vette a few weeks ago. While it looked like it didn't need it, its amazing what the clay lifts out of the clear coat that you can't see but can feel. Don't know if there is meaningful difference in the various clay brands out there. I've only used Griots Garage products. Speed shine and clay. Maguire's Quick Detailer is very similar to Speed Shine. Lubrication is the key. Spray on a section and gently rub with a wad of clay. No pressure needed. Wipe off the remaining detailer and you're good to go with your favorite wax.
Once you try it, you'll wonder how you lived without it.
Paint clay is a miracle product. I've used it for years on many different vehicles. Did the Vette a few weeks ago. While it looked like it didn't need it, its amazing what the clay lifts out of the clear coat that you can't see but can feel. Don't know if there is meaningful difference in the various clay brands out there. I've only used Griots Garage products. Speed shine and clay. Maguire's Quick Detailer is very similar to Speed Shine. Lubrication is the key. Spray on a section and gently rub with a wad of clay. No pressure needed. Wipe off the remaining detailer and you're good to go with your favorite wax.
Once you try it, you'll wonder how you lived without it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,195
Likes: 2
From: ATL
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Does this thing actually work? I'm gonna wash my car today, and I don't know whether to clay bar it, or go with the 3M glaze again which did a great job in filling in swirl marks. I do feel some bumps and stuff at the surface, but what exactly does a clay bar do? and how do I go about using it: wash, clay, wash, wax? Also, whats better, the liquid clay bar (I have a buffer) or the bar itself?
Thanks
Kevin
Thanks
Kevin
Yes - They actually work.
Claying is not for everyone. Claying can induce defects.
Here is a link to a website by the forums' own "Bugman".
When you click on the link, click on "C6 CORVETTE" then on the next page, click on "CLAY BAR MARRING".
There is some good information in there with some good reference material.
http://www.bugmanweb.com/
Here are two videos I took claying my Vette a couple of years ago, the the wife's Chrysler 300 earlier this year.
Just Listen...
In the Vette video, the fender (closest vertical panel) has been clayed.
The hood (more horizontal panel) has not been clayed.
Vette clay bar video
In the 300 video you will see (and hear) the transition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C4_K3y3H0E
Wash
Clay
Wash
Polish
Seal (wax)
Best of luck and post up some pics when you're done.
