Using The Clay Bar
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 15,841
Likes: 0
From: It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Alto MI
Generally, you apply some sort of lubricant (either from a manufacturer or soap and water), then drag the clay bar across the paint using medium pressure.
You might want to post up in the car car section for more specifics.
You might want to post up in the car car section for more specifics.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,133
Likes: 1
From: ~The DARKSIDE Group~
Wash the car first....
Some clay bar kits come with a spray soloution use it liberaly, the clay should always be moist. Also refold the clay often so a clean surface is touching the car. Never lay the clay on a dirt surface or the ground, it will pick up impurities.
FYI, directions are on the box. lol
Some clay bar kits come with a spray soloution use it liberaly, the clay should always be moist. Also refold the clay often so a clean surface is touching the car. Never lay the clay on a dirt surface or the ground, it will pick up impurities.
FYI, directions are on the box. lol
Uber Waxer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 5
From: Hanover MD
Cruise-In 8-9-10-11 Veteran
CI 9, 10 & 11 Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
i wouldnt use too much pressure, some clay bars will actually scratch depending on how agressive they are.
use lots of lubricant....soap and water is probably the cheapest way to go, once you have mastered it, then you can use some detail spray for spot clean ups. i have seen people use an entire bottle of spray detailer when claying a car.
use lots of lubricant....soap and water is probably the cheapest way to go, once you have mastered it, then you can use some detail spray for spot clean ups. i have seen people use an entire bottle of spray detailer when claying a car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 0
From: I have to return some videotapes
Ask here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=10
I use quick detailer instead of soap because I don't like the soap drying on the paint. Also, you should use light to medium pressureand let the clay do the work.
I use quick detailer instead of soap because I don't like the soap drying on the paint. Also, you should use light to medium pressureand let the clay do the work.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Haymarket VA
CI 7-8 Veteran
Water and soap as a lubricant. Medium pressure. Do a couple square inches at a time. Fold the claybar over after each section. If you drop it (and you will drop it) just throw it away unless you put a towel down to catch it. You will never pull the dirt out of it if it touches the ground and it will scratch yourt paint after that.
Do a search in the car care section, there has been a lot of discussion on this topic.
Do a search in the car care section, there has been a lot of discussion on this topic.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 0
From: Palmdale CA
St. Jude Donor '06
Check out
http://www.adamspolishes.com/videos/
or
http://www.autogeek.net/
They both have instructional videos posted online.
http://www.adamspolishes.com/videos/
or
http://www.autogeek.net/
They both have instructional videos posted online.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
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From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Water and soap as a lubricant. Medium pressure. Do a couple square inches at a time. Fold the claybar over after each section. If you drop it (and you will drop it) just throw it away unless you put a towel down to catch it. You will never pull the dirt out of it if it touches the ground and it will scratch yourt paint after that.
Do a search in the car care section, there has been a lot of discussion on this topic.
Do a search in the car care section, there has been a lot of discussion on this topic.
Each clay bar I have ever used included a detailing spray as lubricant and that really is all the lubrication is. As mentioned before, fold it over and over and over again, never use the same area to much, keep folding it. It really does do wonders on the car.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 450
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From: Northern N.J. NJ
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
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From: Orlando FL
Uber Waxer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 5
From: Hanover MD
Cruise-In 8-9-10-11 Veteran
CI 9, 10 & 11 Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Polish doesn’t pull contaminates from the pores of the finish, it just smoothes them down.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
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From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
I have used the clay bar numerous times on my ex-Z28 and my current BLACK coupe and it has been a huge difference in shine once I polish it up.
I guess some people have their own methods.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 48
From: Chattanooga TN
I just used the clay bar method for the first time last week and I was totally amazed at how well it works. The car is so smoooooth now. It really does a great job. Just keep working the clay around in your hands to keep it fresh. I bought the Mother's Clay bar kit. It has lubricant spreay, 80g clay bar, and a bottle of carnuba cleaner wax. Best $15 I ever spent.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
Clay Bar
I've read this: Using a clean dry hand, drag your fingers across the paint. If it's as smooth as glass, no need to clay bar. If it feels like tiny bits of sand embedded in your paint, then the clay bar will probably be beneficial.