Clay bar...How does it differ..............
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,335
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From: Qualicum Beach British Columbia
Clay bar...How does it differ..............
How does it differ from just applying a new coat of wax? I have never actually talked to or met anyone that used a clay bar on their paint.
SOMEONE EDUCATE ME PLEASE!
SOMEONE EDUCATE ME PLEASE!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,903
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From: I finished a Marathon, did you? Michigan
CI 6-7, 9-10 Veteran
The clay bar is great for your paint. Check out the car care section there will be plenty of posts that will help you. I use it at least 2x a year. Takes all of the little particles you can not see off of the paint. Good luck,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 1
From: Parkland Florida
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
A clay bar treatment is a MUST. If you have never used a clay bar before Do this: Go wash your car...you could even wash it twice if you want and then use a clay bar (following clay bar instructions).
I PROMISE you that after a wash if you make a few passes over your paint with the clay you will pick up contaminants. Now, after you make a few passes with the clay over a particular section, look at the clay. You should see dirty residue...now rub your hand over it and then rub your hand over an area you haven't clayed...if you can't tell the difference then I'd say you have the most perfect contaminant free paint in the world.
NEVER EVER use a clay bar if you drop it on the ground (I know they are expensive but DON'T DO IT!!) Check out the autotopia forum...fantastic advice from detail enthusiasts and also many tutorials on proper paint care.
All this advice is coming from a paint freak with a black vette btw.
Peace brutha
I PROMISE you that after a wash if you make a few passes over your paint with the clay you will pick up contaminants. Now, after you make a few passes with the clay over a particular section, look at the clay. You should see dirty residue...now rub your hand over it and then rub your hand over an area you haven't clayed...if you can't tell the difference then I'd say you have the most perfect contaminant free paint in the world.
NEVER EVER use a clay bar if you drop it on the ground (I know they are expensive but DON'T DO IT!!) Check out the autotopia forum...fantastic advice from detail enthusiasts and also many tutorials on proper paint care.
All this advice is coming from a paint freak with a black vette btw.
Peace brutha
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If you have any doubts that your car needs a good "claying", take a plastic lunch/sandwich bag and put it over your hand. Then rub your hand with the bag over the hood of your car. You will then be able to feel all of the contaminents and small pieces of dirt.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 81
From: Florence SC
St. Jude Donor '12
Be sure to use some sort of lubricant along with the clay bar. I personally use Griots Garage Speed Shine (www.griotsgarage.com). Like the other posts have said...It's amazing what it will pick off your paint
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
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Think of your paint like skin. Your skin has pores - dirt and other contaminants get into the pores. Clay bar is a very mild abrasive that removes those contaminants...kind of like ex-foliating (ask your wife or girlfriend). Once the paint is free of the contaminants, you're ready to polish and eventually put a protective coating over the smooth clean paint (wax or sealer of your choice).
You must use a lubricating liquid with the clay bar - I prefer detail spray, but some use soapy water. The clay is sticky and the lubricant keeps the clay from sticking to the paint.
If you want a glassy smooth beautiful shine - clay bar is a very important step after you wash the car.
Being an Adam's dealer - this is the product line that I prefer over the the others....but there are other high quality products available. Call me anytime if you'd like to discuss your options or simply want advice on your paint!
Randy
You must use a lubricating liquid with the clay bar - I prefer detail spray, but some use soapy water. The clay is sticky and the lubricant keeps the clay from sticking to the paint.
If you want a glassy smooth beautiful shine - clay bar is a very important step after you wash the car.
Being an Adam's dealer - this is the product line that I prefer over the the others....but there are other high quality products available. Call me anytime if you'd like to discuss your options or simply want advice on your paint!
Randy
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St. Jude Donor '12 thru '26
My Cousin was a clay bar non-believer, thought it would scratch his paint. Once I finished his TR C4 he was a believer, still rather lazy however! 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfEfLGL59GI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfEfLGL59GI
Last edited by Quick Silver Z; May 17, 2009 at 04:59 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 1
From: Parkland Florida
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
My Cousin was a clay bar non-believer, thought it would scratch his paint. Once I finished his TR C4 he was a believer, still rather lazy however!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfEfLGL59GI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfEfLGL59GI
What a beautiful C4!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Right Corner Pocket of Illinois
No-IL Events Coordinator
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '12 thru '26
a car with so many years on it
looking SO good
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
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From: South Florida
Claying is the ability to pull contaminents up and away from the surface. It was used in paint repair facilities and such for years as also removes overspray. Polishing is the ability to use a paste to mechanically abrade the surface and wear down imperfections. So both are actually needed. Using a wax at best might offer some light polishing ability, but certainly does not specialize in each area of car care.
Wash --- Clay --- Polish --- Protect
www.autogeek.net
(see toolbar at top for how-to section, and let us know if we can help)
Wash --- Clay --- Polish --- Protect
www.autogeek.net
(see toolbar at top for how-to section, and let us know if we can help)
