When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Can any of yo guys or gals give me any idea on the Clay Bar Process? It is supposed to remove the contaminants from the paint. I feel crap all over my car, even after washing. Pros and Cons? How hard is it? What are the results? What about Ceramic Coatings? I am wanting to do a good detail on my car but kind of leary of all the other DIY stuff out there on the market.
What has been yall's best way of getting a good shine?
Clay barring is a simple process, but it takes a long time. Essentially you spray something to lubricate the surface, could be soapy water or a specific clay bar lubricant, then you rub a clean piece of clay bar back and forth on the surface. Plenty of videos on youtube to see the process. I'd recommend a polish after clay bar.
As for ceramic coating... If you've never done it, I'd recommend getting it done by a detailing shop. A good professional level coating will last 3-5 years. They can do the clay bar/polishing if needed too. If you don't really love detailing, it's worth it to have a shop do it all. Most people don't have the patience (or tools) to clay, polish, and coat. Once it's done, all you need to do is wash it regularly. The benefit of a good coating, washing is much easier.
Clay barring is a simple process, but it takes a long time. Essentially you spray something to lubricate the surface, could be soapy water or a specific clay bar lubricant, then you rub a clean piece of clay bar back and forth on the surface. Plenty of videos on youtube to see the process. I'd recommend a polish after clay bar.
As for ceramic coating... If you've never done it, I'd recommend getting it done by a detailing shop. A good professional level coating will last 3-5 years. They can do the clay bar/polishing if needed too. If you don't really love detailing, it's worth it to have a shop do it all. Most people don't have the patience (or tools) to clay, polish, and coat. Once it's done, all you need to do is wash it regularly. The benefit of a good coating, washing is much easier.
Indeed, and if you read up on ceramics, it will give you a massive headache. Each ceramic product is the best ever.
The local detail shop quoted me $1800 for a 4 coat ceramic that they would guarantee for 5 years. A 2 coat job with the same ceramic with a one year guarantee was $800?!? I though the majority of the labor was in the paint correction - but what do I know.
Claybar is very easy but as already mentioned, "Time Consuming".
Not all clay is equal either. The claybar kits you find in your local stores do the job just fine but I personally use a Meguires Professional Clay and Adams spray lubricant to clay my cars. simplky follow the directions provided on the clay kit. just make sure your surface and clay is always lubed with the lubricant spray. Then I will typically use a 1-step polishing compound with my GRIOTS orbital to remove any defects.
The thing with Ceramic coats or even Graphine coats is that the surface needs to be properly prepped before applying it. It takes alot of time to correct the paint before a ceramic coat goes on. This is why alot of detailers charge so much to do it. I do all of my own vehicles. just always follow the manufactures directions and you will be good.
just my opinions.
Detailing my vehicles is my personal therapy.
Last edited by ittybittyfds; 02-10-2021 at 12:41 PM.
All good information. Sounds like my route may be get the Clay Bar done at a detail shop and polish/wax. I think I will stay away from the Clay Bar. If I go this route, how long before the Clay Bar has to be repeated? I'm in Texas. Its garage kept but the summers can be brutal when driving. Oh yeah and its not going to get above freezing for a week. Now that's unusual.
I meant to say that I am going to stay away from the Ceramic Coating.
Last edited by Leslie70; 02-10-2021 at 01:57 PM.
Reason: verbage
Howdy neighbor
For years I was a basic wash/wax kinda guy
Last year finally did some reading, bought a few things, went off the deep end a bit. It is some work but 1) I enjoy it 2) results are impressive.
- wash (I use cheap meguire's $5 half gallon, had it for 10yrs)
- clay bar (amazon special)
- wax (liquid Glass has been best, tried Nu Finish and it was harder to get off all the residue)
- bead Maker detail spray ($30/gal, will last forever)
the end result is spec-tac-ular, without spending much money or all that much time. The finish is smooth, glossy, and much easier to wash / detail spray again. I only clay bar maybe 1/yr
Avoid any 'polish' unless your paint 'needs' it, polish is basically sanding the clear coat..... It can remove swirls etc but the clear coat is only so thick.
Detail shop will be happy to bar/wax then you can easily maintain it with wash / detail spray from there
good luck
pic of Vette, been a week or so since washing at this point, finish is glossy / slick to touch
Indeed, and if you read up on ceramics, it will give you a massive headache. Each ceramic product is the best ever.
The local detail shop quoted me $1800 for a 4 coat ceramic that they would guarantee for 5 years. A 2 coat job with the same ceramic with a one year guarantee was $800?!? I though the majority of the labor was in the paint correction - but what do I know.
For this reason, I just stick with Zaino.
Agreed. Me too! I know some folks swear by various kinds of ceramic coatings, but I'm happy with Zaino.
Clay bar is really easy to do, can be very relaxing, not much more effort than washing. While you're doing it you can feel if all the grit is off.
The best way to experience what a clay bar treatment does is the 'baggie' test. AFTER a good wash and dry, and BEFORE using a claybar, put your hand inside a baggie, and then slide along your painted surface. You will very likely feel it tug and pull at unseen but significant blemishes in your finish. Do a section of clay bar, then repeat the test. If it still tugs, clay bar again. It will be smooth as silk after one or two passes. I was very amazed...
i've clayed and hate doing it . stumbled upon a ''spongelike'' thing on amazon and love using it and i'm very satisfied with the results . i'm really surprised no one else has mentioned it . don't remember name of thing but will look at it next time i go into garage if you would like me to . . . .peace
Like others have said, claying for me is almost therapeutic. Even have my teenage boys doing it on their cars. Clay, then polish, then ceramic. Rewarding!
Old school for me, I like just the clay bar style, results are great (a decent finish helps), and it's exercise, which I can always use. Not concerned about the time element, retired, have all day. Have the gang over every week to tackle another clay bar or buffing job trying to stay busy during these trying times and crappy weather.
Some recently completed jobs these past few months.
02-10-2021, 11:27 AM
Clay Bar, Ceramic Coatings or what?
