Clay bar. What is it?
 

I have read alot about cleaning, polishing/waxing and

have seen some of the products at local auto stores. I haven't

seen a "clay bar" at any of the stores. What is it and what does it

do (might be a stupid question if it just a bar of clay)?

I just bought an 07 LMB (750 miles so far). I think I am going to get

some Zaino all-in-one or Turtle wax ICE because they sounds easy

to use but do I use a clay bar before using the other product(s)?

thanks in advance

Mike

Mike,

The clay bar gets out the "dirt" in your paint and does smooth the area for polishing / waxing.


I highly recommend it! :thumbs:


Personally I use Adams, but Zaino is great too.

PSU football,

Thanks for the reply. Are clay bars sold auto stores, and are they just

that, a clay bar that you rub all over the car? I haven't seen any in

pep boys or auto zone.

Go PSU

Auto Zone does carry the clay bar kit made by Mothers. It comes in a box complete with their spray detailer/lubricant. It works well. Use plenty of lube and glide the clay bar gently over the surface. Keep it wet!!! Is it really clay? I don't know, but someone here will. It sure feels like some form of clay. It really gets all of the dirt and comtaminants out of your paint and properly prepares the surface for your favorite wax, polish or sealant. Keep Knurling it periodically after it becomes a bit dirty so you can find a clean area.

Pylons.....clay bar is clay. As such, it is made of extremely fine clay particles that physically pick up contaminants that may be on your car's finish. Personally, it's the only thing I've found that makes my car smooth as glass like a new car. BUT. It CAN cause marks since it's performing an abrasive action. Sure, with plenty of lube (the quick detailer that usually comes with the clay bar, or a mix of car soap/water), the abrasion is minimal and the marks are equally minimal and usually non-existent. The potential for marring is there, however.

My recommendation is to follow the advice in this forum: Check with a plastic bag over your finger whether you even need to clay your car. Run it along your paint after you've washed your car. If you feel little bumps, you could benefit from clay. But if it's still smooth, you're wasting your time and money, and potentially marking your car. Even new cars can require clay treatment if they've been contaminated in the dealer's lot. But I would be very hesitant with a brand new car like yours before I clayed....

If you need clay, then it's worth it......don't be fearful.....it's a no-brainer...just use lubrication and follow the directions on keeping the clay clean. I've used Mother's, but actually like Meguiar's better because it's white. Next Zaino order, I'll probably get some of their clay. I'd stay away from "the blue stuff," though, because it's a harder form of clay. :cheers:

as offered clay is a mechanism for pulling contaminents up and away from paint prior to polishing (abrading) the surface. Dont be afraid of clay .... cup it flat in your hand and allow it to move across your finish. At each studder or stumble, you want to work the area a couple of times to remove this hidden contaminent. Remember to kneed clay frequently and use lots of clay lube to help clay move as it should never be grinded into paint.

I clayed my 04 LMB when it was brand new.
Use plenty of lube, go lightly in straight lines with little pressure, knead it often, and if you drop it, toss it.
Be prepared to polish afterwards as it can cause marring.
I have done mine twice. I did not notice marring the first time, I did the second.

I go by sound and feel. When I don't hear the clay traveling across the surface anymore, and it just glides, I move on to the next area.

Thanks for all the replies

I used a plastic bag to see if I need to "clay" and I don't think

I need to do it. I will polish this week.

Thanks again for the info.

Mike