What lubricant should you use with a clay bar?
What they usually ask is, "What does a clay bar do?" As you know, we love to educate and want to fill that information gap. The clay bar treatment is another part of the decontamination process, which is a vital step for all ceramic coating applications. This step comes after the decontamination wash and removes debris that is still stuck in the paint.
How to properly use a clay bar?
Sep 01, 2020 · Clay bar treatment is often used before a vehicle owner prepares to apply some sort of paint-protection, such as a ceramic coating, paint sealant, or PPF. This is because before applying any sort of coating, the surface should be completely smooth, which is what clay bar treatment does by removing all the debris and contaminants that are stuck to your car’s clear …
What is the difference between clay bar and rubbing compound?
Mar 02, 2021 · A clay bar treatment is when a piece of clay is used to remove contaminants from the surface of your car’s paint. Although you might not be able to see all of the contaminants with your naked eye, there’s a lot of dirt and dust that have a handy way of sticking to your car’s paint as you drive around.
What is a clay bar, and how does it work?
The clay bar lubricant provides a slick surface for you to glide your clay over. If you use the clay on paint without clay lube, you'll notice that the clay won't slide across your paint and you can easily add marring and leave behind pieces of clay on your paint which can be a pain to remove. Many detailers use a quick detailer as their clay lube.
Is Clay Bar good for your car?
A clay bar is an engineered, clay-like product that pulls contaminants like water spots, brake dust, metal dust, industrial pollution and road grit from your clear coat. When used with a clay lubricant, these contaminants come loose from your car and get stuck safely in the clay so they don't damage your clear coat.
Is Claying your car worth it?
These particles also prevent wax and polish from working properly, which means you don't get as clear a shine. If you want to protect your paint job in the future and have your car looks its best, clay bar detailing is absolutely worth it.May 30, 2018
How long does clay bar treatment last?
between 18- 24 monthsThings you'll need for the treatment A single 2 oz. clay bar should last you between 18- 24 months if used on the same vehicle.Nov 5, 2021
Does clay bar remove scratches?
A clay bar does NOT remove any scratches from the surface of the paint because it contains no abrasives. A clay bar is useful for when a car's paint feels rough and is no longer smooth to the touch as it can help restore that nice smooth feeling you once knew and loved.
Should I polish my car after Claying?
The detailer's rule of thumb is to always decontaminate the surface with a clay bar before putting on a new coat of wax, or polishing any exterior paintwork. Those foreign particles block wax from sticking to the paint, making it last for a shorter time and not shine as bright.
Do you wash car after clay bar?
When you're finished claying your car, you may need to wash it to remove any lubricant film. If you plan to use a pre-wax cleaner polish, it will remove clay residue so there's no need to wash. Last but not least, after using clay, seal your freshly cleaned paint with your choice of wax or sealant.Sep 17, 2021
How long does it take to clay bar a car?
If it's your first time, you should expect the process to take an hour or so. Once you've done it a few times (and your car is already pretty clean), you should be able to eventually bring the total amount of time down to about 30 minutes or less.Nov 29, 2009
Does clay bar remove wax?
Removing your car's wax, sealant or coating prior to claying will help the clay bar fully remove the contaminants without being impaired by the paint protection layer. However, in most cases the clay will be capable of removing both the wax/ sealant/ coating, as well as the contaminants.
Is it OK to clay bar a new car?
If your paint feels rough or textured, then you need to clay. If it feels smooth as glass than you shouldn't need to clay, but it definitely wouldn't hurt. In all honestly, claying a new car shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes, and it requires very little effort.Feb 22, 2010
Will clay bar remove rust spots?
The Clay Bar is very easy to use: from the original bar, just take a piece off and mould it into a flat shape that can act effectively on the bodywork. Then pass the clay bar on rust spots by rubbing with small and very fast movements.Aug 9, 2017
How often should you use a clay bar on your car?
2 to 3 times a yearAlthough there's no specific schedule to clay bar your car, you must do this at least 2 to 3 times a year. How often you clean your car will determine the grade you use.Sep 10, 2020
What can I use instead of a clay bar?
What Are Alternatives To Using a Clay Bar?Clay Mitts. Clay mitts provide the same services as a clay bar, but they are much easier to use. ... Using Clay Mitts. Clay bars should be replaced whenever you drop them on the ground as they can quickly absorb too many contaminants. ... Clay Towels. ... Clay Pads.Dec 21, 2021
When to use clay bar?
It’s a great idea to use a clay bar before and after a cold winter when your car will be subject to ice, snow, and salt. If you live near the ocean you may want to get more frequent clay bar treatments due to the salty air.
What is a clay bar?
Clay bars are innovative tools that help restore your car to its full potential. When paired with a good lubricant, it uses its putty-like texture to remove any pollutants or impurities from the surface of the car. While “clay bar” might sound like something that would scratch your paint, it’s actually smooth and waxy.
Can you use clay bar wax on a car?
The outer coat of your car isn’t as sturdy as you think it is, and pollutants and contaminants can infiltrate it and bleed down into the more fragile color layer. You don’t have to use a clay bar as often as you clean your car.
How does clay bar work?
Clay bar treatment works by gliding across your car’s paint surface and grabbing any items that are on the surface , such as grime and dirt. Since clay is so sticky, it can even absorb particles that are bonded with the car’s clear coat. The tacky nature of clay requires lubricant to be applied to the surface of whatever is being clay barred to reduce the amount of friction and heat build-up, and thus helps reduce any potential paint damage.
What is a clay bar?
A clay bar is a natural or synthetic tool consisting of a resin mixture and other synthetic ingredients that automotive detailers use to remove contaminants and pollutants from fiberglass, paint, glass, or metal. Basically, it’s one of the best and easiest ways of providing a clean surface. The average clay bar looks like this one pictured.
What is clay lubricant spray?
Clay lubricant spray is basically concentrated car shampoo – diluted at a 4 to 1 ratio. As such, you’re going to have a LOT of stuck on soap on the surface of your vehicle when you are finished. As a preventative measure, take time to complete a full two-bucket method car wash.
What is the test to see if you need to clean a car with clay?
One of the tests used to know whether the paint surface requires paint cleaning clay, clay towel or clay bar treatment is called the plastic bag test. The bag test is an easy DIY test to help you determine if you should clay bar your car or not.
How to get rid of a clay bar on a car?
Spray the Lubricant. Take your clay bar lubricant and spray a large amount onto the surface of your car. The lubricant can’t damage your car’s surface, but the clay bar can, so more is better in this case.
How many ounces of clay do you need for car detailing?
Automotive clay is most often sold in either a 2 or 8-oz bar – a 2oz bar is usually enough to handle a complete treatment for most cars, SUVs, and trucks. You will also need spray lubricant. Either use the one that is made specifically ...
What happens if you use small debris on clay?
If correctly used, small debris particles will stick onto the clay, leaving the painted surface clean. There are grades of clay bars, and usually the rougher or harder grades are used as preparation before attempting to remove deeply imprinted debris.
What is a clay bar treatment?
If you want to take your car’s shine to another level, or if you just want to restore your old car’s paint job , then a clay bar treatment is a good step in doing so.
What is a clay bar?
A clay bar treatment is when a piece of clay is used to remove contaminants from the surface of your car’s paint. Although you might not be able to see all of the contaminants with your naked eye, there’s a lot of dirt and dust that have a handy way of sticking to your car’s paint as you drive around.
How to make a clay bar?
As far as the actual clay bar process, here are the basic steps, courtesy of The Drive: 1 Wash and dry your car thoroughly 2 Remove the clay bar and separate it into halves or quarters (you won’t need all of it) 3 Work the clay with your fingers and make a small, flat disc out of it 4 Pick out a small section of your car to work on first (hood, fender, etc.) 5 Spray the section liberally with a quick detailer or clay lube 6 Lightly glide the clay over the lubricated surface in a back-and-forth motion 7 Wipe off the excess detail spray with a microfiber towel 8 Fold the clay over itself and work it with your hand to flatten it out and reveal a cleaner portion of it 9 Continue the same process until the rest of the car is completely clayed 10 Be sure to wax, polish, or ceramic coat your car’s paint afterward for extra protection
How to make a clay disc out of a car?
Wash and dry your car thoroughly. Remove the clay bar and separate it into halves or quarters ( you won’t need all of it) Work the clay with your fingers and make a small, flat disc out of it. Pick out a small section of your car to work on first (hood, fender, etc.) Spray the section liberally with a quick detailer or clay lube.
Can you wax a car after it's been clayed?
Continue the same process until the rest of the car is completely clayed. Be sure to wax, polish, or ceramic coat your car’s paint afterward for extra protection. Just remember that if you end up dropping the clay on the ground or setting it down in a dirty area, you’ll have to throw it out and use a new, clean piece.
Can clay bar remove scratches?
While a clay bar treatment can remove contaminants like bird droppings, tree sap, paint overspray, and brake dust, it cannot remove actual scratches in the paint because it doesn’t contain any abrasives, according to the Chemical Guys. In order to remove scratches, you would need to use a scratch remover or some type of rubbing compound.
What does a clay bar do to paint?
Using a clay bar will remove embedded surface contamination that still remains after a maintenance wash. Sometimes the contamination removed is not always visible on the paint to the naked eye. After using a clay bar on your paint you will be left with a surface that is as smooth as glass and properly prepped.
What should I do before using a clay bar?
Before using a clay bar, your car should be washed and dried to remove a majority of contamination on your vehicle. The more contaminated the paint is the more likely imperfections can be added during the clay bar process.
What is a decontamination pad?
Decontamination pads and towels utilize a urethane rubber face to help clean the exterior paint, glass, etc. making it easier and quicker than a traditional clay bar. These pads and towels can be washed and reused, even if dropped on the floor, whereas a clay bar should be trashed after it picks up some heavy contamination or is dropped on a dirty garage floor. In some instances, an aggressive clay bar may be necessary either before or after the decontamination pad or towel is used, but most of the time these will eliminate the need for a clay bar.
How to tell if clay is contaminated?
You can often tell if there is contamination still on the surface by listening closely as your clay. Avoid using a clay bar in direct sunlight so that your clay lube does not dry up quickly. Cutting your clay bar into small pieces helps preserve your clay in the event you drop a piece.
How often should I use a clay bar?
We recommend using a clay bar roughly twice a year, or before details where you plan on polishing the paint. If your car is subject to industrial fallout or heavily contaminated areas, using a clay bar more often may be required.
Can you wash a car with a clay bar?
It's good practice to re-wash your vehicle after using a clay bar to remove any loosened contamination and to remove excess clay bar residue. Clay not only works well on your paint, but also your glass, wheels, plastics and other surfaces. Here are a few articles related to Clay Bars from our Ask-a-Pro Detailer Blog:
Can you use clay bar lubricant on a car?
Working on a small area ensures that your clay lube will not dry up too fast. Do not use too much pressure when gliding a clay bar across the lubricated surface. Using a quick detailer that leaves behind a slick surface is often good as a clay bar lubricant. For most vehicles, we recommend using a fine grade clay bar.
How to use a clay bar?
Using a clay bar is pretty simple. We just need 3 things: First, we apply the detailing spray or clay lubricant to a small area of your car. This is important: without some sort of lubricant, the clay could damage your car’s paint. Then we slowly glide the clay along the body of your car. It’ll grab the surface, ...
What is clay bar detailing?
Clay bar detailing is when you use an engineered elastic clay compound to remove particles from your car’s surface that a thorough car wash could never get. This includes: Everywhere you go, your car is being pelted with miniscule particles that bond to its surface.
Why is it important to detail your car semi-monthly?
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It's important that you're detailing your car semi-monthly to maintain it's condition. Whether you want your car to look fresh for a special occasion, give someone a useful gift, or just want that new-car feel, a Bemac detailing will do the trick.
Is clay bar detailing worth it?
If you want to protect your paint job in the future and have your car looks its best, clay bar detailing is absolutely worth it.
