Treatment FAQ

what is clay bar treatment

by Zoey Stamm Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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CLAY BAR TREATMENT

  1. Tree sap falls on almost every car in the Austin area and dries there leaving little bumps across your finish.
  2. Rail dust embeds in your finish. These are very small hot metal filings that come from trains as the metal train wheels rub against the track. ...
  3. Insect droppings... ...

More items...

A Clay Bar Treatment is the process of using a clay bar to remove containments from the surface of your car. Common containments that pollute and slowly destroy your vehicle include things like rail dust, brake dust, and industrial fallout.Dec 11, 2017

Full Answer

What lubricant should you use with a clay bar?

Dec 11, 2017 · A Clay Bar Treatment is the process of using a clay bar to remove containments from the surface of your car. Common containments that pollute and slowly destroy your vehicle include things like rail dust, brake dust, and industrial fallout.

How to properly use a clay bar?

Dec 15, 2020 · 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.

What is the difference between clay bar and rubbing compound?

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.

What is a clay bar, and how does it work?

Nov 05, 2021 · Using a clay bar to remove contaminants from your car’s surface is called a clay bar treatment. Rail dust, brake dust, and industrial fallout are all common contaminants that damage and degrade your car over time. Even after several washes and polishes, these contaminants may permeate paint, glass, and metal and deposit on them.

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What does a clay bar actually do?

A clay bar is either a natural or synthetic engineered resin compound designed to remove or 'lift' contamination from your vehicles surface to provide a contamination free, smooth surface to apply protection to. Contamination such as: industrial fallout, rail dust, honey due, tree sap and bitumen tar.Aug 15, 2019

Is clay bar good for your car?

Over time, these particles could permanently damage your paint. 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?

Things 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

Will 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.

Does clay bar damage clear coat?

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.

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

Is clay bar better than wax?

Conclusion. In conclusion, these two products both are important to use on your vehicle, but simply put a cleaner wax is a protectant with the ability to clean some substances off your car, while the purpose of clay is to remove contaminants.

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 water spots?

Typically a washing, white vinegar and water solution, or a clay bar will not remove the water marks, they only work when it's a light residue on the surface. Unfortunately many water marks actually lightly etch in to the surface and in these instances you'll need a stronger option.

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

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

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.

What is clay bar treatment?

Using a clay bar to remove contaminants from your car’s surface is called a clay bar treatment. Rail dust, brake dust, and industrial fallout are a...

How often you should use clay bar treatments?

We recommend claying twice a year, but if you’re confident in your technique, it’s OK to do it whenever you choose.

Is it advisable to do clay bar treatment at home?

Preferably, NO. The process appears simple and easy to be done in the comforts of your home. But this entire process needs precision and experience...

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.

What is clay bar treatment?

Clay bar treatment which is often referred to as the claying or clay baring is a form of complex detailing treatment that should not be used or attempted to use without necessary precautions. In cases where it is properly used, can be of great benefit to your vehicle’s paint. If you want to achieve the desired contamination-free finish ...

Why use a clay bar on a car?

There are 4 primary reasons to use clay bar treatment for your car: 1. Bonded contaminants above the surface can be safely removed by claying.

Why clay a car?

If you are planning to get your vehicle’s surface coated with wax or a paint sealant, then claying your painted surface is essential because it will not only make your investment worth it but will also maximize the effect of wax or sealant.

Does clay bar work on car paint?

If they are not removed, they tend to get bonded with the paint and will not come off from normal washing. This is where claying has proven to be beneficial. Clay bar is formulated in such a way that will scrap off contaminants from the surface of your vehicle’s paint without damaging your car.

What is paint contamination?

Paint contamination can also result from the friction between the brake pads and rotor. This contamination is called brake dust. When the brake is applied friction between metals is created, and that causes tiny particles of bare metal to disperse off into the environment and get stuck on the vehicle’s surface.

Can you use clay bar lubricant on car paint?

It is important to use specially designed clay bar lubricants beforehand or a product that is formulated to provide slip, such as a detailer spray or a protectant shampoo. It is a popular misbelief that the clay bar is abrasive and can remove the paintwork on your vehicle’s surface.

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

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.

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.

How to get rid of grip on car paint?

After your car paint is fully lubricated, take the synthetic clay bar or mitt and gently rub it back and forth across the surface. You should feel the fine clay bar or mitt grabbing/picking up bits and pieces from the paint’s surface. Continue moving the clay bar or mitt backward and forward across the car, until you feel the level of grip start to reduce. Add more lubricant if needed.

Can you use a clay mitt on a car?

To perform a clay treatment on your car, you have two options, both of which are sold as DIY kits: either a clay bar or a clay mitt. There are pros and cons to each, so it all comes down to whichever you prefer.

Can you use clay bar lubricant on a car?

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.

Can you use clay bar on car paint?

If you are new to DIY car maintenance, it’s quite possible that clay bar treatment is a bit outside of your wheelhouse. But believe it or not, using clay to remove tiny imperfections and debris in the paint’s clear coat surface has been around for quite some time.

What is a clay bar?

The clay bar. A microfibre cloth. 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.

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.

What is road grit?

Road grit. Everywhere you go, your car is being pelted with miniscule particles that bond to its surface. They can work their way down through the clear protective coat, through your paint, and all the way down to the metal frame.

What is a clay bar?

A “Clay Bar Detail” is most commonly used on paint, but also works on glass, fiberglass, and metal. When done properly, using Clay as a detailing product is non-abrasive and should not damage your car. Steps.

How big is a clay bar?

Clay bars usually come in sizes ranging from 2–8 oz (57–227 g). The 2 oz (57 g) size is more than enough for 1 car, and is a very manageable piece of clay to work with. If you buy a larger bar, you can cut it into sections with a sharp knife and seal up the pieces you don’t need for later use. For example, you can cut a 6 oz (170 g) ...

How to protect paint from corrosion?

Apply a coat of wax or sealant after “claying” the whole car. Follow the instructions on the packaging of the clay bar and the wax or sealant. Waxing or sealing protects the paint from corrosion that can form in the tiny holes that had been previously filled with contaminants before “claying.”.

Who is Tom Eisenberg?

Auto Technician. This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg. Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry.

Who owns West Coast Tires?

Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry.

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