Clay Bar Treatment
- Remove contaminants from the cars paint surface.
- Promote a smooth and shiny finish
- Prepare the surface so polish or wax can stick to the paint.
How to properly clay bar your car?
Dec 11, 2017 · How to use a Clay Bar. 1. Clean your car. Before using a clay bar, we suggest that your vehicle should be washed and dried to eliminate most of the surface containments. 2. Use detailer spray. 3. Glide the clay bar. 4. Check the clay bar. 5. Check your work.
What does a clay bar do to your car?
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.
How to use a clay bar to clean your car?
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.
What lubricant should you use with a clay bar?
Clay bars are made of a special detailing resin that allows you to grab and pull contaminants from the clear coat to deep clean your finish and prep your paintwork for polishing. Car detailing professionals use a clay bar any time they’re going to perform a paint correction or apply a new layer of wax to their finish.
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.
When should you clay bar a car?
Generally, you should Clay your car every time you give it a thorough clean including polishing and waxing, etc. Claying doesn't have to be undertaken every time you clean your car as this is simply not required. Check your car after washing and before polishing to see if claying is required.
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 last on car?
18 months to 2 yearsclay bar will last you 18 months to 2 years if used on the same vehicle. If you buy clay in an 4 oz. bar, like Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay or BLACKFIRE Poly Clay, cut it in half and keep the unused portions moistened with lubricant in the storage case.
Should 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
What does a clay bar 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
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 do you need to use a clay bar lubricant?
The clay bar and the vehicle must be lubricated with the clay bar lubricant all the time in order to avoid paint damage and ensure that the clay bar is working properly.
Why is polishing easier?
The polishing action is made easier and smoother because the contaminants are removed prior with the help of the clay bar treatment.
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.
Is clay bar safe for clearcoat?
Clay bar is a completely safe treatment for contamination removal from your vehicle’s surface, and when used properly, will not cause any damage or harm to the clearcoat. However, a clay bar can lift away any protection applied before the decontamination treatment.
What you need to know
The longer dirt and stains are allowed to dwell on your car, the more likely they are to become embedded in your clear coat. If you’ve gone several weeks, or even months, without washing your car, there may still be traces of brake dust, bird droppings and water spots stuck to your finish after you scrub away the stains.
Wash and dry your car
Start by washing your car from the top down with a car wash mitt and an all-purpose car wash shampoo like M.A.X. Power Detergent and a bucket of water. Continue to scrub until you’ve lifted all the stains and soils from your vehicle, then rinse your car thoroughly with agarden hose. Towel dry using a fresh, microfiber towel.
Separate and shape your clay
Pull your clay bar into two halves and return one half to the package. Shape the other half of your clay into a flat oval about the size of your palm. You only need as much clay as will fit in your hand. Clay bars pick up contaminants easily, so if you drop it,you won’t be able to use it again.
Apply clay bar lubricant
Add a quarter-sized drop of clay bar lubricant to your detailing clay, as well as directly to a 2’ x 2’ section of your car. This will make it easier to slide the clay bar over the surface of your car without pushing contaminants deeper into the clear coat.
Rub the clay into your finish
Next, you’re going to rub the clay over the surface of your car using a back-and-forth motion to pull the contaminants from your paint finish. Avoid circular motions to prevent leaving any scratches or swirls in the clear coat.
Check your work
Once you’ve clay barred the entire section, use the baggie trick to check your work. If the surface of your car still feels gritty, continue to apply the clay bar to this section until it feels smooth like glass.
Follow up with a polish and wax
And just like that, you've clay barred your car like the pros do. Now that your car is actually squeaky clean, it’s time to follow your clay bar treatment with a quick polish and wax to correct and restore your paintwork to its original, showroom gloss.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 kind of lubricant should I use for a car?
For most vehicles, we recommend using a fine grade clay bar. A medium grade clay bar will almost always leave behind some marring that needs to be polished to remove. Optimum No Rinse mixed with water is a common clay bar lubricant amongst professionals.
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:
How to use auto detailing clay?
Work from top to bottom – left to right – and stick to using it on the same panel.
What to use to speed up claying?
If you want to speed up your claying, you might consider using a clay mitt or clay towel. These products will cover a larger surface area than the traditional clay bar. They work just as well – but are larger – so it covers more space than a regular bar.
How to get rid of red paint on car?
This is the chemical starting to ‘melt’ or breakdown the ferrous materials. Rinse off with fresh water.
Can you spray on a dry substance?
The wet surface helps to dilute the reaction and reduces staining. Never spray in direct sunlight.
Is it rocket science to detail a car?
Detailing a car is not rocket science. But it certainly is amazing how many YouTube Certified detailers try to make it seem as such. Let’s be clear – the process of detailing is made easier when you understand the why’s – not exactly the how’s. This applies to using a clay bar kit or synthetic clay during a full detailing project.
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 is a clay bar?
Essentially, clay bars are an essential tool to remove dirt and contaminants from your car that typically can’t be removed with a standard wash, or even through polishing and waxing. The good news is, the process of clay bar detailing is straightforward enough that anyone can do it, but it does take a bit of time.
What is the California Gold Clay Bar System?
The package includes two clay bars, instant detailer, and a microfiber cloth so you can go straight to detailing your car. This clay bar is great for cleaning oxidized paint and overspray, offering good value overall since it does include instant detailer and a microfiber cloth. It’s also one of the easier-to-use clay bars if you’re inexperienced with clay bar detailing since it’s not very abrasive.
What is Griot's garage paint cleaning clay?
Priced competitively, especially for the amount you get, Griot’s Garage Paint Cleaning Clay is a well-rounded clay bar. It comes in an 8-ounce sealed container, so it maintains moisture even after long storage. It’s a little bit harder to form and shape compared to other products, and it doesn’t offer the same tactile experience but it does work pretty fast on larger surface areas. It’s recommended to use this clay bar with Speed Shine lubricant from Griot’s, but any other lubricant will suffice, such as Meguiar’s Quik Detailer.
What is Adam's Polishes?
Adam’s Polishes is another very reputable brand in the car care industry , and its clay bars are great for restoring your car’s shine. Made from super soft, ultra fine grade material, each jar comes with 2 bars (100 grams) that are designed to go after small particles.
Can you use Quik Detailer with a clay bar?
This does mean it’s more pliable, so you can quickly fold it to start working on another area of your car. The included bottle of Quik Detailer is likely good enough for one of the two clay bars, so you’ll likely have to purchase another bottle of Quik Detailer to use with the second clay bar.
Can you use a clay bar on more than one car?
When used properly, a clay bar should not damage the paint on your car. To ensure the best results, you don’t want to use the same clay bar on more than four cars, or based on manufacturer’s recommendations. Just make sure you’re using plenty of lubricant or quick detailer during the process.
Can you use a clay bar to clean car paint?
Keep in mind that detailing with a clay bar isn’t a substitute to regular washing and waxing your car.