What is a clay bar, and how does it work?
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.
What lubricant should you use with 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.
How to properly use a clay bar?
Clay bar treatment will allow your choice of wax or paint sealant to work effectively 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.
What are the best clay bars?
It is through the above process that the clay bar removes wax from your car. Please note that there are three grades of clay bars and they remove wax differently. The first type is the medium grade detailing clay and it removes every type of contaminant that bonds to your car surface, wax included. This is commonly used by car owners and should be used once or twice a year.
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 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 clay bar wax last?
clay 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.
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
Does claybar 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.
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.
What do you use 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
What is clay bar made of?
Clay bars are made from synthetic clay. This is different from natural organic clay. It works just like a razor works to remove hairs from skin. It shaves (sheers) off paint contamination present on the surface as the clay bar glides on top of the lubrication product.
How do you clean a clay bar?
2:574:13How to Wash & Clay Bar Your Car's Paint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow check your clay bar every so often. And if it gets extremely dirty you'll want to kind of knead.MoreNow check your clay bar every so often. And if it gets extremely dirty you'll want to kind of knead. It like this until you can find a nice clean new surface to work to work with after that.
How often should you clay bar 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
Which is better clay bar or compound?
However, a clay bar is far superior for removing bonded contaminants (if you run your hand across the paint and it has a gritty feel, you have bonded contaminants) and paint overspray. Compounds are typically more used to level your paint to remove swirls, scratches, etc.
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
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.
When to use clay bar?
The best time for you to use a clay bar is when your wax has outlived its purpose. Or, you intend on re-waxing your car. The purpose of a clay bar is to remove contaminants from your car surface and waxing on the other hand is to offer protection from these contaminants. As a smart car owner, knowing when to use these products can help prolong ...
What is a clay bar?
Clay bar is designed to wipe off all these particles from your car’s surface. Failure to use a clay bar, these contaminants will penetrate your clear coat and start damaging the paint. Contaminants such as acid rain contain metal particulates that oxidize and speed up the rusting process.
Why use a clay bar on car paint?
With time those tiny orange spots grow bigger and leave your car paint job looking like a mess. Clay bar is manufactured to help you prevent all this from happening. Even though it does remove wax from your car surface. A car that is often washed with a clay bar is free from contaminants.
Why do we wash cars?
The reason why we wash our cars is to remove surface contaminants such as dirt, grime, grease, and pollen. Clay bars on the other hand take things a notch higher. Claying removes bonded contaminants from your car surface. This includes bugs, tree sap, or light paint overspray.
Can you use a clay bar on clear coat?
The problem usually arises from the particles being removed. If they are abrasive, they can scratch the clear coat and paint. That’s why your car surface has to be lubricated before you can clay it.
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 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.
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 are clay bars used for?
Clay bars are used to remove contaminants that soaps and waxes can’t. These tiny particles can include any of the following: Industrial fallout (tiny metal particles) Road grime. Sap or small tar particles. Other metal and fiberglass particles. Bug remains.
What is the difference between wax and clay?
The main difference between wax and a clay bar is that wax is first and foremost a protectant, while automotive clay is not. While both of these products can clean to an extent, they serve different purposes. Clays are formulated to remove contaminants waxes can’t, while cleaner waxes are meant to protect, while also removing minor surface defects. ...
Why clay a car?
The reason claying is important is because you want wax to adhere to a 100% cleaned clear coat, with these tiny particles removed.
Is wax a protectant?
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.
Can you wax a car without claying?
Claying your vehicle is important periodically, but as long as you keep a high-quality wax or sealant on your vehicle, you can get by without claying your vehicle as often.
How long does it take for wax to stick?
Expensive. Takes up to 24 hours to stick. Wax Vs. Sealant. The wax on the bottom layer of the surface will create an oily and unstable base for the sealant to be applied upon. Whether you are a fan of using wax, this can negatively affect the performance and durability of the sealant.
How long does sealant last?
Working with sealant does not consist of working into the paint. Sealants last much longer than wax does, up to 12 months’ time. Work in small sections to rub the sealant in thin and even motions. Normally sealant is made from a synthetic ingredient.
Is it easier to apply sealant or wax?
Sealants are easy to apply. A sealant is known to last longer than wax. Known to have a more repellant behavior it will diminish more than wax does. Degrading wax is hard to remove, but that is not the case for sealant. Though sealants are a bit more expensive and require more preparation before applying after clay bar touches.
Is a sealant a good base for a coating?
In order for the coating to work, the coating needs a perfectly prepared surface. While sealants work well in the long run, a sealant is also not a very good and stable base for the coating. The sealant is not that element. The sealant will most likely perform slightly better than using wax as a bottom layer. You should know that using a sealant will still not perform as well as the coating should. The benefit could be that any sealants work better collectively with coatings than others, which would reduce the number it affects the performance of the coating.
Does wax on the bottom of a coating affect the coating?
This will most likely make the coating work much less correctly then it should . Strength and overall performance will be negatively affected. The entire layer of the product would need to be removed and reapplied within months of coating with wax. The benefit could be that the wax might have filled-in some small surface imperfections.
Can you use wax on paint?
Wax. Don’t worry beginning users, the wax is very easy to use. As long as your paintwork is clean, just apply thin and even coats. When the wax hazes over and is dry, the excess is easily buffed off with a clean microfibre towel. No matter what, you will always run into difficulties when applying wax or sealant. Sealant.
