The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Anyone ever used the CLAY bars

After reading Bruce's post about the best chamois I thought I'd ask if anyone has ever detailed their car or truck using the clay bars. I did some reading on them not long ago and its stated that the pro's at the BIG FANCY car shows use the clay bars to really spruce them up.

So, if any of you have ever done this would you please give us your experience and tips on the brands and the how to's.
Is it that tough to use it.
Thanks

Hi Alvin.....I have used Clay bars on both my '40 and BMW. Its pretty amazing the amount of crud that is left on your paint after washing ! The clay takes it off really well. If you run your hand before & after, paint is much smoother. After you " clay " you need to rewax the vehicle. Pretty easy to use / just keep the surface wet

A guy I know from Inliners used it on his car. At the time he told me about it he hadn't completed doing the entire car. You could see and feel the difference. Pretty impressive. None of mine have paint good enough to use it on though.

It may vary depending on the quality of your paint job. I have used clay bars and see no difference in the finished job. The clay bar is picking up some stuff because it will get some discoloration and has to be folded into itself to keep it clean. On my vehicles I can see absolutely no difference between areas I used a clay bar on and those I didn't. I quit using them. When I did use them it was on paint that did not need compounding, just polish and wax.

Chuck

Bruce, when you say wet you mean keep the hose running on it or just dip it in the pail and rub...dip in pail and rub...
I know it has instructions on the clay bars but first hand experience trumps instructions!!!

There are specialized solutions sold by the same folks that sell the clay bars. You should also be able to find some at any FLAPS that sell clay bars. I think they would try to stick with just water. You want them to glide when you are using it.

Chuck

Folks I know with high end cars swear by the clay bars

That's cause they don't do the rubbing, they just write the check.

Alvin......I just use a spray bottle with plain water. Keep the area you are working on nice and wet. As Hookalatch mentioned, you just keep folding the clay over on itself as it picks up the grime.

I detail vehicles as a side business and have for over 40 years. If you want to wax or polish (even with a buffer) and you want to make it easy on yourself, clay first--it's only been available outside of the commercial autobody stores for the past few years. Don't bother using the detailer that sometimes comes with the kit, just wash the vehicle and leave it wet--even soapy is OK, keep it wet and go over the body panels and even the glass with the clay. It will take off tar (tar remover works better, though) and overspray. Then spray off the vehicle, dry, and wax. BTW, if you ever get overspray on the plastic lenses of your glasses, it is about the only safe thing to use on them--and it works.

THANK YOU guys. Just what I wanted to know. This will make a nice "winter project".

VERY interesting thread. We sold clay bars where I used to work, but I never talked to anyone who used them. Good info!

Hey Alvin, I used mine on my windshield too. It never squeegeed so well when I have the wipers on. Better than Rain Off.

Thanks Paul. I haven't had the time to try it yet but it is on my "to do" list for the 37. After all these years it DESERVES a good quality sprucing up. Again, thanks guys for your input.

I have been detailing for over 12 years....I read everyone's post...here are my quick tips:
my preferred "over the counter" clay bars are 'clay magic' or 'mothers'
Use soap and water for the lubricant. You do not need to buy specific lubricant for the clay bar....it's a sales scheme.
Wash the car, then clay it, wash it again....then dry it and wax it.

The purpose of the clay is to remove surface contaminants
and airborn "fallout"
You will know when a section is done cause it will feel very smooth.

Clay does not remove scratches.
Do not use circular motions. Go "with the airflow" (that's my technique)

If anyone wants to talk further....feel free to Message me.

If you are an online shopper, check out autogeek.com
(I have no affiliation to them)