[Bullet]

O.K. here is the dumb question(s) of the day.

What is a clay bar, how do they work, what do they cost,and where do you get them ??

Also, how long do they last ??

I guess that I was raised under a rock, as I never knew about them !!

SO, how do you use them ?? How would they work on my '01 F-150 SuperCrew ??

I've always kept it clean, polished, etc., but am willing to do the work to "improve" the appearance !!!

Thanx

[kenneth]

just about any auto parts store will sell them, you can buy them in a car detail kit for $30-$35 dollars. Meguires makes a good one.
all you have to do is wash first then use the clay bar and quick detail spray over the entire surface. it cleans off any contaniments that's on the paint surface.
the paint finish will feel smooth after it's done
Last step is to wax and polish for protection of painted surface.
It takes me all day to do my car, time consuming but worth it.

[Kyle F]

Originally Posted by kenneth

just about any auto parts store will sell them, you can buy them in a car detail kit for $30-$35 dollars. Meguires makes a good one.
all you have to do is wash first then use the clay bar and quick detail spray over the entire surface. it cleans off any containments that's on the paint surface.
the paint finish will feel smooth after it's done
Last step is to wax and polish for protection of painted surface.
It takes me all day to do my car, time consuming but worth it.

Yup, but just a little more detail. Wen you wash before using a clay bar you should use a dish washing soap to remove any of your old wax. Do you best to get any bug guts and what not off the car at this time as well.

Park your car in a nice shaded area, kneed up the clay bar and work it slowly back and forth over the all painted surfaces using the quick detailer as lubricant. You will be able to quickly feel the smoothness of the paint by hand, and will be able to check for any areas that are still rough as you go. You will work about a 1'X1' area.

When done, wash the car again before waxing to remove the detailer. Dry, then wax.

You cars shine will look a lot better after this, but it does take a long time from beginning to end. If you drop the clay on the ground, just toss it and get another. The clay picks up everything it touches and if you get some little rocks or something in it, you will scratch the paint. Using the clay is just like using an extremely fine grit sand paper and wet sanding your car. So, you don; want to get anything rough in it.

[Bullet]

O.K., I just got back from O'Reilly's auto and got me a clay bar kit. It was made by Mothers, the only kind that they had.

Am gonna try it now.

Thanx, for all the information !!!!!!!!

We'll soon know how it comes out !!!!!!

[Mustang04Guy19]

I am weary to use a clay bar because i feel like i am only going to end up scratching the paint, how hard is it to do the job right?

[kscoyote]

Originally Posted by Mustang04Guy19

I am weary to use a clay bar because i feel like i am only going to end up scratching the paint, how hard is it to do the job right?

not hard at all, actually waxing is harder.

[Bullet]

WOW !!!!!!!!!

That really leaves the finish slick !!!!!!! Been doing it on my '01 F-150. Really slick !!!!!!

Thanx again for all the information !!!!!!!!


Has anyone ever used Perma Plate paint guard ??

I got 2 oz. from my Ford dealer where I bought our 'Stang

[Kyle F]

Its not dangerous as long as you follow the instructions.

You don;t have to use the wax in the kit, you can use whatever you want.

BTW, I too use the Mothers kit. Clay barring has made many peole comment on how shiny my car is.

[Jim D.]

Originally Posted by Bullet

WOW !!!!!!!!!

That really leaves the finish slick !!!!!!! Been doing it on my '01 F-150. Really slick !!!!!!

Thanx again for all the information !!!!!!!!


Has anyone ever used Perma Plate paint guard ??

I got 2 oz. from my Ford dealer where I bought our 'Stang

Depending on the color and condition of the paint, I'd stick with the Carnauba Cleaner Wax that came with the Mothers kit -- it's a nice product.

But if you want, do part of the truck with the stuff you got from the dealer, but I'm sure it's overrated.

[krk105]

I used to detial cars for a shop and we would just use the same soapy water that we washed the car with first, with the clay bar. You don't need to go slow just use lots of soapy water and both hands to feel for smoothness

[Tony98GT]

they sell clay bar ice which works just as good and is a lil easier!!

[Jim D.]

Originally Posted by Tony98GT

they sell clay bar ice which works just as good and is a lil easier!!

Turtle Wax Ice Liquid Clay Bar "works as good" if your paint is in good condition -- in other words, I disagree. I've used both side by side and real clay wins hands-down when paint really needs claying.

[06 redfire GT]

You can look at clay bar like this claying removes embedded contaminents that a clear or buffing will not remove . The best analogy can come up with is think of it as a super tiny splinter all over your paint job buffing or clearer ( liquid clay bar ) will only know the top off where as claying acts like a tweezer pulling everything out of off of it.

[jmmckay]

Info about clay here..


Detailing Clay Bar - Car Paint Cleaning | Detailing How-to Guide

[Tony98GT]

Just because it works on one persons car doesn't mean its the same on anothers....my paints pretty good laser red, no other mustang in town thats laser red looks as clean as mine and i did both when i first got my car the girl who owned it before me never washed it once in 2 and a half years and i used both ice and the actual clay bar and the ice worked alot better...so I'd say i disagree