Clay Bar Information, Questions & Answers

4thtimestang · 08-29-2003

how often should/can you use a clay bar before you might start doing some damage? thanks

GT50 · 08-29-2003

Depending how dirty you get it. I used mine about 4 times now. Once in the spring and once in the fall over two years and I think it's ready to be tossed out.

catchmefirst · 09-03-2003

I have just recently discovered the clay bar myself.....needless to say, it is my new best friend! I have alot of overspray on my stang at the moment (simple paint job gone bad) I use mine by pulling off small pieces at a time and when i can feel it getting gritty or stickier than the norm is when i toss it. follow the directions on the package, especially the warning about dropping your clay bar and trashin it immediatly if it contacts the ground. whatever you do DO NOT try to salvage any portion of it by picking out whatever gets stuck to it. If it gets any small rocks or tiny grains of dirt and whatnots in it and you use it anyway (even after giving a good inspection ) the area your working in will look like you took 180 grit sandpaper to it creating a disaster with the paint.

Mustang4.6 · 09-05-2003

What does a Clay Bar do?

ryanmetz · 09-07-2003

how do you use a clay bar??? i bought one and was goign to do a weekend detail job, but ended up going up north, but i tried a little spot, and the directions said to spray it with some givin spray, then run it over, but it didnt seem to do anyhting, and without any spray it didnt move???

Blackie94GT · 09-10-2003

I use the clay bar about twice a year, in spring and end of fall to clean the surface of contaminants. The clay bar will smooth the surface before waxing/polishing, so you don't grind in any crap that is stuck to your car that you might not see with your eyes. After you wash your car, rub your hand over the surface, if you have never used a clay bar you will most likely feel some tiny bumps, which could be pollen, break dust etc that has adhered to you paint and won't come off unless you clay it. I usually wash first, then use the clay bar with a spray bottle filled with water and a little bit of car wash gel/soap as a lubricant, so the clay bar glides over the surface. You don't need to press real hard. Do a little area at a time and rinse as you go. From time to time, fold the clay bar over into itself to get a clean surface. Be careful because the bar gets slippery and you don't want to drop it because it will pick up dirt off the ground and could ruin the bar. Some people throw the bar away after they drop it or after each use, I use it a few time before I toss it, if I drop it I will inpsect it good and rinse it off, toss it if it has alot of grime stuck to it. After you clay your car, Mustangs take about 30-45 mins, you will feel a difference on your paint. It also make applying and removing wax/polish easier and faster.

nickm · 09-11-2003

There are some car care products in PEP BOYS that have the Clay bar with the wax to go with it, all in one box. A Clay Bar will NOT do any damage to your paint if you use it right. I use it on my car all of the time with no problem. READ THE DIRECTIONS!

4thtimestang · 09-17-2003

thanks for the responses. Found the clay bar kit from Mothers so will be trying it in a couple of weeks (if there's a car left out there after this hurricane). Going to switch from Zaino to Mothers for the winter and see how i like it.

mineralgrey02GT · 05-20-2004

I finally picked up a Clay Magic clay bar setup a few days ago, and this evening, I washed my hood with Ivory soap to strip everything, and after shammying off the water, took the clay bar to the paint. I was able to get a few things out that I haven't been able to before, and found that a couple were chips instead of junk to take off

After wiping the excess lubricant off, my finish wasn't what the box claimed. Do I need to wash the paint again to remove any residue from the clay itself? Or is there a better product out there that I should invest in? I know that Meguiars makes a clay bar, but are there others that any of you have found to be better, or should I just wash and wax before I make a judgement??? Thanks in advance!

89gteddie · 05-20-2004

after you clay your paint you are spost to then go back over it and wax it to protect the finish. I have used the clay magic before and I was plaeased with the results after a good wax I could tell a difference.

GTRaptor · 05-20-2004

Use a swirl remover polish after the clay, this will bring the luster back, then wax.

Meguiars "X" swirl remover is great.

sedate88 · 05-30-2004

Those guys hit it on the head. The clay is really to remove the impurities to allow the wax/swirl remover to do its thing. Sure makes for a smooth finish when it's all said and done.

crazycarnut · 03-27-2007

I have never really heard anyone say anything about these, just that you should use em.

coolwaterblvd · 03-27-2007

I have and u need to be very careful that u do not pickup and sand or u will be doing more damage than good. But it will take off all kinds of crud u did not think was on the car even after a very good wash. Just look at it frequently and fold it over when it gets really dirty or if u feel anything that could scratch the paint on the surface of the clay.

crazycarnut · 03-27-2007

thanks. What kind did you use?