How do you use a clay bar?

[Rob@USC]

Okay, I know this probably sounds like a stupid question, but I have never used one before. In fact, I didn't even know you aren't supposed to put layer of wax ontop of layer until I saw something on this board a while back about it being bad for the finish or something like that. Anyway, I was going to wash my car today and thought it'd be a good idea to grab one and wax it after I'm done. Any suggestions on a brand?

Thanks,
Rob

[Loochy88]

many people will recommend mother's (yellow colored bar). you can usually get them at walmart, autozone ect... it comes with everything you need.

you will want to clean the car as usual, and then use the bar before you wax it. The kit comes with a lubricant in a bottle (which for all practical purposes is just car wash soap mixed with water and you can make some yourself if you run out). You use this lubricant by spraying it in a fair sized area of the car, and then you take the clay bar and lightly rub it over it. You will almost be able to "feel" the paint becoming cleaner... once it feels totally smooth, wipe off the excess liquid with a towel and fold the bar over a few times to expose a new surface area so youre not using the same part of the bar on the whole car. When you finish the entire car, wax it as usual.

[mcjoslyn]

Claying your car is one of the best things you can do. It's an easy (but time consuming) process. First wash the car with Dawn or some other product that will strip all the old wax. Then use a detailing/lubricating spray and the clay (Mothers or Meguiers are both good). Spray a 2x2 foot area and rub it well with the clay. You will actually feel it getting smoother. Keep it lubricated, you don't want it to dry out. When the area is totally smooth, buff it well with a cotton towel. Do the entire vehicle and then put down a good coat of wax. You will be amazed how smooth it feels when you are done. And how much it shines. Plan on 5 or 6 hours to do the entire car from start (wash) to finish (wax). I do it once a year on my Corvette and will be starting the same thing on my Camaro now.

[lostatlantis]

hi guys, I want to start claying for the first time too, so how much are these kits? I just drove around town looking for clay bar kits - the two Wal-Marts didn't have them, Advanced Auto Parts had one last kit, but it was already opened so I didn't buy it. It was the Mothers kit with a SMALL yellow clay bar and a can of lubricant. The bar was like a very small piece of soap in size! I was expecting something larger. Also, the price was 14.99 for the kit, is that reasonable?

My sister's friend is into arts and uses clay, I was wondering if that kind of clay is the same as these clay bars?

[Loochy88]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by lostatlantis:
hi guys, I want to start claying for the first time too, so how much are these kits? I just drove around town looking for clay bar kits - the two Wal-Marts didn't have them, Advanced Auto Parts had one last kit, but it was already opened so I didn't buy it. It was the Mothers kit with a SMALL yellow clay bar and a can of lubricant. The bar was like a very small piece of soap in size! I was expecting something larger. Also, the price was 14.99 for the kit, is that reasonable?

My sister's friend is into arts and uses clay, I was wondering if that kind of clay is the same as these clay bars?<hr></blockquote>


its a certain kind of clay. i dont think they would use that specific clay for art. its not cheap for one thing. i was in art for 4 years in highschool and we never touched anything remotely like it. stay away, very bad!

and yeah, the clay bar you get is pretty small, and that is a reasonable price.