Clay Bars?

[::Team420::]

My mate was talking about how he "claybarred" his car and it came up real good, i dont really understand it (read the tut on how to do it lol) but is there different grades etc? example: Sandpaper grit?

I have a 1995 vr ss commodore and the paint needs a little bit of love, heres some pics, so i can order the right one.

Thanks for the help - Hendo.

Pics have been taken in beauty mode on camera, so every imperfection shows up :P





As you can see every little detail of the car has came up, but yeah i still goto fully remove that black glue strip, ill do that this w/e when i recieve this clay bar im about to order heh :P

[Bravotwozero]

Clay isn't going to remove that. I think you need to do some research so you know what clay is and is not capable of. Most of that white residue looks like old dried polish that will simply wipe off. Don't attempt to remove that glue with your clay bay as you'll simply destroy it. (The clay bar.)

At this stage you'll get more results from giving the car a proper wash. Everything looks pretty dirty.

[::Team420::]

Yeah the actual blemishes and swirl marks ain't actually showing in the photos, and everything that is not supposed to be showing up is because of the "beauty shot" on the camera lol

Edit: i Wasnt going to use the clay bar to remove the black strip, only wanted to know if they remove blemishes and swirl marks pretty easy, and if someone could tell me what one to buy.

[Bravotwozero]

Ok then. Just wanted to make sure you weren't getting the clay to remove all of that! Also clay won't remove swirling. What clay will do is remove contaminants embedded in the clear cloat. Also be careful with claying as there is a high chance of marring. Not really problem if you plan on polishing afterward. But if you're not you need to take care.

Example of marring...



And a shot of clay after use...

[::Team420::]

ooo ok, i've got a better understanding now :P, so really you clay the car? then give it a good polish?

Is mcquires wet look a decent polish, as i have been using it for a couple of years now and personally like it, are there any better ones so when you look at the car it's like "wow".

[50LTRv8]

You use a spray on lube with the claybar, this allows it to slide over the paint.

[jokerflingo]

You use a spray on lube with the claybar, this allows it to slide over the paint.

I just use it whilst i am washing the car and its all soapy?

[blky]

no you gotta wash the car and completely dry it first, then you use the lube to help the clay glide over the paint and pick up contaminents. normal soapy water isnt enough lube to get it working optimally itll stick and leave clay residue on your paint also probably take you so much more longer since the soaps will dry up

[::Team420::]

Are there different types of clay bars, like grit on sandpaper for example?

[GAMBLR]

Clar bar won't remove swirl marks and scratches buddy, as they are in the clear coat.

Clay bar is used to remove contaminents on the paint surface, so tree sap, road grime, bird fallout etc. Thats the dirt-looking stuff on the bar in the above picture. It preps the paint for cutting or polishing, which will help in removal or reduction of swirls.

[Bravotwozero]

no you gotta wash the car and completely dry it first, then you use the lube to help the clay glide over the paint and pick up contaminents. normal soapy water isnt enough lube to get it working optimally itll stick and leave clay residue on your paint also probably take you so much more longer since the soaps will dry up

No need to dry car to clay but yes you require some kind of lubrication. Some people use a wash solution as lubrication but the cleaning agents in the wash solution tend to break down the clay.

Are there different types of clay bars, like grit on sandpaper for example?

Yes there are different grades of clay. Stick with fine or extra fine otherwise you're going to introduce some serious marring. Claying will also remove any sealant (if any) you may have so this will need to be reapplied.

[::Team420::]

No need to dry car to clay but yes you require some kind of lubrication. Some people use a wash solution as lubrication but the cleaning agents in the wash solution tend to break down the clay.



Yes there are different grades of clay. Stick with fine or extra fine otherwise you're going to introduce some serious marring. Claying will also remove any sealant (if any) you may have so this will need to be reapplied.

Thankyou thats what i needed to know lol ill just get a "fine" one then polish i guess. Time to go order.

[Car Care Products]

This is a good clay for a starter Mint Clay and Magic Lube for more info on claying your car see here: How To Clay your Car

Like the guys have said it does not remove scratches, swirls, dents or glue - it is however a very important stage before polishing or waxing to remove contamination that usually you cannot see. So

Wash (really well, a stronh wash if you have one)
Dry (or rinse well and leave if your water is ok and in the shade)
Clay
Polish (removes swirls etc to 'correct' paint)
Wax/Seal to protect your paint.