clay bar procedure

[turbomangt]

Clay Bar


This is the single most important step in detailing.
How to use Clay
Everyone wants to keep their Car in top condition, but if you drive it everyday, like most of us it is subjected to all kinds of contaminants.

Biggest complaint I've heard is "how to get out surface scratches". First lets talk about how they got there. Most of time its from improper washing/drying. When the car is not prepped properly, all you do is work existing dirt into the finish.

The clay bar is the best solution to ensure proper cleaning BEFORE you polish/seal. Most people never heard of clay, and if they have they don't know how to use it. After you wash your car, before you dry, feel it with your hand.

A simple test is to put your hand in a plastic baggie and gently move across the finish, if it grabs a little, you have fine particles of dirt that you did not remove while washing. HOW TO USE CLAY. First get yourself a fresh bucket of soapy water. break off a small piece of clay in your hand, (clay works best with lots of lubrication) lather a small section of your car, dip the clay on the water, spray the clay with quick detail spray, gently work the clay in a side to side motion. (don't press to hard, it works well with gently pressure)

After 4-4 strokes, spray again, lather, and do another section. Keep dipping clay in bucket, keep spraying with QD, work side to side. You will see (and feel) the finish getting cleaner, your hand will start to get the hang of it (if the surface gums up, it is not lubricated enough).

Once you get it down, its easy. The key is lubrication, gentle side to side motion. also, after a few sections, press the clay in your hand in and out, making a fresh surface. It looks and feels like play dough, so you can make a new surface by working it.

One piece will do the whole car. IF YOU DROP THE CLAY THROW IT OUT, USE A NEW PIECE! It will pick up dirt from the ground and become a hazard, working like sandpaper. after you do the whole car, wash car again to remove clay residue, dry with large waffle weave micro fiber towel found on my web site. Follow up with my paint cleaner and sealant. Your finish will be show car ready. Gary wwwperfectautofinish.com
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[crhemi]

Thanks Gary!

[DUBSTER]

EXCELLENT!!!!! Thanks!!!! !!

[AussieHemi]

Thanks Gary - I clayed my car for the first time a few weeks ago and the difference is amazing. It is so slippery and shiny it is unbelievable. Best thing I could have done for the duco.

[Ahbizmal]

How big is a small piece? half a bar? third of a bar?

[300 Addict]

Thanks for the info Gary. I am keeping your website in mind when I decide to buy these products!

[GoofyTimL]

Originally Posted by Ahbizmal

How big is a small piece? half a bar? third of a bar?

IMO it kind of depends on the size of your hand. For me 1/2 piece spreads out nicely. On a smaller hand 1/3 piece might do. You want the clay to spread out and cover across your fingers from, say, your first knuckle to the tips... and still be thick enough that you're not worried it will tear, etc.

Hope that helps.

[pipsmom]

Thanks Gary for the refresher..I am doing mine in the spring or should I say soon. It will be my first ever clay bar detail. I will watch my dvd over again to make sure I do everything right. I want "Classee" to shine!

[jdiddy101]

I used clay for the first time Saturday. I was a bit hesitant at first, but it was very easy and the results are amazing.

[NotYet]

How often should this be done?