Clay bar?

My Cobra · 05-23-2004, 12:46 PM

I was wanting to know how to use this thing what they look like are they worth the money? I hear peopel talkign about them but i do not really unerstand them that much. Where can i get them and what is a good brand?

ausie · 05-24-2004, 06:57 AM

The clay bar is really a synthetic piece of tacky material. To use it, make sure that you wash the car first. Most of the clay bar products come with a spray lubricant. Start in small sections by liberally spraying the area to be clayed. Take the clay bar and slap it onto one hand (it will stick to you) and proceed to rub the bar on the area you sprayed the lub. (I have done this while the car was still wet, and after I dried it off) Don't worry about the sounds you will hear, at times it makes you thing that you are scratching the paint. A light pressure with the clay works best. It will take some time to do the complete car and there will be some spots you will not be able to do. From time to time, inspect the clay for dirt, and you can fold it over, re-shape it, and continue. I have used "clay majic" and got some really nice results with it. Since I have two black cars that will show off any scratches, I was skeptical at first. One thing, do not clay emblems (that would make a mess). The clay bar will remove deposits that do not come off with washing. Case in point, I used one on my Explorer which basically felt like sand paper especially on the rear hatch, after claying it, nice and smooth. Take your time and use the same rules that you follow when waxing, (in the shade). Your car will shine like never before. Best to wax the car after claying it.

ausie · 05-24-2004, 07:00 AM

One thing to remember, if you drop it on the ground, don't use it. It is more difficult to get the clay bar out of the wrapper and that is probably when it will be most likely dropped.

HoustonSnake · 05-26-2004, 02:09 PM

Pretty much agree with the above. Clay Magic makes a good kit, as does Meguires. Used both and I like the spray lubricant of the Clay Magic kit best. Just make sure you keep the working surface lubricated. Just rub the lubricated clay in a back and forth motion til it no longer grabs or makes scratchy noises. (It's pulling crap outta ur paint) Wipe the spot dry and move to the next area-don't let the area air dry. Depending on the age and condition of the paint, you can notice a huge difference with using a clay bar. Best 10 bucks I've spent.

05-23-2004, 12:46 PM	#1
My Cobra Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Franklin NC Posts: 235	Clay bar? I was wanting to know how to use this thing what they look like are they worth the money? I hear peopel talkign about them but i do not really unerstand them that much. Where can i get them and what is a good brand? __________________ 1999 Chameleon Cobra build number 3568 Pro 50 short shifter, cobra front emblem, 2001 "cobra" rear bumper. Dupont chameleon paint, MAC CAI, Diablo chip. 20% window tint, XM radio, SCMC # 01053

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05-24-2004, 06:57 AM	#2
ausie Don't let the dog drive Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kinston, NC Posts: 1,883	The clay bar is really a synthetic piece of tacky material. To use it, make sure that you wash the car first. Most of the clay bar products come with a spray lubricant. Start in small sections by liberally spraying the area to be clayed. Take the clay bar and slap it onto one hand (it will stick to you) and proceed to rub the bar on the area you sprayed the lub. (I have done this while the car was still wet, and after I dried it off) Don't worry about the sounds you will hear, at times it makes you thing that you are scratching the paint. A light pressure with the clay works best. It will take some time to do the complete car and there will be some spots you will not be able to do. From time to time, inspect the clay for dirt, and you can fold it over, re-shape it, and continue. I have used "clay majic" and got some really nice results with it. Since I have two black cars that will show off any scratches, I was skeptical at first. One thing, do not clay emblems (that would make a mess). The clay bar will remove deposits that do not come off with washing. Case in point, I used one on my Explorer which basically felt like sand paper especially on the rear hatch, after claying it, nice and smooth. Take your time and use the same rules that you follow when waxing, (in the shade). Your car will shine like never before. Best to wax the car after claying it.

05-24-2004, 07:00 AM	#3
ausie Don't let the dog drive Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kinston, NC Posts: 1,883	One thing to remember, if you drop it on the ground, don't use it. It is more difficult to get the clay bar out of the wrapper and that is probably when it will be most likely dropped.

05-26-2004, 02:09 PM	#4
HoustonSnake Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: NW Houston, TX Posts: 55	Pretty much agree with the above. Clay Magic makes a good kit, as does Meguires. Used both and I like the spray lubricant of the Clay Magic kit best. Just make sure you keep the working surface lubricated. Just rub the lubricated clay in a back and forth motion til it no longer grabs or makes scratchy noises. (It's pulling crap outta ur paint) Wipe the spot dry and move to the next area-don't let the area air dry. Depending on the age and condition of the paint, you can notice a huge difference with using a clay bar. Best 10 bucks I've spent.

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