Clay Bar

[Krzy Kat]

Hey - looking to get Krzy Kat looking show ready. While looking for Clay Bar on Ebay, I came across 200 gram bars for $4 each. Thought I'd pass along the link for anyone that's interested.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PRESTA-ERASA-CLAY-BAR-FOR-AUTOMOTIVE-PAINT-SURFACES_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50450QQihZ006Q QitemZ160117905077QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[ME & MY KITTY]

I Just Bought The Mequires Kit I Haven't Used It Yet.

[TCP 79]

4 bucks is a pretty good price.
If you've never used clay bar, you'll be amazed at the results.
Just remember to use plenty of spray "lube" to keep the clay from sticking and rub lightly. And you'll need to re-wax afterwards since the clay removes any wax.

[halicat]

I've never tried it but have some at home...

do you just use water with it or should it have some kind of soap to make it slick ?

[Dreamcast18]

I use Meguair's Quik Detailer as the lube as it does not streak + cleans at the same time. I've read someone used soap water.

I've never tried it but have some at home...

do you just use water with it or should it have some kind of soap to make it slick ?

[TCP 79]

I
do you just use water with it or should it have some kind of soap to make it slick ?

You can use spray detailer or just fill a squirt bottle with water and a drop of liquid dish soap.

[TOOLHEAD]

Jim

I mix Zaino car wash with water (something around 1 to 4) in a spray bottle and I spray the car surface as I work my way around it. The apray bottle mixture acts as a lubricant for the clay bar. When you're running the clay bar over the car surface make sure to keep it lubed up because when you hit a dry spot, the clay bar will get stuck and drop on the ground. I usually throw them away after I drop them.
I've never tried it but have some at home...

do you just use water with it or should it have some kind of soap to make it slick ?

[halicat]

thanks... :tu:

I have some of the Meguires quick detailer at home..

I think I will give it a try on Saturday...

[halicat]

Jim

I mix Zaino car wash with water (something around 1 to 4) in a spray bottle and I spray the car surface as I work my way around it. The apray bottle mixture acts as a lubricant for the clay bar. When you're running the clay bar over the car surface make sure to keep it lubed up because when you hit a dry spot, the clay bar will get stuck and drop on the ground. I usually throw them away after I drop them.

I ran out of my Zaino products a while ago... I was going to get more but I would have to order in on the internet and wait... I've been using the Maguires NXT liquid wax and think it is great. It is available at all the stores here.

[DanMan]

Two weeks ago I did the claybar, then did the Meguires 3 step. The results were great! I was really impressed with how well the car finish came out, even with doing it by hand.

[TOOLHEAD]

Two weeks ago I did the claybar, then did the Meguires 3 step. The results were great! I was really impressed with how well the car finish came out, even with doing it by hand.

I agree Dan, hand jobs are the best!!! :devil

[DanMan]

I agree Dan, hand jobs are the best!!! :devil

:rll::rll::rll::rll:

Not when your doin it yourself!

AND taking all day to get results! :rll:

[pumpkin]

Been using the claybar on all my cars. Make sure the car is clean before you start. After many usages the clay becomes darken from the dirt it picks up. I use a razor blade and peal that off the clay bar and the way we go for more applications.:tu::tu:

[KLONDIKEKAT]

how often should the clay bar be used? what does it do exactly,clean the paint? ive never used one.

John

[Dreamcast18]

depends on how much containmination on your paint. You will know by running ur hand/finger on the paint..if its not smooth after cleaning..u need to clay it.

I'll let other folks who are experts at his explain it better...:tu:


how often should the clay bar be used? what does it do exactly,clean the paint? ive never used one.

John

[DanMan]

how often should the clay bar be used? what does it do exactly,clean the paint? ive never used one.

John

John, I'm no expert, but after a good cleaning, run the back of your hand over the finish. If there are any small particals/contaminants on the finish you will feel them. Do a small section with the claybar, and run the back of your hand on it afterwards. You'll be amazed at how well it works.
I did it last year, after I got my kat. I probably could have got away without doing it this year, but I wanted to start with a clean slate before doing the Meguires 3 step.

[KLONDIKEKAT]

thanks guys for the info

John

[TOOLHEAD]

I claybar twice a year.

Before I claybar, I wash the car with Dawn dishwashing detergent to remove all of old was, polish..it's a very strong detergent.

After that Dawn washing, I do the claybar, then wash the car with a good detailing car wash soap. After drying the car, I buff the car using a random orbital buffer and a mild liquid cleansing compound. Then I wash again with a good detailing soap, dry and polish the car.

I only use microfiber when washing and drying.

[hotroddaddy]

It's amazing just how good and easily a claybar works to make a good paintjob even better. My first time to "clay" a paintjob was on acrylic enamel (my old '73 Trans Am), and while it helped, I still ended up using polishing compound and a power buffer. However, on a good clearcoat paintjob, I find a using a claybar to be my preference, and it seems much easier on the paintjob than compound/buffer. There really is no specific skill required in using a claybar (as in using a power buffer); I just make sure the paint surface is first washed clean, and then I'm sure to keep wetting the painted surface being clayed. Also, I keep kneading the clay into itself to clean up the outer surfaces of the claybar. Once the bar is dirty through and through, I throw it away.... they're cheap enough! I won't overuse an old claybar either; as they are being used, they become contaminated.... once they get too dirty, they become inefficient and gritty (might cause paint damage). If I drop the claybar in the dirt, I don't knead that dirt into the claybar; it I can't remove the dirt, then I throw out the claybar. Once the claybar work is finished, I follow up with my preferred waxing treatment (I like NXT but want to try Turtle Wax Ice). I prefer the microfiber towels to terrycloth. I do not clay decals and flatblack or other non glossy paint finishes or plastic.

[Krzy Kat]

Got my clay in, and my new Porter Cable Random Polisher. The new pads for the polisher come in tomorrow so I'll be all set for a nice day of detailing this weekend.

My understanding is that doing the claying treatment followed by the random orbiter is what will give your paint that "Wet Look" that you see on the show cars.

[TCP 79]

Clay Bar How To - http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-clay.html
Somebody should squirt a hose at that girl in the T-shirt!

[Chris Wood]

Hi @ All

I only use the Maguires Produkts for my cat. I think they are the best also for black colors. And a very fast cleaning

My favorite is the speed detailer first and tecno wax second.
i clean ALL from the car (also the st.steel) with the speed detailer.

the best results ever also on my black C5.

LG
Chris

[Krzy Kat]

OK - found the most expensive clay ... check this video out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkmZveqyU5E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkmZveqyU5E

[pumpkin]

I kind of like it, you get 3% when you buy two bars.:tu:

[Diny]

I've been using Adam's Polishes (http://www.adamspolishes.com/) stuff for about 3 months now and I love it. I've tried many other stuff that you pick up at Pep Boys, but this is my favorite.

I had no clue about detailing other than basic stuff, but this stuff comes with a DVD in every order that you place that takes you through the process step by step.

My best surprise (amont many) came when I use one of the products to remove horrible water stains on my father's truck that wouldnt come out with anything I tried.. It left the glass looking showroom new.

[katmat]

I've tried the liquid clay bar on my truck. IT DIDN'T WORK AT ALL!!!

[fatcat]

I have used the Meguire's clay bar and quick detailer. It removes alot of the minor scratches and contaimnants. $ 4.00 a bar is a great price:tu:!! I can't buy the clay bar alone up here!!

Thanks,

Joseph

[Sting Ray]

I bought the Zaino kit way back awhile ... still never used it ... but I hear it provides GREAT results! :tu::redface: