What is "Claying"? Clay bar?
#1
Claying is a process of automotive detailing and has found enthusiastic acceptance. It's not hard to understand why, as its resume reads like a miracle cure, and after reading it you may think that it's too good to be true. But claying delivers.

The clay we are talking about is similar to the toy "Play-doh" that kids enjoy although a special type is required for car detailing. It performs it's function by removing the contaminants from the surface of the paint. It works by virtue of its flexibility as it easily forms the exact contour of the surface it is in contact with. What it does for a painted surface is similar to the function of polish, but unlike polish, clay is not an abrasive. This is an advantage for the beginning or casual detailer, as no harm can be done to the paint. Claying also does not remove wax, so unlike polish, there is no need to reapply it after an application. It works on surfaces that might not be appropriate for polish, such as glass, bright work and trim items. Claying is also relatively quick and easy when compared to a polish job. Clearly a winning situation all around!

How to Clay
To work with clay you will need a lubricant. Fortunately what you use is not critical and many products will work fine. Many clay kits ship with a "Quick Detailer" spray which works. Our recipe consists of a tablespoon of car wash detergent in about 20 oz. of distilled water and dispensed using a spray bottle. Others have reported that Windex and other glass cleaners work well.

The "baggie test" is the way to go and is recommended as an easy way to demonstrate the power of claying. Put your hand in a ordinary sandwich baggie (the thin kind, not the thick rugged ones) and spray a test area of the paint with the above described clay lubricant. Then go over the paint surface as shown with just enough pressure to get a feel for the surface. You'll detect all sorts of bumps and defects, many more than are apparent with even a close visual inspection.

   

As you progress, you'll note that the clay bar gets thinner. You'll then have to rework the bar so that it is thick again by kneading it. Some detailers like to just fold it over, the reasoning is that it will have a cleaner surface. You'll get a feel for how it is working by the way it glides over the paint surface. This "feel" will also tell you when the clay bar is losing its effectiveness (it's resistance increases) and needs to be replaced. When you are finished with a section, dry it using the same towels you use after you wash the car. It's a good idea to rinse the entire car with a hose after you are finished with the claying task. When you are finished, do the "baggie test" again. The results will be easily felt.

Claying is an odd process. If you haven't tried it, it can be difficult to understand as it doesn't seem to conform to most of what we know about car detailing. If this is your thinking, we encourage you to give it a try. It really is easy! Many amateur detailers are a bit wary of the concept but after they try it, they are sold big time.

A clay bar is good for about four to five treatments. This depends on factors such as the size of the vehicles and how dirty they are. One important note: if you ever drop a clay bar, you MUST throw it away. The potential for causing scratches from material it picks up is just too great. If you intend to reuse the clay bar, store it in a box or baggie to keep it clean.
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#2
Clay bar was done to my Mach the 2nd season I had it. Keep 'er shiny with Zaino car wax.

[Image: 3462661078_311d3c353d_o.jpg]
pic above is from the Mustang 45th in Birmingham.

I'll be doing the same to my 2011 in the spring.
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#3
Clay bars aren't cheap but they have great results. I wasn't impressed with using the spray detailer but had better luck just using a bucket of water and basically washing your car with the clay bar (make sure car is clean before you start) I found that the spray detailer drys up to quick.
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#4
(02-02-2011, 12:24 PM)Mach1Guy Wrote: Clay bars aren't cheap but they have great results. I wasn't impressed with using the spray detailer but had better luck just using a bucket of water and basically washing your car with the clay bar (make sure car is clean before you start) I found that the spray detailer drys up to quick.


Gotta make sure you keep the customer buying!
I just use a spray bottle from the Dollar Store of distilled water.

Tungsten Gray? Looks sweet!
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#5
(02-02-2011, 01:57 PM)Mach 1 Club Wrote: Dark Shadow Gray? Looks sweet!

fix't and THANKS!
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#6
I clay my car at least once a year. makes a big difference. The paint is smooth as glass when done. Just remember to re-wax your car when finished cause it will strip all wax off your car.
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#7
I bought a clay bar last year to try it out, but I stupidly dropped the clay bar on the garage floor before it's first use, so I pitched it.
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