Anybody have directions or tips on how to properly use a Clay Bar. I used it once on my old car, but rubbing it smoothly did absolutely nothing (maybe because the car was white and I couldn't see anything happening). Anyway, I ended up rubbing the car hard and vigorously with the Clay Bar. Anyone have tips/advice on how to properly use the Mothers Clay Bar? My car was in storage for 6 months, and it comes out with a bunch of swirls in the paint. I can't take it! It's driving me crazy and they must go away

Thanks,

Goldfingiz

 

A clay bar is made to get drit and particles off the paint. If after you wash your car, the surface feels gritty, you need to clay bar it. After you're done it should feel very smooth and almost soft. It will also remove any wax on the car, so you'll need to wax the car when you're done. For the swirl marks, you'll need a swirl remover.

 

If I tell you, you have to show before and after pictures of your DA, I've seen it before, and I've said it agian, "God damn, that's one sweet lowbastard! I love it!" This is coming from and EH/EG guy...

Anyway, do not use water and soap, you must use the quik detailer or the solution providied. If you drop the bar, your done, get a new one, or you'll scratch the **** out of your paint. Use forward and back motion, circular doesn't cut it. Make sure you clean the surface very well before you clay, and if you just waxed within a couple weeks, pressure wash the wax away, otherwise it will take for ever! Do one panel at a time, like waxing, keep bottle in one had, and clay in other. Don't try on a sunny day, the solution will evaporate too quickly. Shady area is good, like the bronx or east LA. I mean, shady like under a tree... Read the directions on back and you'll be set. Mother or Meguiar's only, the rest I DO NOT recommend...


[Modified by w00t!, 8:49 PM 3/25/2003]

 

Actually if you drop the bar, take a knife of some sort and cut off the outer layers. Kinda like peeling a potato.

 

I recommend using the clay bar in a garage or covered area if you have access to one. Hell just go find a big parking garage (if you can get in free) or even a bank drive-thru when it's closed and do it there. People might think you're wierd, but who cares.

I've tried Mother's, Meguiar's, and Clay Magic clay bars, and BY FAR the best one IMHO is the Mother's bar. The Meguiar's bar was too hard and the Clay Magic bar was too sticky. Always wet the surface with either Quik Detailer or something similar. You will be able to feel and hear the clay removing the surface contaminants. Continue over the surface until the bar glides with almost zero friction, then wipe off the Quik Detailer. I recommend using microfiber towels for wiping the car down. I also recommend them for buffing off wax. Wax comes off VERY easily with microfiber towels.

 

Hahahaha, that's great

How does this sound?

1. Wash the car with dawn, to strip all the wax.
2. Claybar and wipe solution off car.
3. Wash car with regular car wash.
4. Apply swirl remover (anybody recommend a good one? 3M started fading my paint on my old car )
5. Wax

Should I apply swirl remover before clay bar? I'm assuming not to.

Thanks guys!

Goldfingiz


[Modified by Goldfingiz, 4:42 PM 3/26/2003]

 

Clay bar should always be first after washing, as it removes all the crap that washing didn't get off.

 

Soapy water provides plenty of lubrication properties for a claybar to serve its function and pose no possible harm to your finish. Save the expensive quick detailer for other uses.