Looking for advice on clay bar cleaning

[2ndAmend]

I am considering doing my own clay bar cleaning. I have never done it before and know nothing other than what I have read and watched on-line, and most of it is polluted with ads.

The goal is to remove hard water spots and then apply ceramic. Is clay appropriate for this?

I would appreciate suggestions, advice, warnings, etc. For example, when will I know when the clay is full of contaminates and needs to be thrown away? Is a specific lubricant necessary or is car wash ok? How much clay do you need to do one car? Are some clays better than others?

And I need answers to all the questions I do not even know to ask.

Of course I could hire a pro, but half the time I do hire a pro to do anything, I find I could have done a better job myself for a lot less.

Thanks!

 

[jroyk]

I used Meguiars clay bar kit after parking under a tree that left a sap mist on it. The finish felt rough before and like glass afterwards. The kit contained one clay bar and a bottle of their quick detailer. Just sprayed an area and glided the clay bar over it. Plenty for one car.

 

[BULL]

I also use the Meguiar's bars, if your car is already "clean", one bar will easily do your entire car. I use either the car wash that I might already be using to wash, or if I'm actually doing the task as a separate deal, then I typically use Mother's detailing spray.


Here's how I describe the process, again starting with a "clean" car, but the surface has some level of contaminates on it. Liberally spray the surface with the Mother's, then as gently as you can, wipe the clay bar across the surface much in the same way you might wipe the surface with a towel, but more controlled and specific in where you're doing it. Use LOTS of spray, if the bar starts to drag AT ALL, you're not using enough spray. You should almost immediately feel a dramatic improvement in the "slickness" of the surface. (My car has never been dirty enough for this to not be true).

As soon as you seen any notable amount of particles or dirty surface on the clay, fold it over on itself, don't worry about trapping any of the spray in the folds, just go for it. Shape the clay bar to fit the general shape you're doing at the moment, flat surface, or curved, etc. Rinse and repeat until smooth and you're happy with the result.

Before I did it the first time, I couldn't overcome the feeling that the clay bar was going to drag the particles along with it and scratch up the surface. It just doesn't seem to be the case, but that being said, I don't do it frequently. Very limited in its use.


.02 only.

 

[DGatzby]

Use any clay you want. This makes a great “lube”. Be generous. When the bar looks dirty, play with it and bury the dirty. Just be gentle and pretend it is like a fine sandpaper. All should come fairly smooth without any stuff on the paint when it is right. It should not take too much pressure or trouble to clay.

 

[covidcommander]

Easy peezy just make sure your car is spotless clean before you start. I break the bar into 6 pieces. Use lots of detail spray. And I use one piece for 2 panels and throw it away.

Just make sure the paint is spotless before you start. No grit on it. If you don't think its clean wash it again.

You'll feel the difference when you're done. Always feel the paint with your hand. It should be smooth. They clay will stick at first but as it pulls out the dirt in the paint it will glide. That's what you want.

When you're done use a crapload of good wax. Or ceramic hybrid wax. Then it's not so permanent like ceramic.

Easy peezy.