MrsEvvo
20th August 2006, 16:03
Since this topic comes up often, thought it'd be a good idea to have a sticky on the subject.
A claybar is basically what it sounds. A little bar of clay. It is a non-abrasive tool used to clean the finish off your car. It'll remove airborne contaminants, paint overspray, water spots, rail dust, residue, dirt, tar, etc. It will not hurt the clear coat or the paint itself. It will get your finish smooth as glass.
The claybar will also remove any old coats of wax/polish. So it's always a good idea to claybar your vehicle prior to applying a new wax/polish.
When using a claybar, you want to make sure the surface you are about to address is wet/slippery. Mix some car soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray a small area at a time, and rub the claybar on that area. You'll be amazed at how much the claybar removes.
Many claybar kits come with a detail solution. Be very careful using this. If you are claybarring in order to remove an old coat of wax, keep in mind these detail solutions typically contain wax. So using it may defeat the purpose. May be best to just mix some soap with water instead.
Be very careful not to drop the claybar on the ground. If you do, just discard. You may have picked up rocks/stones, etc, that will scratch your paint.
I go through the following process:
1.) Wash the car using a small amount of washing up liquid. This is not recommended as a daily cleaner as it is a bit acidic, and will remove your wax. However, if you are trying to remove an old coat of wax, it's perfect.
2.) Once washed, I begin the claybar process. Doing a small section at a time. Going over the entire car.
3.) Wash the vehicle again using a car wash soap and water.
4.) Dry vehicle.
5.) Apply new wax/polish.
and voila shiny happy new car
A claybar is basically what it sounds. A little bar of clay. It is a non-abrasive tool used to clean the finish off your car. It'll remove airborne contaminants, paint overspray, water spots, rail dust, residue, dirt, tar, etc. It will not hurt the clear coat or the paint itself. It will get your finish smooth as glass.
The claybar will also remove any old coats of wax/polish. So it's always a good idea to claybar your vehicle prior to applying a new wax/polish.
When using a claybar, you want to make sure the surface you are about to address is wet/slippery. Mix some car soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray a small area at a time, and rub the claybar on that area. You'll be amazed at how much the claybar removes.
Many claybar kits come with a detail solution. Be very careful using this. If you are claybarring in order to remove an old coat of wax, keep in mind these detail solutions typically contain wax. So using it may defeat the purpose. May be best to just mix some soap with water instead.
Be very careful not to drop the claybar on the ground. If you do, just discard. You may have picked up rocks/stones, etc, that will scratch your paint.
I go through the following process:
1.) Wash the car using a small amount of washing up liquid. This is not recommended as a daily cleaner as it is a bit acidic, and will remove your wax. However, if you are trying to remove an old coat of wax, it's perfect.
2.) Once washed, I begin the claybar process. Doing a small section at a time. Going over the entire car.
3.) Wash the vehicle again using a car wash soap and water.
4.) Dry vehicle.
5.) Apply new wax/polish.
and voila shiny happy new car