Abracadabra

What exactly does a clay bar do? I asked at the body shop supply store where I get 3m glaze and they said it was to remove orange peel and dirt stuck in the finish. Should I use a clay bar on a new finish? Does it thin down the clear coat? The 8 is new and was built in 06/04.
Also can different waxes modify the perceived finish depth(shade)? I'm not sure, but it seems that NXT has visually lightened the Titanium grey from the dark wet look "coating" that came from the dealer. It's very bright and slick looking but the color seems not quite as dark as before. Thanks, Craig

Lyer

-Have you ever run your hand on the paint of an old car? Have you ever wondered why it felt grainy? What happens is dirt and minerals and all sorts of junk gets "stuck" in the paint over time. The clay bar just helps to remove these things (they get stuck in the bar). After the process, the paint feels really smooth again. Hope that helps. :D

mysql101

not only doesn't it hurt your paint, it is recommended on new cars to get rid of metal shavings and other garbage that got into your paint while it was transported.

Gord96BRG

Yeah, what Jason said. Some people claim that there's no point to clay a new car, because it's new! Well, it's not really new - when you take delivery, it's already spent a month on a ship, and more importantly a few days on a train, etc. Rail dust is the most common contaminant on a new car's paint, and people are always surprised just how much difference claying can make on a new car. It's definitely worth it!

Regards,
Gordon

jonw440

I agree EVERY new car should be "clayed". The clay removed "impurities from the clear coat. Like "Rail Dust"which WILL rust if not removed.White or silver is the best color to see the effects of rail dust rust.
I like to wash the vehicle then put your hand in a sandwich bag and rub gently over the bottom of the rocker panels. You will feel stuff grabbing the bag and it wont glide over smooth like it will once you use clay.
I like to clay using car shampoo.Lets start with the roof. I will wash and rinse then re soap the roof and take a small piece of clay and wipe all over the one half of the roof. Then rinse. Continue with the rest of the car.
One tip take the clay and cut it into three pieces. Use one piece at a time. When it gets dirty so you cant "knead" a clean piece of clay to work with. if you drop it.throw the clay away DON'T try and take the dirt out of it.
Here is a great article on claying.

Nubo

That's why I like Zymol's "HD Cleanse" - it's Kaolin(clay) in a liquid form. That means I don't have to worry about a "lubricant", and if I drop the bottle I just pick it up again :D

DKNYJoey

Thanks for the info. I never used clay before. I was just a Wsh & Wax guy.

chad

while we're on the topic....what brand of clay is everyone/anyone using. It's been awhile since I've done it, but I'm sure my 8 could use it.....

Rob Tomlin

Actually, there are only a couple of companies that even make clay bars. Other companies sell them under their name.

Personally I like "Clay Magic".

And I completely agree about the importance of claying a new car. My friend just bought a new White Chevy truck, I couldn't believe how much rail dust it had in it. It really showed up in the white paint.

For a car driven daily, you should clay it twice a year. Once a year minimum.

xxdevilzeroxx

thers.....mothers......and maguirres.........i dont know anything else..........it comes in the zaino kit.

RotorGeek

My wife's tribute had paint overspray from a house near her job. I used my claybar to remove the paint and the finish felt great again

mrthundercleese

I clayed for the first time today. Great results. You feel the difference instantly. One question, anyone know if you can buy the clay alone? Im not interested in paying for a bottle of spray again just to get the clay bar.

jonw440

Autopia Clay Great clay I just use car soap as lube for claying.
I save my 1Z Detail spray for quick detailing.