Pictures after claybar...

[08SPEED3Veteran]

To be honest I didnt know anything about the clay bar until the weather started getting nice and you guys started posting pics. I wash and wax regularly, but ive been scared of the clay thinking it was some kind of pro detailer tool that takes superior skill lol. I keep looking at pics and im like WTF wax are they using to get such a perfect mirror finish!?!?! now i know. and im going to get some before and after pics up this week using the clay bar. one other thing...is removing the side moldings really worth it?

 

[hugador]

hugador,

The clay is non-abrasive and will not damage the car. Meguiars sells a kit with the two bars, quick detailer, a nice microfiber towel and cleaner wax. All you do is spray the bar and area with quick detailer, rub, and it removes all dirst, pollutants, over spray and other nastiness from on-top of your clear coat. $20 at autozone...99.99% of all cars on the road have a finish that feels like sandpaper; do this and that's gone...smooth as glass. Just try it and you'll be a believer!

Yeah thats what I have. l give it a go some day. And Sally, for those water spots try mixing vinegar and water. 50% of each. Use sponge and scrub really hard. Or use something slightly rougher than sponge if sponge don't work. Careful not to scratch your paint. Good luck

 

[Stamperman]

I use a clay bar on my car twice a year, once in the spring and again right before winter. It keeps the car looking great. I ususally follow it up with P21S carnuba wax, but sometimes go with something heavier before the winter months.

Hands down the best thing you can for the appearance of your car.

 

[bigdaddy]

just clayed/polished/glazed/waxed mine about a month ago. Too bad all those water spots are back(parking outside really does suck) but it turned out pretty well.

 

[hoagieryder]

I've only had my car for 3 weeks, I wash it every weekend and waxed it a week after I first got it. Is it pointless using a clay bar on a new car? Also how often should I wax the car, I don't want to overdue it and wreck the paint!

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

Not pointless

I've only had my car for 3 weeks, I wash it every weekend and waxed it a week after I first got it. Is it pointless using a clay bar on a new car? Also how often should I wax the car, I don't want to overdue it and wreck the paint!

In fact new cars need it most. Just run your hand over the finish lightly, if you feel a sandy texture or there's friction then you need to claybar.

 

[08SPEED3Veteran]

clay bar'd for the first time today followed by turtle wax. wow what a difference!

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

To be honest I didnt know anything about the clay bar until the weather started getting nice and you guys started posting pics. I wash and wax regularly, but ive been scared of the clay thinking it was some kind of pro detailer tool that takes superior skill lol. I keep looking at pics and im like WTF wax are they using to get such a perfect mirror finish!?!?! now i know. and im going to get some before and after pics up this week using the clay bar. one other thing...is removing the side moldings really worth it?

The instructions that will come with the clay bar kit are very straight forward. in all honesty one clay bar is not better than the other so buying the expensive one is not necesarily the best one. You dont need detailer spray as your lubricant either. For years and years all you got was the bar and you would use hose water as the lubricant.

Removing your door mouldings is a personal thing. You either like with or without. I like without. I also know that it is easier to wash/detail my car with them gone.

 

[mazdadude]

i have never even heard of claybar until a couple weeks ago. what exactly does it do?

The clay acts almost like a wood plane. The clay patty when lubricated properly, turns smooth and glassy. When you are rubbing this glassy clay over the painted surface, any bumps or particles of contaminents are sheared off to the same level as the surrounding paint, and the debris is captured into the clay matrix.

As you first start with the kneaded claybar on the surface of the car, the lubrication helps prevent the clay from smearing, and allows the clay patty to form a glass smooth finish. Once the clay is glassy and well lubricated, you will feel the clay patty catching on the specks of debris as you wipe very very lightly. Do a small area at a time, inspect and knead your clay often, and let the clay do the work.

The important things to remember about clay are to use a proper lubricant, a clean clay bar, and very little force. Also never ever reuse your clay if you accidentally drop it. Be sure to knead your clay often and pick out any debris that you see as you knead.

 

[Moody]

Thanks mazdadude. seems very time consuming.. guess ill look into it on a day off.

 

[bmcb]

It takes less time to clay the car than it does to wax it!

 

[AutoEuphoria]

I spent a damn hour and a half claying my car after winter...had a ton of little orange spots (not rust, but looked like it) all over the car. Each tiny spot took like 2 minutes to remove, and it seemed like there were hundreds of them

Clay = good

 

[motomike239]

i just bought my meguiars clay kit, looks promising going to give it a shot tomorrow... i have had my car for only like 7 seven months and i can feel crap on my paint and my car is garaged to.

 

[Speedkid]

Looks good.