Clay Bar Application

[Pat]

Comparing the brands I've seen at my local FLAPS the size of the clay bar is roughly the same.

But I kneed and roll my bar, wetting it with the supplied lube, until the bar is roughly three times the package size. Then it's used as directed.

Does anyone see a downside to this technique? It seems to work OK, the touch test gives a smooth feeling.

Thanks,

[J-MAN]

Don't understand what the downside would be. I use about a third of the bar flattened pancake like with plenty of lube and as I move along keep folding it into itself and re-flatten to expose a fresh face. Store in a plastic bag with a shot of lube to keep it fresh. If you drop it throw it away as you will never be able to pick out the nasties. Hard to go wrong with a clay bar, techniques may vary. Great stuff!

[Jimimac43]

Did you use the entire amount at one time, or did you use a portion at a time? There is no problem either way, I split mine up and use it a piece at a time. When it gets so contamiated I throw it away. Seems to go farther this way. The stuff is great, no problems in years of using it. Keep it wet as you use it.

[Rockettman]

POPPAJ is right.
Take pieces of it at a time for the only reason of dropping it. If you should drop the whole bar, then you're off to the store to get another; or drop a piece, throw it away, and use another piece.
I agree with all above - great product.

[J-MAN]

POPPAJ is right.
Take pieces of it at a time for the only reason of dropping it. If you should drop the whole bar, then you're off to the store to get another; or drop a piece, throw it away, and use another piece.
I agree with all above - great product.

Aw shucks.....:hug:

[burtreynolds]

I use a hose of soft water and rub the crap out of the paint with the clay while the soft water runs over the paint. Thoughts?

[guccijayda]

nice. as long as you keep kneading it and using clean surfaces. after all that work claybaring it you mine as well polish and wax it too!:beer:

[guspech750]

I have used it many times on a couple of my cars with great results!! I think its the best, easiest and most inexpensive way to make your paint look a hell of a lot better.

[J-MAN]

I use a hose of soft water and rub the crap out of the paint with the clay while the soft water runs over the paint. Thoughts?

As long as the CB isn't sticking you're OK. Only a few CB are recommended for use with water only. Sticking=marring the paint. Marring means re-polishing. I prefer to use a clay lube myself, I mix my own using Optimum No-Rinse and distilled water.

[Georges93LX]

I made the mistake of not waxing after the clay bar job and the clearcoat peeled off my Crown Vic. Just to let you know.

[ctrlraven]

I made the mistake of not waxing after the clay bar job and the clearcoat peeled off my Crown Vic. Just to let you know.

Clay baring the car and not waxing it isn't going to be the main factor for making your clearcoat peel off. Something else was a miss with that.




Also check your local Target, the ones around here have the Meguiars claybar kit marked down to like $7. I have a few years worth now. :banana:

[burtreynolds]

I read megs instructions that unless you feel crap coming off it is not working? I mean I've felt overspray and sap but I figured the sticking was it taking crap off? Maybe I'm over-complicating this.

[fastblackmerc]

I read megs instructions that unless you feel crap coming off it is not working? I mean I've felt overspray and sap but I figured the sticking was it taking crap off? Maybe I'm over-complicating this.

This how you test to see if you need to claybar or if your claybarring is working.


Get a sandwich baggie
Place the sandwich baggie over your hand
Run your finger over the surface
If it's feels smooth either your claybarring worked or you don't need to claybar
If it feels rough then you need to claybar

[tbone]

I have used it many times on a couple of my cars with great results!! I think its the best, easiest and most inexpensive way to make your paint look a hell of a lot better.

Totally agree. I just used it a couple days ago for the first time. I am AMAZED at the difference! I've had this car professionally buffed and waxed and it did not look this good. So easy too.:beer:

[CBT]

Comparing the brands I've seen at my local FLAPS the size of the clay bar is roughly the same.

But I kneed and roll my bar, wetting it with the supplied lube, until the bar is roughly three times the package size. Then it's used as directed.

Does anyone see a downside to this technique? It seems to work OK, the touch test gives a smooth feeling.

Thanks,

I see absolutely NO downside to your technique. Sounds like you use 'The Wringer' technique, same as me.