When to use a new clay bar?

[bronxon]

Hi friends,

This is the first time I used the clay bar. It was great!!, but the bar looks too dirty. How many times can I use the clay? or how do I know when to use a new bar?

Thanks!!

[gb387]

Re: When to use a new clay bar?

Originally posted by bronxon
Hi friends,

This is the first time I used the clay bar. It was great!!, but the bar looks too dirty. How many times can I use the clay? or how do I know when to use a new bar?

Thanks!!

I guess its just kind of what you think is dirty and how much contamination is in the clay.... when I fold the clay over and can not see a clean folded area appear I stop using it. Each person does it a little different, clay is fairly inexpensive so when in doubt get some new clay.

[bronxon]

Thanks for the advice !!!
But I have another question. If the clay is too dirty ,is there the possibility that the clay could scratch the paint?

Regards,

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by bronxon
Thanks for the advice !!!
But I have another question. If the clay is too dirty ,is there the possibility that the clay could scratch the paint?

Regards,

Depends on what the dirt is?

A lot of the gunk a clay bar removes from the paint is film that builds-up over time, if you knead your clay bar this film shouldn't scratch your car's finish.

If you drop your clay bar onto the ground and pick up a sharp abrasive particle, or if you have some type of sharp particle embedded in your cars paint and in the removal you get this sharp particle into the clay bar, then the answer is "yes", the particle will scratch the paint.

When in doubt, throw it out as the time and energy required to remove scratches out of most clear coats is not worth the savings obtained by not purchasing a new clay bar.

Your choice, use good judgment and common sense.

Remember, Meguiar's offers you a quality clay bar kit but we have no control over you dropping the clay bar or how dirty your car's paint is and it's these things that determine the longevity of the clay bar.