When to Replace Clay Bars?

[Chex]

Hi everyone:

This is a quick question and I do need to know about it to get rid of that little doubt :P

When do I have to replace my clay bar? I've heard it need to feel gritty, but can anyone please give me an example of what "gritty" means?

also, what else (besides scratching the surface) do I have to feel or see in the clay bar (including performance)?

any help is extremely appreciated

Thanks

[Murr1525]

Re: When to Replace Clay Bars?

One problem is that it is kind of a judgement call. Heck, some people will just use one on their paint/wheels/exhaust, then toss it, and do that twice a year.

I think a big indicator is if you knead it over to get a fresh side, and you can see dirt coming back to the surface. Other than that, it is really just when you feel comfortable.

In general, dont bring clay from your wheels/exhaust back up to the paint, but if your car is well maintained, and always clays easily, then I could see your paint only clay being used quite a few times.

Mine starts to feel funny/firm after a year though, so even if I clay 3-4 times, it will probably get tossed at that point no matter what.

Sorry if that sounds like what you were thinking already....

[LS1MONSTER]

Re: When to Replace Clay Bars?

I go by the look and feel of the clay..if it feels gritty even after kneading and has "strong" yellow/brown look to it....I toss it.

[farmboy]

Re: When to Replace Clay Bars?

As murr stated, I use the clay on the paint until it is dirty after kneading. Then it is used on the inside off the wheels, exhaust, or glass.

[Chex]

Re: When to Replace Clay Bars?

Thanks guys for your opinions. forunately, I dont deal with exhausts or highly contaminated areas when claying, except glasses (when they have overspray in it).

I'll be careful in the feeling when kneading the clay bar.


"As murr stated, I use the clay on the paint until it is dirty after kneading. Then it is used on the inside off the wheels, exhaust, or glass. (farmboy)"

So then, once the clay is not safe anymore for the paint due to the accumulated dust and contaminants, it can be used for glass and other parts, right?

[farmboy]

Re: When to Replace Clay Bars?

IMO it is safe to use the contaminated clay on your glass.

[CWM3]

Re: When to Replace Clay Bars?

I am with farmboy too. Unless that claybar is extremely gritty you should be fine for glass use.

[Aurora40]

Re: When to Replace Clay Bars?

I've heard it need to feel gritty, but can anyone please give me an example of what "gritty" means?

I'd toss it after I'm finished claying the car (or put it aside for junk use). That's why I cut them up into single-use bits (maybe 4 pieces from a 100g bar). Clay is a consumable, you use it and it's done.

Don't wait for it to feel gritty. I'd think by then it is way too late. I've used old clay for things like pulling oily dirt out of crevices and bolt holes on the engine. And you can fold that stuff in and the clay still won't feel gritty. But I sure as heck wouldn't want it to touch any paint of mine!

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: When to Replace Clay Bars?

I Agree with Murr and Aurora40. Why mess around and take a chance on instilling a scratch. Imo its just not worth it.

[jfelbab]

Re: When to Replace Clay Bars?

I use the clay on the paint, then the glass surfaces, then the wheels then I toss it. Clay Kits are cheap, too cheap to risk using dirty clay on my paint.