Clay Bar?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Clay Bar?

i have never clay barred my car before...but i had wetsanded it n had it buffed out a few months ago. i tried claying yesterday and it did nothing for me..the clay bar remained the same,and my paint felt the same.

Thats odd. I just clayed my wagon yesterday since it hasnt been clayed for maybe 4 months or so and I was surprised at what it did pick up given the car has 1K miles on it and barely leaves the garage. It also receives a weekly to bi weekly wipedown with UQD.

I once had to clay 1999 Buick, parked outside 24/7 and probably never clayed until last summer, and I used three 50 gram clay bars.

When I went to the lower panels it was a total disaster. I was reshaping the bar every 30 seconds.

One word, gentlemen - "Exposure"

You can clay your car today and then just be in the wrong place at the wrong time tomorrow and have to clay it again right away. Like if you suddenly find that the building in the office park next to yours is being painted and it's a bit windy. Or you move that car into your driveway the next day to work on your significant other's car in the garage, and your next door neighbor decides to spray paint his patio furniture at the same time. Or you go to the movies and park under the wrong tree, so for two hours it's depositing sap mist all over your car. Exposure.

But if you clay today and then the car sits in the garage almost all the time, sees little daylight, sits in a parking garage all day when it does go out, and the detailing gods are just generally smiling down upon you - you may not have to clay for a year. Exposure.

Bottom line; If your paint feels rough to the touch, clay it. If it feels literally as smooth as glass, don't bother - it won't do anything for you.

[dc2_]

Re: Clay Bar?

yea i was just a little surprised my car didnt need claying, maybe the wetsanding took care of that

[greg0303]

Re: Clay Bar?

Sometimes can go for a paint cleaner first, or de-greaser wash, etc first in those instances.

Will do so next time when the surface feels super rough.

Thanks, Mat.