Clay-Bar 101

[Philt922]

I'm new to using the clay-bars and was wondering what's the difference in the clay that comes in the Smooth Surface Clay kit and the mild and aggressive clay's in the professional line? I bought the kit and ran out of clay (dropped one).

Also is the clay-bar the proper product to use on road dirt and grime on the lower fenders?

[ChevyNick]

I'm new to using the clay-bars and was wondering what's the difference in the clay that comes in the Smooth Surface Clay kit and the mild and aggressive clay's in the professional line? I bought the kit and ran out of clay (dropped one).

Also is the clay-bar the proper product to use on road dirt and grime on the lower fenders?

The mild and agressive clay are just that; milder than the consumer clay and much aggressiver than the consumer clay respectively. Mild (blue) seems pretty popular as it has a little more "power" than the consumer one. I don't really know how else to explain it unfortunately.

You asked if its the correct thing to use on road dirt and grime on the fenders... Well I hope you are thoroughly washing your car before clayung. There shouldn't be any dirt on the paint when clayying. If road grime is something such as tar, then yes, you can try clayying it off.

[bmrfan]

Re: Clay-Bar 101

First thing - The aggressive clay must be used with caution - it may haze your paint thus requiring additional polishing to correct the hazing.

Start with the mild clay - I only use the aggressive clay when the mild clay does not remove the bonded surface contaminant - stuff like thoroughly cured paint used to mark lanes on a road.

[JET_Fusion]

Re: Clay-Bar 101

The consumer clay bar will also take off that grime streak that ends up below the horizontal trim as well as the grime that collects at the paint trim edge of the subtle water drain.

[BillyJack]

Re: Clay-Bar 101

On many vehicles I'll use both, depending on the condition of the particular area. As mentioned, the red aggressive clay may need some minor correction, but it cleans quicker and with less effort. Feel the surface first and let your hands be your guide to the best product. In many cases, the hood, roof and front end may need red, as well as the lower foot or so of the sides, with blue being sufficient for the upper halves of doors, fenders and rear quarters. Also, there's no need to use a whole bar at once. Depending on bar size, I'll break off a piece large enough to make about a 3" round thin patty. Once one face gets dirty, a little spray with your lubricant of choice and a quick scrub with a small brush will get rid of some of the garbage. Then fold the clean side over the dirty side and have at it again with a fresh face. You can repeat this process a number of times before you discard a patty. I'll even keep my old clay around awhile for use on wheels or digging out grime from narrow grooves, then discard it after that.

Bill

[Dedy]

Re: Clay-Bar 101

talking about clay, we have to use QD or Last Touch as lubricant right? what if, I use Shampoo GoldClass diluted water with 1:5 as lubricant, is that possible? Is that can cause any problem, in clay or in car body itself? thanks for suggestion.

[STRIFE]

Re: Clay-Bar 101

^ using GC or any wash soap will break down your clay, i usually use QD, LT or ONR

[Dedy]

Re: Clay-Bar 101

thanks STRIFE

I just wondering if i could use that GC shampoo in emergency when my LT is empty

[Murr1525]

Re: Clay-Bar 101

You can in an emergency, but just be sure to use a small piece of clay in case it starts to break down. Sometimes they do, sometimes not.

[Philt922]

Re: Clay-Bar 101

You asked if its the correct thing to use on road dirt and grime on the fenders... Well I hope you are thoroughly washing your car before clayung. There shouldn't be any dirt on the paint when clayying. If road grime is something such as tar, then yes, you can try clayying it off.

I'm thoroughly washing but I'm just starting out so my car doesn't have all the needed protection just yet. I guess I'll be ordering some Pro Mild.

[STRIFE]

Re: Clay-Bar 101

^ I would just buy a the Megs Clay kit, comes with 160 grams of clay(2 bars), QD, MF cloth and sample wax....and lotsa places sell for under $20

[h_bomm]

Re: Clay-Bar 101

This has happened a couple times to me when claying, the clay bar stops dead in its tracks. I am assuming it's because i didn't use enough QD to lube the surface but i feel like i spray the surface well enough though. Is this bad, will it damage the vehicle surface? I got my clay kit at wal-mart but it didn't come with the cleaner wax, i wonder if someone stole it...oh well, i'll just have to make sure it's in the next one.

[STRIFE]

Re: Clay-Bar 101

^ think the newer clay kits come with a smaller bottle of UQW instead of the cleaner wax....