What is clay bar?

A clay bar is an engineered, clay-like product that pulls contaminants like water spots, brake dust, metal dust, industrial pollution and road grit from your clear coat. When used with a clay lubricant, these contaminants come loose from your car and get stuck safely in the clay so they don't damage your clear coat.

What does a clay bar actually do?

Clay bars are designed to grab onto contaminants that are stuck to your paint and pull them off. Think of these as things that get embedded in the “pores” of your clear coat. A clay bar is typically the final step that makes sure your paint is surgically clean.

Can clay bar damage your car?

Clay bars used by professionals will be more "aggressive" in their ability to cut contaminants from auto finishes, but they can also cause damage to paint in the wrong hands.

Is clay bar the same as wax?

The main difference between wax and a clay bar is that wax is first and foremost a protectant, while automotive clay is not. While both of these products can clean to an extent, they serve different purposes.

Can a clay bar remove scratches?

A clay bar does NOT remove any scratches from the surface of the paint because it contains no abrasives. A clay bar is useful for when a car's paint feels rough and is no longer smooth to the touch as it can help restore that nice smooth feeling you once knew and loved.

What Does A Clay Bar Do? | Knight Rider K.I.T.T. | - Chemical Guys

Should I clay bar a new car?

My car is new, do I need to use a clay bar right away? Yes! Most new cars travel a long distances by ship, truck or rail to get to the dealer. They pick up a lot of nasty contamination along the way, like rail dust (metal particles from the wheels and track).

Can Clay bar Damage clear coat?

A clay bar is an engineered, clay-like product that pulls contaminants like water spots, brake dust, metal dust, industrial pollution and road grit from your clear coat. When used with a clay lubricant, these contaminants come loose from your car and get stuck safely in the clay so they don't damage your clear coat.

Should you wash car after clay bar?

When you're finished claying your car, you may need to wash it to remove any lubricant film. If you plan to use a pre-wax cleaner polish, it will remove clay residue so there's no need to wash. Last but not least, after using clay, seal your freshly cleaned paint with your choice of wax or sealant.

Should I polish my car after clay bar?

You don't have to polish afterwards but clay bars will mar the surface. You may not see or notice it but it is there. Depending on how fine a grade the clay is, you may have to do an intensive polish or just a one-step wax.

Does clay bar make car shine?

Washing and waxing your car is necessary if you wanted to look its best. However, for an outstanding finish, you will need to also apply what is known as clay bar detailing. Through the use of a special clay bar, car owners can make their vehicles really shine and create a flawless finish.

Can claybar remove paint?

While a clay bar treatment can remove contaminants like bird droppings, tree sap, paint overspray, and brake dust, it cannot remove actual scratches in the paint because it doesn't contain any abrasives, according to the Chemical Guys.

Does clay bar remove wax?

Removing your car's wax, sealant or coating prior to claying will help the clay bar fully remove the contaminants without being impaired by the paint protection layer. However, in most cases the clay will be capable of removing both the wax/ sealant/ coating, as well as the contaminants.

How long does clay bar last?

clay bar should last you between 18- 24 months if used on the same vehicle.

Will clay bar remove water spots?

Typically a washing, white vinegar and water solution, or a clay bar will not remove the water marks, they only work when it's a light residue on the surface. Unfortunately many water marks actually lightly etch in to the surface and in these instances you'll need a stronger option.

What comes after clay bar?

The detailer's rule of thumb is to always decontaminate the surface with a clay bar before putting on a new coat of wax, or polishing any exterior paintwork.

How often should I clay bar my car?

Although there's no specific schedule to clay bar your car, you must do this at least 2 to 3 times a year. How often you clean your car will determine the grade you use. To be on the safer side, try being more conservative with the grades, especially when you're not entirely sure.

Can you clay bar glass?

It's perfectly safe to use a clay bar on your windshield. Clay bars are intended to be safely used on paint and glass is a surface that's much harder to scratch. There are times when a regular wash won't remove contaminants like bugs, overspray, and fallout. This is when a clay bar should be used.

Can you clay bar a black car?

It is easy to use a clay bar in your black car without marring or harming the finish. Make sure to clean and polish the finish before treating black paint with a clay bar. It is also important to finish off by waxing the paint to seal the smoothness and shine.

In what order do you detail a car?

Does clay bar scratch paint?

Clay bars are abrasive so have the potential to damage paint by causing clear coat scratches, marring and swirls. You can minimise the risk by using a soft clay, plenty of lubrication and keep inspecting the clay for contaminants that may cause scratches.

Do you dry car before Clay Bar?

Clay Bar Prep (Return to Top)

Before using a clay bar, your car should be washed and dried to remove a majority of contamination on your vehicle. The more contaminated the paint is the more likely imperfections can be added during the clay bar process.

Can you wax a car without Claying?

The best way is a proper multi stage process, but on the spectrum from full detail to drive through car wash, waxing without claying is fine by me.

Can you use clay bar in the sun?

Claying is sunlight isn't a problem. Just rinse more frequently. Better to remove contaminants before polishing.

Does clay bar cause swirls?

Swirl marks can happen during a clay bar treatment if the detailer isn't attentive to keeping the bar clean and free of major debris, doesn't use enough lube, or chooses the wrong type of clay for the paint. Clay barring is the ultimate way to remove paint contamination, but must be done thoughtfully and with care.