What is the difference between clay bar and rubbing compound?

Rubbing compound is a very agressive product mostly to remove oxidized paint etc. It is abrasive and will remove some of the clearcoat or paint. On the other hand a clay bar is used to remove paint imperfections such as overspray, impurities etc. Used properly it will not remove paint or clearcoat.
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Which is better clay bar or rubbing compound?

However, a clay bar is far superior for removing bonded contaminants (if you run your hand across the paint and it has a gritty feel, you have bonded contaminants) and paint overspray. Compounds are typically more used to level your paint to remove swirls, scratches, etc.
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Should you clay bar before compound?

Yes it is necessary to clay a car before compounding/polishing. It is far better to do it and not need it than to need it and not do it.
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What can I use instead of a clay bar?

What Are Alternatives To Using a Clay Bar?
  • Clay Mitts. Clay mitts provide the same services as a clay bar, but they are much easier to use. ...
  • Using Clay Mitts. Clay bars should be replaced whenever you drop them on the ground as they can quickly absorb too many contaminants. ...
  • Clay Towels. ...
  • Clay Pads.
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Will a clay bar remove scuff marks?

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.
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When to Compound vs Polish vs Clay



Does 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.
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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.
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Do you wax after clay bar?

The Short Answer. A wax or sealant should always be applied to the car after using a clay bar. The clay bar will remove any old protection so a wax or sealant needs to be applied to ensure the paintwork is protected to help keep it clean and free from contaminants and UV rays.
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Can Claying your car scratch it?

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.
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Do you have to 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.
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Should I use rubbing compound or polishing compound?

Rubbing compounds basically targets the uneven car's surfaces caused by scratches while on the other hand; polishing is preferably used for adding smoothness and shine to the car paint.
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Will a 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.
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Will rubbing compound remove clear coat?

Rubbing Compound

Both compounds can fix scratches by removing a thin layer of the clear coat.
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Can you clay a car without polishing?

A fine grade clay bar on a soft clear coat can still leave plenty of marring that would require a light polish at the end. I guess if the marring doesn't stick out and bother you then you don't need to polish. You should always at least put down a coat wax after claying to protect the paint.
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Does Clay Bar damage ceramic coating?

Because using a clay bar or polishing your coating can damage the coating itself, the best way to go about this is using a chemical fallout remover.
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Should you clay bar a brand new car?

If your paint feels rough or textured, then you need to clay. If it feels smooth as glass than you shouldn't need to clay, but it definitely wouldn't hurt. In all honestly, claying a new car shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes, and it requires very little effort.
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In what order do you detail a car?

Detailing Your Car in 13 Easy Steps
  1. Step 1: Wash. If you have old wax on your car, use dish soap in a bucket of water to wash it off. ...
  2. Step 2: Dry. Using a blower to dry your car is preferred. ...
  3. Step 3: Clay Bar. ...
  4. Step 4: Polish. ...
  5. Step 5: Glaze. ...
  6. Step 6: Sealant. ...
  7. Step 7: Wax. ...
  8. Step 8: Microfiber.
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Can you use soapy water with clay bar?

I have used Mother`s and Clay Magic with soapy water as a lube without any problems. These two clays, IMO, are more of the "plastic-y" type of clays whereas the Griot`s clay is a bit more "doughy" if you will and have broken down even with their Speedshine quick detailer as their recommended lube.
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Is Clay Bar necessary?

Although using a clay bar on your car is an essential part of detailing, it shouldn't be done unless absolutely necessary. The clay bar has a specific job – to remove bonded contaminants from your paint. Even when used properly, it should be considered a necessary evil since it can be abrasive.
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Does clay bar clean windshield?

Glass does not need a special clay bar, and most clay bars are safe for glass. The only bars I would not recommend for glass are "heavy" or "aggressive" clay bars. They may leave marring on the glass and need to be polished afterwards. With any clay bar, make sure to use the proper clay lubricant.
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Is Meguiars Clay Bar abrasive?

Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit

Our non-abrasive clay bar safely, easily and instantly removes paint overspray, fallout, environmental contaminants and more, making waxing easier and longer lasting.
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