[rec]

Hey all,
n00b question here... how do you use a clay bar ?
I was lookin at these: Zymol Zymol Lehm-Klay Bar 2 from Monza Car Care with Zymol Zymol Lehm-Lube from Monza Car Care

but how and when do you use it ?

[minisoopercooper]

I have used the mequiars quick clay bar system - available from halfords for around £15. Full instructions on the pack.

I wouldn't do it too often as like polishing you will remove a small layer each time. Basically you clean the car as well as possible then spray the surface with the detailing spray supplied. Then simply rub the clay bar in horizontal lines panel by panel. this removes most scratches and contaminants. I then scratch x'd the car and a final polish - it looked amazing.

Well worth the efort

[Paul]

I have meguiars quick clay. The clay is soft and malleable and you have a spray to dampen the surface. It's a bit like using blu-tac to clean marks (usually left by blu-tac) from your wall.

[PmP]

Zymol clay bar is 3 times the size of the meguiars clay bar and works better as it is softer.

Although if you dont keep it well lubricated it can break up.

Better still is the Sonus Green Clay bar, two bars bigger than the meguiars bars for £7, nice and soft, and comes in different grades.

Wash your car and dry it. Now feel the paint with your fingertips, does it feel like glass? Or does it feel a little rough? If the answer is rough that is bonded contaminants (tar spots, tree sap, road grime) you feel. The clay bar will remove these, and it will amaze you how the paint feels like glass after. This is the best way to remove these contaminants. And it will amaze you how much more of a shine the paint will have after.

As someone else said dont do it all the time, maybe 3 times a year. You do get abbrasive clay bars for stubborn jobs like 4X4's, but these are far less abrasive than any polishes. So it wont remove any paint or clear coat, unless you use a dirty piece of clay. Just be sure to fold the clay bar in two and use a clean side at all times. And keep the paintwork and clay well lubricated with a detailing spray or water with car shampoo added.

[PmP]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

I have meguiars quick clay. The clay is soft and malleable and you have a spray to dampen the surface. It's a bit like using blu-tac to clean marks (usually left by blu-tac) from your wall.

This is quite good for beginners, but it is quite a hard clay and not the easiest to work with.

Other reason I forgot for not doing it too often is, it takes a few hours to do a car properly. Mini's not too bad as its fairly small.

[Paul]

I've only ever used the meguiars and I was surprised how soft it was. Softer than I expected anyway!

[I love MINI, Laura]

I don't bother with the quick detailer when claying. i use the bar while washing the car and the clean soapy water does a great job at lubricating the clay. i only do it when it feels a bit rough. Usual places get it the most. Back end, roof and below the windows are the worst.

My advise would be to break up the clay bar into workable size pieces like you would do with blue tack and when a piece gets too dirty I use that on the alloy wheels to get baked on rubbish off there. I love by clay bar and will always use it to keep my paint work as smooth and like glass as possible!

[PmP]

Quote: Originally Posted by I love MINI, Laura (original)

I don't bother with the quick detailer when claying. i use the bar while washing the car and the clean soapy water does a great job at lubricating the clay. i only do it when it feels a bit rough. Usual places get it the most. Back end, roof and below the windows are the worst.

My advise would be to break up the clay bar into workable size pieces like you would do with blue tack and when a piece gets too dirty I use that on the alloy wheels to get baked on rubbish off there. I love by clay bar and will always use it to keep my paint work as smooth and like glass as possible!

As I think I said you can use water and car shampoo to lubricate the clay, but I hope you wash the loose dirt away before you clay? Only down side about using car shampoo is some shampoos dry and leave paint smeared. Quick detailer doesnt really.

It is a good idea to break it into smaller bits as said, especially as its easy to drop a bit. And that renders it useless as it will lift dirt off ground.

Use it on exterior glass also it makes a difference.

Someone mentioned meguiars being soft, try sonus green, much cheaper and its far far softer and easier worked.

[monkeynuts]

As more n more people are trying this ive posted a thread here with a guide

http://www.mini2.com/forum/maintenan...ml#post3152044

[PmP]

Quote: Originally Posted by monkeynuts (original)

As more n more people are trying this ive posted a thread here with a guide

http://www.mini2.com/forum/maintenan...ml#post3152044

Good one.

In fact most questions about detailing can be answered by a quick search on detailingworld.

[Greenscaile]

I've been converted.....

I wish i had used this clay stuff before. I only used this weekend to give the car a final going over before its replaced next weekend and sold.

It had four and a half years of unseen gunk stuck to it. I all ever did was wash and wax. But WOW, what a difference. It was only after i strted with the clay bar, did I realise how much unseen grime there was.

This is going to be a permanent fixture in the valet box from now on.

I am so glad i found this site, just for this little gem.

[Paul]

It is a brilliant tool, and the more people use it the better people will understand the product and how to better care for their car. Which not only bodes well for current owners, but those buying second hand too.

[rec]

well, i did mine yesterday and damn was it easy ! good results too

tho i must admit i did search Youtube and watch the Meg video on how to do it :P

[Nebdingo]

just keep it "lubed" up plenty!! raaa!!

[rec]

what about storing it ? i've put it back into the little "box" that it came in, but i think it'll dry out. should i put it in a little zippy lock bag ?

[Japper]

Quote: Originally Posted by minisoopercooper (original)

I have used the mequiars quick clay bar system - available from halfords for around £15. Full instructions on the pack.

I wouldn't do it too often as like polishing you will remove a small layer each time. Basically you clean the car as well as possible then spray the surface with the detailing spray supplied. Then simply rub the clay bar in horizontal lines panel by panel. this removes most scratches and contaminants. I then scratch x'd the car and a final polish - it looked amazing.

Well worth the efort

Claying does not take a layer of lacquer off like a polish would. Claying takes surface contaminents off only and so does not remove scratches either.

[I love MINI, Laura]

I just put it in a plastic bag and keep it separate from other bits once its been used. Its gets a bit sticky when dry.

[Japper]

Quote: Originally Posted by Greenscaile (original)

I've been converted.....

I wish i had used this clay stuff before. I only used this weekend to give the car a final going over before its replaced next weekend and sold.

It had four and a half years of unseen gunk stuck to it. I all ever did was wash and wax. But WOW, what a difference. It was only after i strted with the clay bar, did I realise how much unseen grime there was.

This is going to be a permanent fixture in the valet box from now on.

I am so glad i found this site, just for this little gem.

Hi Greenscaile, have you ever seen Polished Bliss's work ?. Well worth a visit seeing as you're local.

[DaFlake]

Clayed the wifes Suby this weekend and I have to say it looks fab! Now that I have tested my skills on her car I can do it on the MINI!

FYI, that is the best that 04 Suby has looked in a few years. She has white paint and the clay really made a difference on the over all appearance.