How to Clay Bar your Vehicle's Paint [Beginner's Guide]

How to clay bar your car or truck. So the first question you maybe asking yourself, what is a clay bar and how is it used. Well a clay bar is made from a resin type material, it can either be a natural or synthetic compound, while it maybe similar to the clay children play with, it is however different. While it can be used on other surfaces, I’m keeping this video specifically to paint. Clay bar is intended to clean any foreign contaminants which have adhered or baked onto the paint’s surface. This can include anything from brake dust, hard water spots, minerals, overspray from paint, material or paint transfer scuffs, dust, wax, although it will not remove sap. Typically you can either see or feel contaminants on paint. When dragging your fingers across the paint, it can feel somewhat rough or catchy. #autodetailing #detailing #paintrestoration

Amazon links for various products used in the video for both USA and Canada:
USA
Polishing compound: https://amzn.to/3omIghF
Wax and applicator kit: https://amzn.to/36xqYs7
Clay bar: https://amzn.to/36HCT6o
Wash mitt: https://amzn.to/3ubps8W
Carwash soap: https://amzn.to/3bgMaUF
Canada
Polishing compound: https://amzn.to/36g3PKq
Wax and applicator kit: https://amzn.to/3sZXoF6
Clay bar: https://amzn.to/3rsiBWq
Wash mitt: https://amzn.to/2ZwnVfy
Carwash soap: https://amzn.to/37uJQIq

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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-clay bar
-bucket of water with carwash soap
-microfiber drying towel
-hose
-microfiber wash mitt

Procedure:
Start by washing the vehicle to remove any easier to remove contaminants.

Clay bars do require a lubrication, some say a detail spray is required but that’s just an added cost which isn’t needed. I simply have a bucket of clean water with the same soap I use for washing the car.

There are various grits of clay bars available, starting with a fine compound and then more aggressive compounds. Fine compounds can be used more often, may not remove wax, and can require more work with harder to remove contaminants on the paint. A medium or aggressive compound can be used on paints which needs more of an intense cleaning.

Here I have a clay bar which was purchased from a local auto parts store. They are available in various colors as well, sometimes a color is used to determine which abrasive quality it has, other times it’s just a selected color by the manufacturer. Depending on the color, sometimes it can be easier to see the contaminants imbedded in the clay. Starting out with the clay, you’ll need to fold it over in order to find a clean spot if you’re using a used piece. Ensure it’s thoroughly wet, along with the surface you’re working with.

Create a flat spot in the clay and then rub it on the surface, light to medium pressure is all that’s needed. It should glide over the surface of the paint, always make sure the area is well lubricated. How long the clay bar lasts for really depends on what it’s exposed to. If you’re having a hard time finding a clean surface in the clay, then it’s best to throw it away and use a new bar.

When the clay bar becomes too dirty, fold it over and work with a portion portion. If the clay happens to fall on the ground, throw it away. Don’t try to pick away debris and clean it, it’s not worth the risk of having imbedded dirt in the clay damaging your paint. While clay bar does remove contaminants, it should be mentioned that is will not remove swirl marks, scratching, scuffing, or any other surface damage on a painted surface.

Rinse the area and dry if needed. Once done, you can see the contaminates are removed.

Moving onto the door handle, here is some material transfer, either paint or rubber. This was on the car when I purchased it and this is the first chance I’ve had to give the exterior a better cleaning. Again using the clay bar, make sure you have a clean portion to work with, the area needs to be well lubricated. This is a fine clay bar, so it can take a little longer to work the area.

And as you can see the material transfer has been removed.

Clay bar is an excellent procedure before paint correction or applying a wax or sealant to paint. While a polish can remove contaminants, it can thin the paint’s finish, therefore using a clay bar is a better choice for cleaning the paint.

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