This essential process removes contaminants & oxidation from your paint.
So, you’ve decided to take your car cleaning game to the next level and try your hand at clay baring. Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a journey that will leave your car’s paint smoother than a jazz saxophonist on a Friday night. Let’s break down everything you need to know about clay baring, from the basics to the finer points, and even compare some popular products to get you started.
What is Clay Baring?
Clay baring is the process of using a clay bar to remove contaminants from your car’s paint. These contaminants can include things like brake dust, industrial fallout, tree sap, and bug residue – basically, all the nasty stuff that regular washing just doesn’t touch. A clay bar works by grabbing onto these contaminants and lifting them off the surface, leaving your paint as smooth as a baby’s bottom.
What is a Clay Bar?
A clay bar is a specially formulated resin compound used to remove contaminants from your car’s paint, such as brake dust, industrial fallout, tree sap, and bug residue. It works by grabbing onto these contaminants and lifting them off the surface, leaving your paint smooth and clean. Think of it as a high-tech eraser for your car’s exterior, designed to pick up the stuff that regular washing just can’t touch.
How Do I Use a Clay Bar?
Using a clay bar is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key steps to ensure you get the best results without damaging your paint.
- Wash Your Car Thoroughly: Before you start with the clay bar, make sure your car is clean. You don’t want to drag any loose dirt or grit across your paint. We suggest using a strip shampoo to remove old wax and other contamination.
- Prepare the Clay Bar: Take a piece of clay bar and knead it into a flat, palm-sized shape. This makes it easier to handle and provides a larger surface area for contact with the paint.
- Lubricate the Surface: Use a spray detailer as your lubricating liquid. This is crucial because the clay bar needs to glide smoothly over the paint. Without proper lubrication, you risk scratching the surface.
- Clay the Paint: Working in small sections, spray the area with detailer and gently rub the clay bar back and forth. You’ll feel it picking up contaminants, and as it does, it will glide more easily. When the section feels smooth, wipe it clean with a microfiber towel and move on to the next area.
- Check the Clay: Periodically check the clay bar for contaminants. If it gets dirty, fold it over and knead it to expose a clean surface.
- Iron Remover: After clay baring, consider using an iron remover. This product helps remove any remaining iron particles that the clay bar might have missed, ensuring your paint is thoroughly decontaminated.
- Final Wash and Wax: Once you’ve finished claying, give your car another wash to remove any residual clay lubricant. Then, apply a wax or sealant to protect your newly smoothed paint.
New Innovations: The Clay Mitt
If the thought of handling a clay bar makes you feel like you’re trying to juggle greased marbles, there’s good news. New products like the clay mitt, such as those from Jax Wax, have made the process easier. A clay mitt is essentially a mitt with clay material infused on one side. It fits over your hand, reducing the risk of it slipping away while you work. It’s a game-changer for those who want to speed up the process and make it more user-friendly.
Comparing Clay Bar Products
- Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit: A popular choice for beginners, this kit includes everything you need – clay bars, detailer spray, and a microfiber towel. It’s user-friendly and offers good performance.
- Chemical Guys Medium Clay Bar and Luber Kit: This kit comes with a medium-grade clay bar and a lubricant spray. It’s effective for moderately contaminated surfaces and is known for its excellent results.
- Jax Wax Clay Mitt: As mentioned earlier, the clay mitt offers convenience and ease of use. It’s especially great for those who struggle with handling traditional clay bars.
- Mothers California Gold Clay Bar System: Another comprehensive kit, it includes two clay bars, a quick detailer spray, and a microfiber towel. It’s a solid choice for both beginners and experienced users.
FAQs About Clay Baring
- What is a Clay Bar? A clay bar is a resin compound designed to remove contaminants from your car’s paint surface, making it smoother and cleaner by grabbing and lifting dirt, sap, and other residues.
- How to Store Clay? After using your clay bar, store it in an airtight container or plastic bag. Make sure it’s free from contaminants and slightly damp to keep it pliable for future use.
- Best Liquid for Clay Bar? The best liquid for a clay bar is a dedicated spray detailer. These products are designed to provide optimal lubrication, ensuring the clay glides smoothly over the paint.
- Lubricant Alternatives If you’re in a pinch and out of spray detailer, you can use a mixture of car wash soap and water or even baby shampoo diluted with water. These alternatives provide enough lubrication to safely use the clay bar without scratching the paint.
- Can You Use a Clay Bar with Water? Using a clay bar with just water is not recommended. Water alone doesn’t provide enough lubrication, increasing the risk of scratching your paint. Always use a lubricant to ensure smooth, safe claying.
- How Often Should I Clay Bar My Car? It depends on your driving conditions and exposure to contaminants. Generally, once or twice a year is sufficient for most vehicles.
- Can Clay Baring Remove Scratches? No, clay baring removes surface contaminants but not scratches. For scratches, you’ll need to use a polish or compound.
- Do I Need to Wax My Car After Using a Clay Bar? Yes, claying removes any existing wax, so it’s essential to reapply wax or a sealant to protect the paint.
- Can I Use a Clay Bar on Glass and Chrome? Absolutely! Clay bars are great for removing contaminants from glass and chrome surfaces as well.
- Is It Safe to Clay Bar a New Car? Yes, new cars can have contaminants from transport and storage. Just be sure to use plenty of lubrication and be gentle.
Clay baring might seem like a daunting task, but with the right products and techniques, it’s a straightforward process that can significantly improve your car’s appearance. Whether you opt for a traditional clay bar or a modern clay mitt, the result will be a smooth, clean surface ready for waxing and protecting. Happy claying!
