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Claying should always come after a good wash. You want to get as much of the dirt out as possible, by scrubbing and brushing and scrubbing some more. Your choice of cleaning agent will also ensure that your vehicle is ready for the use of a clay bar.
Do I need to wash 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.
When should I use clay bar?
A good wash won’t be enough to completely cleanse your paintwork before applying any protection, so a clay barring is a must before any wax or sealants or other chosen protection is used.
Should you polish or clay bar first?
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. Those foreign particles block wax from sticking to the paint, making it last for a shorter time and not shine as bright.
Should you clay bar before waxing?
Claying removes most all the wax off the surface so if you clay you should always build-in the time to at a minimum re-wax the vehicle. If you want to strip off the old wax to lay down a fresh coat you can do this by using any mild paint cleaner or cleaner/polish.
What liquid do you use with clay bar?
Q: What can I use to lubricate a clay bar? You can use a specifically formulated lubricant, a quick detailer, or soapy water. All of these will sufficiently lubricate your vehicle so that the clay bar can glide over your vehicle’s surface without damaging it.
Will 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.
Does Clay Bar damage clear coat?
Clay bars are not supposed to damage the paint or clear coat finish, the particles that are being removed by the clay bar might remove some of the clear coat (see image below for example) the the damage these particles can do over time is worse than the clear coat being removed – and this valleys will be filled in with Jul 19, 2007.
How long can you use clay bar?
clay bar will last you 18 months to 2 years if used on the same vehicle. If you buy clay in an 4 oz. bar, like Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay or BLACKFIRE Poly Clay, cut it in half and keep the unused portions moistened with lubricant in the storage case.
Does clay bar remove wax?
Yes. Claying involves gliding along the surface of the car coat and removing any contaminants on the surface. When you clay your vehicle, you remove the contaminants, making the coat easier to wax.
Can I use soapy water with clay bar?
Now with the above said, some people do use the soapy wash water to clay. If one does, you need to make sure the water solution is not drying too fast creating water spots. Also the clay must not touch any dirt in the wash bucket or marring will occur.
Can you use clay bar on glass?
Glass does not need a special clay bar, and most clay bars are safe for glass. 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. Soaps and water-less washes can often breakdown the clay bars, causing them to crumble and fall apart.
What can I use instead of a clay bar?
There are different styles when it comes to clay bar alternatives. Sponges, mitts, towels, blocks, and even discs for your DA Polisher are now available. These can make decontamination much quicker and easier, but you still need to be careful.
Can you wax without clay bar?
Re: Waxing without Claying? If you clay the paint , the wax will last longer, bacause it will adhere directly into the paint and not in the contaminants. Almost all waxes contain some cleaning ability but there is no substitute for claying.
Is clay better than wax?
‘ While wax delivers shine and hold, clay is more specialized towards those who want an extreme amount of volume with a more matte and natural finish. Clay is ideal for those who want more body and to enhance the volume in their hair. Clay can give a more professional look and appear effortless simultaneously.
Can I use a clay bar with just water?
Registered. Use car shampoo or even baby shampoo and put a few drops in the water before claying. Don’t use just water. It doesn’t provide enough lubrication and that could lead to micromaring or fine scratches.
Are clay bars worth it?
Over time, these particles could permanently damage your paint. These particles also prevent wax and polish from working properly, which means you don’t get as clear a shine. If you want to protect your paint job in the future and have your car looks its best, clay bar detailing is absolutely worth it.
Can I make my own clay bar lubricant?
Yes, soapy water makes a very decent clay lubricant! After you wash the car, mix the same proportions of car shampoo and water in a clean bucket or spray bottle and apply generously to the surface. Then, go at it with the clay, regularly adding more soapy water to keep the surface wet at all times.
