How hard/easy is it to clay bar?

[Jbud]

I have actually never done this before, but want to ceramic coat my car if I dont wrap it. Can you rub through the clear easily or is it not that abrasive? Way back when I was told it was easy to over do it, but that was 10+ years ago and maybe its easier now?

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[GT Nate]

I use https://www.autogeek.net/nanoskin-autoscrub-wash-mitt-fine-grade.html Does the same thing just easier and quicker. Also if you drop it you simply rinse it off instead of throwing it away. You can use it with clay lube or carwash soap.

 

[Nagare]

It's really easy to use, just spray it a bit and spray the surface you're going to be claying then just glide over the surface with it. If it starts sticking, needs more lubrication. If it starts streaking, I wipe it up but it doesn't really matter much because you'll be polishing afterwards.

 

[ugstang17]

^^^ This. Don't be afraid of it. A light touch and let the weight of the clay do the work. Autogeek as well as youtube have several videos on how to work the clay bar while using it for best results. heck doing a two stage buff with a random orbital isn't much harder to be honest...if you buy quality stuff and take your time. Looking forward to claying and attacking the 17 this spring with the buffer.

 

[Cobra Jet]

Do not do it in the sun and make sure to keep the body panels wet.

 

[VinnAY]

You don't need a premixed lube spray, either, a spray bottle with a heavy squeeze of dish soap and then water is the perfect lubricant for the clay.

 

[jacknifetoaswan]

You don't need a premixed lube spray, either, a spray bottle with a heavy squeeze of dish soap and then water is the perfect lubricant for the clay.

Plus, the dish soap will strip the wax off the car, which is optimal if you're going to polish or coat it afterwards.

JR

 

[Cardude99]

I am picking up Adams clay bar, using spray detail as the lubricant. Hopefully good results will ensue

 

[GT Nate]

Another tip:
Put a plastic sandwich bag on your hand and rub the paint. You'll be able to feel the difference between clayed area and non clayed.

 

[Horseplay]

Pretty much any detail spray makes a good claybar lube.

I’m at the point in my life where I’d rather pay someone to do it.

 

[boB]

I have used Griot's clay with SpeedShine, it works well and was not difficult.

 

[Cardude99]

I can confirm that it was not that difficult. Did it for the first time about 2 weeks ago, very easy, little time consuming but easy

 

[Genxer]

I've only done it twice but noticed that the clay will start to slide around easier once I've worked over a panel. Interestingly, the first time I clayed it shortly into owning the car, there was more contaminants in the paint than when i did it again here recently. It's a subtle change but worth it.

 

[rebellovw]

Great info - I'm getting inspired. I see the fear of claybar ruining the paint is not an issue with enough lube - and using a few pieces per panel. My fear for that is over.

Now the orbital - I'm worried that will leave swirl marks - what do people use for that? Ex - which orbital- and which pads - how frequent change etc?

 

[jacknifetoaswan]

Great info - I'm getting inspired. I see the fear of claybar ruining the paint is not an issue with enough lube - and using a few pieces per panel. My fear for that is over.

You only use one piece for the whole car, not multiple pieces per panel. I suppose you could break the clay into tiny pieces, but that's dumb. Do a section, then fold the clay over on itself several times, and the contaminants will be trapped at the core of the clay. Smaller pieces will only increase the chances of you dropping it and ruining the clay.

JR

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