The Clay Bar Treatment

[JoltinJoe]

Hello Fellows,

When talking about washing and waxing your beauty, what is the Clay Bar Treatment? 

[DoNotChallengeHer]

http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/clay.html   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

It's interesting stuff. It definitely gets the tree sap off. Just be sure to use plenty of car detailer as a lube. 


   Mike

[NoMope Greg]

It leaves the paint very smooth.  It's a lot of work, but if your paint still feels rough to the touch after you wash the car, it's well worth the time spent.  It's one of those chores that you should plan on spending the entire day doing, including waxing the car afterwards.  And don't drop the clay bar on the ground - you'll have to throw it away, because you don't want any foreign contaminants it may pick up scratching the paint.

[Moparal]

I try to have my company truck washed, clay bar'ed and wax once a month. It makes a difference

[JoltinJoe]

Thanks for the heads up! 

How about a list of places/links to buy a clay bar.  One variable that I ask is that the merchant also be where you purchase your other washing materials.  DoNotChallengeHer's link provided a complete list of recommended car care items.  I briefly searched the site and didn't find a dedicated thread for this... 

[moparmaniac59]

I use Zaino products. They sell various kits some just wax products and some complete detailing kits. They have a very good reputation with their products and I highly recommend them. I have used their wax products and also clay bar and been very pleased. I think they are out of California. Some automotive shops carry their products, but I just order mine on-line. You can do a Google for "Zaino's" to find the web site. Good luck and yes, clay bar does do a good job, but as mentioned is very labor intensive!!


                                                               Matt B.

[NoMope Greg]

You should be ablet to find it in the wash and wax section of any well-stocked auto parts store - AutoZone or NAPA or Checker/Schucks/Kragen.  Mothers sells it.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

The clay bar set I have is from Mother's if that helps you, but yeah...it should be available local to you.   

[ChallengerGary]

Get ready to have sore arms!  Those things work great but man is it a LOT of work.  Also, make sure to keep it lubed up

[JoltinJoe]

Get ready to have sore arms!  Those things work great but man is it a LOT of work.  Also, make sure to keep it lubed up

Hehe... I read about the lube but didn't take note.  Can you guys explain the necessity of the lube and what it is?

TU!

[500Stroker]

It's just the detail spray that comes in the clay bar kit.  Have to keep the car and clay wet at all times.  I have done a few of my cars and would say it is way less work than waxing since you don't apply as much pressure as when waxing.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

...If you accidently let the clay bar get too dry, it will streak and you have the pleasure of starting all over again.   

[JoltinJoe]

Ah ok.  I will learn on a spare fender then.  TANKS! 

[NoMope Greg]

Ah ok.  I will learn on a spare fender then.  TANKS! 

You can do the spare fender if you want, but it's really not difficult.  You'll get the hang of it in no time.  Do it out of direct sunlight, spray a small area, rub it with the clay, wipe it up, knead the clay a little and repeat.