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Author Topic: Clay bar..for beginners  (Read 6385 times)

Offline Boothy

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Clay bar..for beginners
« on: March 17, 2010, 05:40:38 pm »
Can anyone recommend a good clay bar thats suitable for a a first timer and offer any tips on using it. I already have some Megs Last Touch which I believe is ok as a lubricant too.

Cheers.

Offline autoperfection.com

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2010, 05:54:14 pm »
Hi,

We'd recommend using something quite mild so you don't risk doing any damage to the paintwork.

Our Ultrafine Orange clay would be perfect - it's mild enough to not have to worry about causing any marring, but it's got enough oomph to pull off most contaminants.
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Autoperfection-Ultrafine-Orange-Clay-120g-Bar-110.html

It's very easy to use - the Last Touch is perfect to use a lube (one of my favourites... I love the smell!) so just simply break off a small piece of clay (about the size of a 50pence piece), knead it in your hands to warm it up a bit (or place it in a cup of luke warm water if your hands are cold!) and then get to work!

Work on a panel at a time, making sure both the clay and the panel are completely wet at all times... applying very little pressure at all, lightly rub the clay back and forth and you should be able to feel it dragging slightly and lifting off any contaminants.  After a couple of rubs back and forth you shouldn't be able to feel any resistance at all, which means it's ok to move on to the next bit of paint.

Wipe away the Last Touch with a clean microfibre and Bob's your uncle.

Hope this helps

Taryn and Jim  :happy2:



Offline Boothy

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2010, 06:15:08 pm »
Thats the one I'd been looking at so will get some ordered along with one of the Lusso packages. Cheers for the help and assistance. :happy2:

Chris.

Offline scotta

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2010, 10:57:41 pm »
quick question - when you clay does it remove the wax?

Offline craigy123

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #4 on: March 17, 2010, 11:01:01 pm »
quick question - when you clay does it remove the wax?

sure does mate  :happy2:


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Offline scotta

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #5 on: March 17, 2010, 11:09:41 pm »
quick question - when you clay does it remove the wax?

sure does mate  :happy2:

Cool - thought that was the case. I always make sure to wax after claying anyway

Offline craigy123

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #6 on: March 17, 2010, 11:46:58 pm »
quick question - when you clay does it remove the wax?

sure does mate  :happy2:

Cool - thought that was the case. I always make sure to wax after claying anyway

 :happy2:


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Offline Greeners

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #7 on: March 18, 2010, 09:06:17 am »
The Megs all in one set (Clay, Lube and MF) is pretty good for the moneys.  :happy2:

Offline stealthwolf

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #8 on: March 18, 2010, 09:23:02 am »
Megs Smooth Surface clay kit is what I prefer to use. The MF is good quality, the detailing spray smells gorgeous and can be used as a lube as well as just a quick detailing spray, plus it doesn't leave greasy marks like Poorboy's does.

The only thing I have never touched is the Megs cleaner wax which comes in the box, preferring to use my own glaze and wax.

The GTI isn't just a machine. It's very much a living, breathing thing.

Offline gazjones

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #9 on: March 30, 2010, 01:57:32 pm »
Just bought myself the Megs Smooth Surface clay kit, along with a couple of Autoglym stuff from halfords and got it 3 for 2  :happy2:

Never actually clayed a car before, so I'll let you know how I get on (when it eventually stops raining)

Offline stealthwolf

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #10 on: March 30, 2010, 08:23:15 pm »
The Megs kit comes with two clay bars. Open one, tear off half and that should be enough to do the entire car. Either warm it by putting it into some warm water or just keep kneading it (bit like with a stress ball) until it's softer. Flatten it out (i use a diameter of 5-6cm) and spray a part of the car. The best bit I find is the C-pillar near the roof. Spray with lube (2-3 sprays should cover the relevant bit) and just rub the clay on the paintwork. It should glide along. If there's a bit where it 'jams', you need more lube so spray. Once you've done a section, wipe off the lube with the cloth and move on to the next section. Break the car into sections mentally and work on one bit at a time. Check the bar after each section and if it's dirty, fold it over, flatten it again and carry on. If it's dirty everytime you fold it (ie no clean clay left) use the other half of the bar you saved. If you drop the clay on to the ground, chuck it away. Otherwise you'll be scraping stones into the car!!!

The GTI isn't just a machine. It's very much a living, breathing thing.

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #11 on: March 30, 2010, 09:44:53 pm »
Ive givern this a go, seems ok so far, lot less work than a normal claybar


Offline JPC

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #12 on: March 31, 2010, 08:35:54 pm »
Ive givern this a go, seems ok so far, lot less work than a normal claybar



never used that so can't really comment on it, but the idea and advantage of a clay bar is the abrassion difference between clay a d paint surface so I can't see how a liquid claybar will work.

It's a contradiction of terms that product, bear in mind there aren't many substitutes for hard work when it comes to detailing.

Another thing I will say about claying, it would be sensible to realise you are likely to marr the car if you clay it properly. Especially a first time user.

Make sure you follow up with at least a good hand polish.

Just so you known, a never really clay cars without following up with a machine polish. 

Offline Rob GTI

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #13 on: March 31, 2010, 11:33:36 pm »
What do you mean by marring.got any pics?
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Offline JPC

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Re: Clay bar..for beginners
« Reply #14 on: March 31, 2010, 11:43:44 pm »
Very light scratches that look horrific but in reality are a lot easier than swirls to get out