Detailing How do you keep your ride looking like new? Discuss it in here.

Are clay bars difficult to use?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 14, 2005 | 03:45 PM
  #1  
cary12's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,654
From: Overland Park, Kansas
Default Are clay bars difficult to use?

I have some swirls in my A6 and a friend of mine told me to use a clay bar and it would look perfect. I was going to clay it and then apply the Klasse all in one for some shine. Is the clay bar worth it and is it hard to use?
 
Old Aug 16, 2005 | 11:33 AM
  #2  
TOGWT's Avatar
1st Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 74
From:
Default RE: Are clay bars difficult to use?

Clay is not a replacement for polish or a compound; it is a mildly abrasive surface preparation, with an average particle size of 1- micron of Kaolin abrasives that polish and exfoliate contaminants by shearing and / or encapsulation, to remove embedded pollutants and debris from the paint film surface leaving behind an ultra-smooth surface that will make your paint protection adhere better and improve its durability.

To remove surface scratches or micro marring will require an abrasive polish, the grade of abrasive would be dependant upon the extent of the surface imperfections.

The best way to describe the proper method for using detailer clay is to use plenty of the lubricant and aquaplane the clay bar over the surface in straight-line motions.

Frequency of use- a fine grade detailer’s clay will not remove a significant amount of paint /clear coat finish; but it will remove some waxes, it can be used as often as necessary to keep the surface free of contamination and smooth. Always apply a protective coat of wax or paint sealant after using detailer’s clay.
JonM
 
Old Aug 24, 2005 | 07:26 AM
  #3  
Karl's Avatar
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,981
From: Seattle, WA
Default RE: Are clay bars difficult to use?

in lamens terms.. nope not hard to use.. yep get great results really makes the surface smooth.. one of the best things you can do to your paint.. then throw some sealer or wax on it and make it shine!!!!
 
Old Aug 24, 2005 | 11:56 AM
  #4  
TOGWT's Avatar
1st Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 74
From:
Default RE: Are clay bars difficult to use?

You might want to try Optimum Polish, and a (LC) white pad at speed #4 – 5.0 on a PC buffer, it’s a very ‘user-friendly product to remove the swirl marks
JonM
 
Old Jul 10, 2006 | 08:46 PM
  #5  
Grouse's Avatar
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,050
From:
Default RE: Are clay bars difficult to use?

TOGWT i like the way you think :P
 
Old Jul 11, 2006 | 12:18 AM
  #6  
SouthboroAudiGuy's Avatar
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 787
From:
Default RE: Are clay bars difficult to use?

As TOWGT said, clay is not a substitute for polishing. As such, it will do nothing to remove scratches or swirl marks. Polish is your answer.

You may want to check out a post I made to another forum where somebody was asking a similar question. I pointed them to some good reading that talks about how to get rid of scratches (and how to detail your car in general). Good background for you and FREE! Here's the link: Click Here.
 
Old Jul 26, 2006 | 09:33 PM
  #7  
aussiett's Avatar
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 99
From:
Default RE: Are clay bars difficult to use?

TOGWT, nice to cross your path again. I was on a Detailing forum which you used to post frequently on and I do miss your learned advice and wit. You will not recognise me from my "handle" as my other user names are related to a different brand of vehicle.

I think the answers to the original questions have been well covered so no further comments from me

 
Old Jul 31, 2006 | 05:41 AM
  #8  
ADubyaD's Avatar
SoCal Crew Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 856
From: Encinitas, CA
Default RE: Are clay bars difficult to use?

claybars= ownage, make sure you wax afterwards
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Aiml3ss
General Tech
7
May 18, 2008 03:28 AM
randomloginname
Archive - Exterior/Body
1
Dec 30, 2007 02:07 PM
juice88
Detailing
16
Sep 24, 2006 05:42 PM
juice88
Audi A4
0
Sep 5, 2006 11:08 PM




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:41 PM.