To detail your car like a pro, you want to use a clay bar. But, do you know how to clay bar a car? In this guide, we will show you how to use a clay bar on your car so you can get the job done like a professional.
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What is a Clay Bar? (Different Grades Explained)
The clay bar is a specially manufactured resin compound that can be created from natural or synthetic materials. Because it has some elasticity, it is extremely durable, even when rolled, stretched and flattened.
The clay bar works like putty to remove any contaminants from your auto paint. Most clay bar kits are going to include a detailing spray to add protection when you are finished learning how to clay bar wax a car.
There are different types of clay bars to choose from.
Fine grade clay
This clay type is soft and simple to use. It will only remove a small amount of contamination, so you don’t want to use it for stubborn stains or tree sap. Instead, it is meant for regular detailing use.
Medium grade clay
The medium-grade bar will be more aggressive, but it also weighs more. If you aren't careful, it could create slight hazing or marring to the auto body paint. After learning how to detail a car with a clay bar, you will want to polish the surface.
Heavy grade clay
This is the most aggressive clay bar you can buy, ideal for removing adhered contaminants like over-sprayed paint or deeply embedded substances. You can also use it on plastic, metal and glass, but you will need to polish the car when you are done to remove the haze left behind.
The Benefits of Using a Clay Bar on Your Car
Do you know how often to clay bar a car? If you follow our steps, learning how to use a clay bar to clean a car, you should continue this process about three to four times a year for the best results.
Choosing The Right Clay Bar For Your Car
Aggressiveness
Learning how to clay bar a car finish will depend on the aggressiveness you choose. The fine-grade clay bar is going to be used very differently from aggressive clay. Please choose the one that best fits your needs and follow its instructions.
Color
With a lighter-colored clay bar, you might be able to see the dirt better, thereby letting you know when an area is completely clean. However, some of the top manufacturers make clay bars blue, so you might not care too much about the color.
Size
The actual shape and size of the bar don’t matter much as long as it fits well in your hand. As you work, pieces of the bar are going to be ripped off anyway. The average clay bar size is 100g, which seems to be enough for several car cleanings.
How much does it cost to clay bar a car? As you attempt to figure out how much to clay bar and wax a car, it will vary based on whether you do it yourself or have a professional handle the task. So, how much to clay bar a car by yourself? You will only have the cost of the supplies you choose. However, a professional will charge you for a full detail, which could be up to $200 or more.
If you want to do it yourself, you might wonder - how long does it take to clay bar a car? At first, it might take you an hour, but you should eventually get good enough to complete the task in 30 minutes.
How To Clay Bar A Car (Beginners Step-By-Step Guide)
We will show you how to clay bar and wax a car. Follow these steps to get started.
- 1Wash the vehicle to start.
- 2Break off a small piece of clay and keep it handy.
- 3Apply a lubricant to a small patch of the car. While water can be used, it isn’t the best option. Without proper lubrication, the clay bar can create marring or leave tough to remove pieces behind.
- 4Mold the clay bar into a small disc, so it creates a nice grip in your hand.
- 5Scrub the surface gently with the clay bar. Move back and forth, not in a circular motion.
- 6Knead the clay bar to create a new surface.
- 7Dry the surface with a microfiber cloth.
- 8Move onto the other parts of the car.
- 9Finish detailing with wax or polishing.
If you need some visual help, watch this video.
Is there a difference if you want to know how to clay bar a black car versus how to clay bar a white car? Yes! Learning how to use a clay bar on a black car might take a little more skill since the paint shows more swirls and imperfections than a white car would
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How do I wax a car after using a clay bar?
After you learn how to use a clay bar to clean your car, it’s time to wax and polish it. Follow the standard steps as you would without a clay bar.
Can I clay bar a new car?
Yes! You want to learn how to clay bar a new car because your vehicle has been sitting on the lot and is likely covered with imperfections.
Do clay bars remove scratches?
There are no abrasives on a clay bar, so it cannot remove scratches from a car. However, it will create a cleaner appearance that is free of contaminants that can cause scratches.
Do you wash the car after a clay bar treatment?
You should always wash your car after finishing the clay bar treatment because there could be leftover lubricant film on the paint. If left on the surface, the lubricant could cause damage.
Does a clay bar damage clear coat?
The clay bar itself will not cause damage to the clear coat. However, the particles being removed from the paint surface might cause damage to the clear coat as it is being removed.
What is the difference between a clay bar and a rubbing compound?
The clay bar removes imperfections and impurities from the paint surface without damaging the clear coat. On the other hand, a rubbing compound is more aggressive and is used mainly for oxidized paint removal. The rubbing compound can remove the paint and clearcoat off of a vehicle.
Conclusion
Now that you know how long to clay bar a car and the steps to follow, it’s time to get started. Restore the beauty of your vehicle no matter how old it is.