I have never heard of using clay to clean a car. Is it like a paste, or is it a bar that one rubs on a car? What does it do for the car? thanks

 

It's a solid bar of a clay-like substance. You use a spray detailer and spray your car. Then, take this bar and glide it across the surface of the car. It will remove any overspray or oxidation on your finish. It will leave your car very smooth. Follow up with polish and then a wax for awesome results...

 

I think it's called "Paint Clay"

 

Dude, I've used Zaino's claybar many times to get things off of my clearcoat. It works very very well.

/aac

 

Stains, oxidation, and dirt literally stick to it.

 

It's a great thing to use. Kinda pricey, but definitely worth it. Mothers makes one, and I know a lot of other companies do too. I use one made by Pro. www.prowax.com. They all pretty much work the same though.

 

Do these clay bars have a life period? Like they're good for 10 uses, or 2 years, or until covered in grime, etc?

 

Clay Bars can cause more damage than good in the hands of an inexperienced user. They are abrasive, just like a polishing compound, and caution should be used when this product is applied.

 

Yes, you should use a lot of spray detailer to wet the surface before using the bar on the surface. You want it to glide across smoothly....

 

They're good for a few uses...depending on how much stuff gets picked up each time you use it. Anywhere from like 3-7 uses. It also depends on the size of the bar.

 

When do you know you need it?

 

If when you rub your hand on the hood (for example) and you feel that it's kinda rough and not glassy smooth how it's supposssed to be, then it's time to be clayed.

 

Guys.....detailers clay is NOT abrasive...it is the complete opposite. It is Adhesive! That is why you need the detailers spray when using it. Unlike polishes, pre-wax cleaners, it doesn't remove a thin layer of clear coat. That is why you will never see paint on your cloth you use to wipe it off with. I recommend you use it once a year b4 you wax your car. It will give you the smoothest finish you will ever get! I do it in the spring, then follow up with 2 thin coats of a good wax(without cleaner!)But for the nose of the car, apply about 5 thin coats of wax. It makes it real easy to remove tar and bugs that splat after high speeds(we all have been there!) Also put 5 coats on the rear spoiler(if you have one) and the side mirrors. These are the areas that fad first. I prefer Meguirer's Gold Class wax. It has UV protection and the best shine I have ever gotten from any wax. I have been detailing for 13 years now and used to use Mothers Gold 3 step. It was a great product until I discovered Gold Class. Check it out along with some good detailing tips here: http://www.meguiars.com/collections/bestofclass.cfm

 

I am sorry to disagree, but it IS abrasive. "Overspray clay is a plasticine matrix with an abrasive intermixed throughout. It was designed and is still the best product to abrade (read grind off) fresh paint overspray from existing paint."

This is a quote from this site which has excellent articles on car care:

http://www.carcarespecialties.com/overspray_clays.html

This product was originally designed to be used by body shops to remove fresh paint overspray from your finish. It has subsequently been marketed for "cleaning" your paint, and while it may do so, it may not be what you really want to do. Please read the article linked above and make your own judgement. I am not affiliated with that site in any way, but the site contains some good reading.

 

That is interesting to read....I had read that it was adhesive and didn't rub off any clearcoat. And I believed it even more when no paint was on the cloth after wiping it down. But I have seen paint on cloths I have used when applying pre-wax cleaners and swirl removers. This is a quote from the mothers website but it doesn't state if it is abrasive or adhesive: CALIFORNIA GOLD®
CLAY BAR PAINT SAVING SYSTEM

You've heard about clay bars-professional detailers, body men and your car buddies all talk about how well it works. Now use the clay bar everybody wants. Created to lift the particulate debris and contaminants that washing can't, our exclusive Paint Saving System will remove embedded grains of metal, tree sap, airborne environmental deposits and paint overspray. Better yet, our clay bar isn't hazardous to your paint-it's just firm enough to pick up the bad stuff, without being too aggressive. Use Mothers® Clay Bar to get rid of paint-fouling grime and pave the way for complete waxing.

#07240 includes 80 gram Clay Bar, 16 oz. Showtime® Instant Detailer, 4 oz. Original Formula Carnauba Cleaner Wax.

So now they have designed their clay bars for finished surfaces where the original was for body shops. Thanks for the article.....So I am thinking it would be best to use the clay once a year for a deep cleaning.