Claybar? does it really work?

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07-02-2005, 02:00 PM

#41

04BlackMaxx

Banned

Join Date: Feb 2005

Posts: 4,269

The mothers kit works very well on my car....and I have a black car. It took some oxidation right off and made the surface as smooth to the touch as new. Its expensive but worth it.

04-01-2007, 11:24 AM

#42

sniz

Junior Member

Join Date: Jan 2007

Location: Manchester CT

Posts: 25

Quote:

Originally Posted by icelandmaxima

My question is on the brand of clay bar, i find it quite expensive to use the California clay bar. Why cant you just use some modeling clay with the lubricant. You pay so much for such a little quantity. To me there is nothing special about the california clay bar in comparison to any other clay. Not to knock the california clay bar cause it works like a charm but it is expensive is it not.

This website explains how clay bar actually works.. it says that according to the patent for detailing clay, it does contain a mild abrasive, so ordinary modeling clay wouldn't work.

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-clay.html

Detailing clay is an abrasive system. If not used properly, detailing clay can cause light surface marring. There’s no need to fear if you use proper lubrication.

1. Detailing clay works by hydroplaning (floating) over the surface you’re cleaning on a thin layer of clay lubricant.

2. When the clay (polish) encounters surface contamination, it abrasively grinds it away.

3. Detailing clay shears off any foreign material above the level surface of the paint.

04-02-2007, 09:13 AM

#43

plaman88

Senior Member

Join Date: Apr 2007

Posts: 112

From my experience it makes the paint "smooth" which is more of a touch than look and does make the shine/color a little more "rich" and "deep"

04-03-2007, 04:54 PM

#44

normkit108

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2006

Posts: 123

can you use water on the claybar or is the detailing spray recommended?

04-03-2007, 06:01 PM

#45

paulpearl

Member

Join Date: Feb 2005

Location: Aurora, Ohio

Posts: 200

The detailing spray works better from my experience... The clay bar seems to "glide" better over the paint when removing contaminants than using water...If you want to get off cheap you can use water but if you want to do it right and remove the grime off your car stick to the spray that came with the bar or use any detailing spray...

04-04-2007, 11:13 AM

#46

absoundlab

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Posts: n/a

clay bar works great it takes off all the contaminants on the paint and then you can wax over that for a great shine.

04-04-2007, 04:08 PM

#47

Alex_V

Guest

Posts: n/a

Yea I just used the clar bar on my 90 SE and man it took alot of dirt off! I wouldn't be surprised if it hasn't been waxed in over 5 years. It kinda looked like greenish mold coming off. I cant wait untill it gets nice out again so I can do a proper waxing.

~Alex

04-04-2007, 05:24 PM

#48

dredubb04

Junior Member

Join Date: Aug 2006

Posts: 15

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrinzII

Actually, the following are almost as bad as bird droppings and need to be removed ASAP:

- Some types of sap
- Eggs
- Certain fruits

you can add human saliva and really hard warder (usually from sprinklers) to that list.

04-04-2007, 08:57 PM

#49

PrinzII

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Join Date: Nov 2000

Posts: 12,840

Quote:

Originally Posted by dredubb04

you can add human saliva and really hard warder (usually from sprinklers) to that list.

I am also going to add insect fecal matter and squirrel poop to the list.

04-04-2007, 10:09 PM

#50

Tsukuba_Circuit

Senior Member

iTrader: (2)

Join Date: Nov 2004

Posts: 265

a good alternative to detailing spray is just a mixture of car or dish wash soap mixed with water. this is the only time you would ever use dish washing liquid on your car. I would not recommend using only water as lubrication. Soapy water works just fine. remember to seal the paint afterwards with wax.

Quote:

Originally Posted by normkit108

can you use water on the claybar or is the detailing spray recommended?

04-06-2007, 05:27 PM

#51

clayman88

Senior Member

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Join Date: Feb 2004

Location: Oklahoma City

Posts: 1,113

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrinzII

I am also going to add insect fecal matter and squirrel poop to the list.

Since were creating an exhaustive list, I'd like to add battery acid and enriched plutonium. Can't clay that shat off!

04-10-2007, 09:10 PM

#52

Johnnybravo382

Member

Join Date: Apr 2007

Posts: 30

claybars are awesome....I have a 96 mustang show car that has been cleaned probably 1000 times since I got it in 01, but I had never claybarred it until last year. And as clean and beautiful as it was, I got sooooo much crap out of that paint. They are amazing, and well worth the time you spend using them.