Clay Bar Question

Maniac · Post by **Maniac** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:21 am

OK, so I'm waiting for a nice day to crack open the new kit;

Spray detailer, Clay Bar and a DA polisher + pads N two grades of polish/cream.

My first question is, the clay bar, which presumably picks up all the crap from the paintwork after I've washed the car down. Do you fold this over after each panel etc? Because I'm concerned that the crap it picks up, might result in scratches as I go. Equally, can I also assume that you simply bin the clay bar after you've done the car given it will be full of crap by then?

I want to be sure I get that step right, get as much off the car as I can without doing further damage before I break out the DA.

Turbokid · Post by **Turbokid** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:08 am

You should fold and nead the clay as you go, you need to keep it warm to keep it supple. Depends how dirty it gets, if you fold and cant reveal a clean part then use it for wheels instead or bin it. If you drop it bin it don't try and use it.

Half Colin · Post by **Half Colin** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:16 am

There's lots of guides on Tinternet basically keep it well lubricated, keep folding it and most importantly if you drop it throw it away!

Maniac · Post by **Maniac** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 12:54 pm

Thanks for the info (and link) guys, lets hope the weather stays nice

VvrooomM · Post by **VvrooomM** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:44 pm

If you drop it you can cut it like mouldy cheese!!

Tapatalking on my iPhone.......

Z4 Coupe · Post by **Z4 Coupe** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 7:20 pm

The first time you do clay a car it's amazing how much crap comes off on to your clay!

I do my windscreen too as it keeps the wipers from squeaking.

Turbokid · Post by **Turbokid** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:46 am

[quote="VvrooomM"]If you drop it you can cut it like mouldy cheese!!

Dont do this you WILL regret trying to re-use it.

VvrooomM · Post by **VvrooomM** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 8:45 am

Turbokid wrote:
VvrooomM wrote:If you drop it you can cut it like mouldy cheese!!

Dont do this you WILL regret trying to re-use it.

don't see the issue, you are removing the contaminated surface.

Tapatalking on my iPhone.......

Turbokid · Post by **Turbokid** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 9:18 am

VvrooomM wrote:
Turbokid wrote:
VvrooomM wrote:If you drop it you can cut it like mouldy cheese!!

Dont do this you WILL regret trying to re-use it.

don't see the issue, you are removing the contaminated surface.

Try it and find out then!

Z4 Coupe · Post by **Z4 Coupe** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 9:26 am

I always split mine into at least two pieces. That way if you drop one you're less likely to try and reuse it and just use the other piece.

Half Colin · Post by **Half Colin** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 9:46 am

Z4 Coupe wrote:I always split mine into at least two pieces. That way if you drop one you're less likely to try and reuse it and just use the other piece.

x 2

There's no reason why you couldn't remove the contaminated surface if you drop it but is it really worth the risk? If you don't manage to remove all the contamination you'll only find out after you've used it again and scratched your paintwork to hell!

Nah, not worth the risk - drop it then bin it.

Biggsy · Post by **Biggsy** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:25 am

Will claying remove tar specks?
what spray should i use with it?

Turbokid · Post by **Turbokid** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:03 am

Yes, you can get different grades of clay depending on the level of contaminants you need to remove.
There are many different clay lubes on the market but I use Meguires Last Touch as it can also be used as a drying aid.

Z4 Coupe · Post by **Z4 Coupe** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:06 am

Clay should remove tar specks but if it's just tar you're after something like this might be quite good?

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-an ... d_105.html

If you've not got a clay bar you could get a kit which has the clay and lube. Something of this page would be fine.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/detailing-clay/cat_9.html

The beauty of clay is the paint will feel like glass afterwards

Turbokid · Post by **Turbokid** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:08 am

The best alternative to clay for removing tar is Tardis, but it's a solvent so I recommend the caution be taken when using it!

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