Clay Bar Tricks? - Honda Prelude Forum

Randy0002 · 05-18-2002, 09:04 AM

I'm going to wash my car today and I'm planning on using a clay bar for the first time. Is there anything I should know before doing this? I have a Mother's. And from what I can make of it, I just spray the stuff on the car, rub the clay bar back and forth (not too hard) and wipe away any excess w/ a cloth then wax. Thanks...

iatacs19 · 05-18-2002, 09:23 AM

make sure the surface is always lubricated. DO NOT press too hard. just hold it using the bar's own weight and move back and forth u will feel little things getting caught and then the paint will feel smooth. also, keep folding the clay bar. have fun!

JoeW · 05-18-2002, 09:33 AM

Just like iatacs19 said, make sure the surface is lubricated and don't press down hard. The clay will draw out the contaminants, you don't need to grind the clay into your paint

As long as the paint is lubricated, the claybar will not leave any residue behind - but if you rub it across a dry part it will leave a smear of clay. I use soapy water for a lubricant and just spray it off with a waterhose after I claybar the area, then move on to another spot. I like to wash the car again after you clay bar, but its not absolutely necessary. When you're done with the claybar, you're ready to wax!

Mr Ludecrs · 05-18-2002, 09:34 AM

I usually do about 2 square feet at a time. If you do more, the spray can dry up. I use a back and forth motion. I don't see any advantage to going in circles.

And if you drop it on the ground, don't use it again! It might look ok, but one grain off sand rubbed all over the car will leave terrible scratches.

What wax are you using? I use to swear by MG#26 yellow wax, but now I've gone to their #3 bottle in their 3 step system (I don't need to swirl remover and polish everytime). It's smoother to the touch and more shinny than #26.

iatacs19 · 05-18-2002, 09:38 AM

get some zaino while u are at it. Z2 and Z5 is all you need.

sgvprelude · 05-18-2002, 11:34 AM

ask NgLuder...he's the MOD at detailers corner

anubyss · 05-18-2002, 11:54 AM

I use Zaino Bro's stuff and its excellent. Better than anything else I've tried out there. Anyway for the clay bar, put some of the car soap in a spray bottle with water. Like a capfull should do it. Then spray the area you are using the clay bar on. Makes the surface absolutely smooth.