Never used a clay bar before and boy are there alot of products out there!

Does anyone have any tips on what to look for in a clay bar product? What kinds have you used?

I want to use the clay bar and then give my Ram a good waxing with that new Turtle Wax Platinum Ultra Gloss since I have a long weekend with actual time to do it!

Thanks.

 

Meguiars' clay bar is a good one. If you've never used a clay bar before, a few words of caution are in order. Make sure to use a lubricant. Meguairs' comes with its spray detailer that works quite well. Another thing to keep an eye on is to fold the clay bar over and expose a clean area quite often, to avoid scratching the paint. Make darn sure the truck is squeaky clean before you start, do a small area at a time, and don't use too much pressure; let the clay bar do the work. If you drop the clay bar on the ground, DON'T USE IT. Toss it in the trash.

Once you've washed and clay bar'd the truck, I'd recommend using a good quality polish, then follow-up with a couple coats of wax. I've never been too fond of Turtle Wax products, but if you've already purchased the product, I guess that's what you'll be using.

Once you've finished, take a couple of pain killers to keep your arms from falling off.

 

http://www.zainobros.com/

Take some time to read the "application" and tips/tricks sections.

 

I detail cars for a living. I second what Mazz said. Take your time, don't get in a hurry. It is time consuming, but it'll look good when you're done.

 

I am sooooo worried about touching the paint with anything...

My dad buys new trucks all the time, and whatnot... he gets the factory protection package on... and never touches it... ONLY sprays it, and after two years, the water still beads... and he drives down nasty leaseroads to a gasplant every 7 days.... he says that no matter what, you touch the paint, sooner or later you get swirl marks... which is why I avoided getting a black rumble bee....

I mean, should I listen to him, and just keep on going never ever touching the paint with any kind of material ever?
Anyone think that the "california water blade" is better than a shamois?

I am just terrified of getting those nasty, unremoveable swirls and sunburst marks all over my truck...

-adam

 

The clay bar is a great way to keep the paint clean. I've been using it for the past few years and do my vehicles only once a year, generally in the spring, to remove the contaminates that adhere to the surface. I have not experienced any swirls or scrathes as a result of the clay. Like Mazz says, use the lubricant, and don't apply any pressure to the bar other than what it takes to move it across the surface. Good luck.

 

Thanks everyone for you advice. Didnt want to muck up my ride just picking up what I thought might be a good product.

 

I did Meguiars' 3 step system to mine Sunday. The cleaner, then polish, then wax. Came out great.

I have that too and it works great for me. I have had it for like 3-4 years now, used it on several vehicles and had good results every time. Really cuts down on drying.

 

Zaino claybar, is very user friendly. I use "Final Inspection" for a lubricant. One thing I also recommend before you clay bar your car is obvious wash it use dish soap to get the old wax off.



DakaDan

 

Being a car detailer for 5 years now. Clay Bar is one of the greatest inventions in my field, can make an old paint job look new again in some instances. Also the California Water Blade rocks too, cuts drying time in 1/2 and don't have to worry about wipping a dirt filled shamois across your vehicle.

Yes I said i've been doing it for 5 years....for those of you wondering no it's NOT a career it's a high school/college job! hehe