Clay Bar Question

[Ol' Red]

I read on autopia.org that a clay bar should be cut into three pieces, use one and throw it away(depending on how dirty the car is). Is this true? Also, can I buy replacement clay bars at auto stores or do I have to order them? I bought the smooth surface clay bar kit and it worked great but I don't want to overuse the clay bar and scratch my paint. Thanks guys.

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Clay Bar Question

You can do that if you want.
Sounds like a good idea

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Clay Bar Question

It's a judgment call on when a piece of clay becomes unusable. A good indicator is when you knead the clay, does it still feel smooth, or can you feel tiny grit? If you're not kneading it (folding it back into itself to produce a fresh surface) then you do run the risk of possibly scratching your finish.

[Nick Chapman]

Re: Clay Bar Question

My thoughts on this...

Don't clay unless you're ready to do some type of paint correction, either by polish or cleaner wax. I've ran across too many paints that scratch like hell by only using clay. 99% of the time, a cleaner wax(151, ColorX) applied by machine is enough to repair any damage caused by the clay. But I do not clay unless I'm prepared to do some mild paint correction.

Nick


Edit: This does not mean that you are going to scratch your car by only claying.

[Bunky]

Re: Clay Bar Question

One aspect of cutting it into pieces is if you drop the clay you will have a backup and not have to throw all the clay away.

[GoodKarmaGuy]

Re: Clay Bar Question

I cut it into 3 pieces and kneed it in such a way so I have a handle I can hold between my thumb and pinky and then have my remaining 3 fingers to work the clay. I'll typically only use a piece for one detailing session. The two bars in the smooth surface kit last about 3 - 4 details for me.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Clay Bar Question

I try to get the clay into 3 pieces. Seems to last that way. Also I not as worried if I drop it. Plenty of back up.