need advice using a claybar.

[PunisherStang]

hey guys wats up. i have had a meguirs clay bar kit in my garage for sometime now. i get afraid to use it from stories i have heard from people that they took off the paint etc etc. I need some advice on a proper and efficient way to use one. thanks i appreciate it.

[2002LXSport]

It won't take the paint off. There is nothing to be afraid of. Just make sure you have plenty of detail spray to lube the clay. If the clay starts to stick to the finish, you need more lube. Work in small areas and make sure you wipe off the detail spray well.

[Dark Shadow]

Pulled this off the site where I buy my detailing stuff:

Before using detailing clay, you must thoroughly clean and dry your car to remove any loose dirt. Direct sunlight should not fall on your car's surface, and it's best if the work area is relatively cool to prevent rapid evaporation of the clay lubricant.

Be sure to use plenty of clay lubricant. To use the clay bar, you spray a lubricant on a small area of your car and rub the clay back and forth with light to medium pressure. If the lubricant begins to dry, you'll need to spray more. Clay is fairly sticky and cannot be used dry. Try using clay dry and you'll make a big mess and scuff your paint.

After a few passes with the clay, rub your hand over the area you cleaned to check for areas missed. You should feel a distinct difference between the areas you have clayed and the areas you have not clayed. Keep rubbing until all contamination bumps are gone. Finally, wipe the clay residue off with a soft microfiber towel, and buff to a nice luster. Just like waxing, work in small areas.

Check the clay bar frequently for hard particles. When found, pick them off. Make it a habit to occasionally knead and reform the bar so that a fresh portion of the bar contacts your car's paint. If you drop your bar of clay on the ground, it's history. Toss it out. Don't take any chances, discard the clay bar if it becomes impregnated with grit. Read the manufacturers' directions for the number of uses of their clay bar. Do not overuse a clay bar.

When you're finished claying your car, you should wash it to remove the lubricant film, then go over it with a pre-wax cleaner to finish cleaning the paint. Finally, seal your freshly cleaned paint with your choice of wax or sealant.

[BoneCrusher]

That's a pretty good write up. I clay bar mine every year really makes a big difference.
Here's what I do

1. Wash with Dawn liquid dish soap and dry
2. Mix a tiny bit of car wash in a 16 oz. spray bottle filled with water for lubricant
3. Spray a roughly one square foot section of the car and with moderate pressure rub the clay bar in straight lines till I clay bar the area.
4. Dry with a 100% cotton towel
5. Move to the next section and repeat
6. Once the whole car is done wash and dry it
7. Apply your choice of polish

Sometimes I'll break it up into a 2 day job, just want to make sure you wax/polish it before you take it out after you clay bar it.

Check www.zainobros.com for good info.

[PunisherStang]

so the clay bar is basically like wax you just squirt it to make it moist and keep it moist rub clay bar on body and whip it off? how do you know how many times to whip the clay bar back and forth on a certain area?

[2002LXSport]

Feel the paint with your hand. If it still feels rough, use the clay some more. If its smooth, wipe off the detail spray (clay lube) and move on to the next area. Don't worry, you won't scuff your paint. I don't know what Meguiar's says about dirt on the clay, but Griot's Garage clay can still be used as long as you knead the clay over. Obviously if there are big pieces of dirt, pick them out.

[99 GT Coupe]

claying will take EVERYTHING off the paint, including wax. you must wax right after you clay

[scott5]

its all about the lube!!!

and def make sure you wax it also

[2002LXSport]

Just do it already. Then your car could look like this...except for that dude.

[PunisherStang]

alright well thanks for all your help im going to do it over this weekend hopefully take a few picks i cant wait to get all the blemishes and lil scratches out.