Want to Clay Bar my truck but have ?'s

gnet158 · April 25, 2003

I have a 2002 GMC Sierra with a Black clear coat and would like to use a Clay bar in her (along with a good polish & wax) but need to know how to apply it properly. I've heard that on dark colors Clay bars scratch the paint or like 2k2TahoeSS case it messed up his door. Please let me know what works from your experiences. Thanks.

Kania2k1 · April 25, 2003

I used the mothers clay bar and quick detailer stuff on mine. Didn't notice any scratches on it,but it is pewter. I did it in the garage, adn put down a plastic drop cloth in case I dropped the bar. All you have to do is make sure you put on enough of the spray stuff to keep the clay slippery. I used almost the whole bottle! but if you do a 2'X2' square at a time, you should have no problems. But it came out glass smooth, can't wait to do it again! Good luck.

lrymal · April 25, 2003

Done appropriately, clay bar cleaning is simply amazing. Lubricate, lubricate, lubricate. The previous poster was not exaggerating in his instructions. He is right on. And, if you drop it, and if the plastic sheeting on the driveway is not clean and free of sand or stone, get rid of the clay bar and use another. If you kick sand, or if the wind blows sand on the sheet... ouch. SORRY!!!

I first learned of the clay bar technique by seeing it done at a local body shop in which paint overspray was being removed. The shop would wash the vehicle until there was absolutely no grit on the body. Then would then clay bar the body panels. The guys would go through a bar a week. They told me to use Windex for the lubricant and for me, that seems to work great.

One suggestion, practise on your refridgerator or freezer, if it has a smooth metal design. Get comfortable for the feel of the bar, and how it behaves when it needs more lubricant. Then graduate to a small section of your body panel.

After you get finished, rinse the vehicle off very well. Indeed, wash it until it is really clean, dry it, then wax it.

chevyman992002 · May 10, 2003

Clay bars work great. And like everyone said, just keep the surface that you are claying very wet. And be sure to wax your truck after you clay it. I've heard that the clay bar will strip the wax off of your paint.

carguru · May 10, 2003

I have to agree that claying will leave the paint absolutely smooth. The clay will take off the layer of wax and whatever else that is on the outer layer of paint. Just a couple of tips in addition to what the others have said:

1. Break of a smaller piece of clay to use. Keep it kneaded to increase the clean surface that contacts paint. This will reduce the chances contaminates picked up from scratching the paint. Definitely do not use it dry. And this allows you to still have pieces of clay left if you do drop it.

2. Make sure you do it in a shady spot on a cool surface. Do not use it in direct sunlight. A surface that the sun has heated will melt the clay onto the paint and dry the lubricant too quickly. This will leave the paint dull.

3. Take your time and clay a small spot at a time and wipe the lubricant before it dries on the paint. This will also allow for you to look at and feel the condition of the paint you just went over.

Good luck and happy detailing.

Zane · May 12, 2003

i concur with everyone above. use alot of water and soap, and wash the vehicle good beforehand!

I use a bar of Zaino clay for EACH vehicle!!

Once you go over it, i don't think it really matters about letting it dry. I just wash the whole vehicle again after i'm done.

toddoughty · May 13, 2003

Just make sure that if you drop it on the ground, you toss it, dont even try to clean it out.

Dawn dishwashing liquid FIRST TIME ONLY, and then go for it. It should never "grab" it should feel like you are almost not doing it right. It should just slide across the surface. You will look at the clay when you are done and think WOW.

I used on my Black vette, and my dark green vette. It is great on the dark cars. My current red car and Pewter Tahoe it is beautiful too.

Just plan to take your time.