Claybar - uh, what is it? How good is it? etc..

[King_V]

Ok, well, what can I say, it looks like life's just been getting in the way (which is the reason for my disappearance for a huge chunk of time) and thus I'll likely be selling this thing. Don't want to, don't absolutely positively HAVE to, but probably should. But before I do, I figure I should make it look nice - both to enjoy it before the weather hits, and well, let's face it, to make it presentable (though it's in pretty good shape as is other than needing to be waxed).

Thankfully, the ONLY rust I've seen is a tiny spot of surface rust less than 1/4 the size of the fingernail of my pinky.

The paint's mostly good, but it IS 23 years old. There's a scratch here and there (not deep), and a blemish in one or two spots. The sort of thing that mild polish doesn't take out.

Someone once suggested claybar to me. What exactly is it? What does it do? Is this an all-day sort of thing when using it? And, is it idiot-and-klutz-proof?


Is this something that's ok to use on older paint? Etc.... keep in mind that you're talking to someone right now who has only 1) Heard the name . . and 2) Maybe vaguely recalls seeing it on the shelf in an auto parts store whilst looking for brake fluid...

[87gtVIC]

It makes the paint feel like a babys bottom while removing all contaminants from the top layer of paint safely. Do the clay bar and then wax the car and enjoy.

[Forcus]

Pretty much what ^ said, it is a way of pulling contaminants out of the paint without using abrasives.

Generally when you want to clean up paint and waxing doesn't work anymore you need to use an abrasive. However the paint is relatively thin on older vehicles (from waxing, washing, and the environment) so it is easy to break through to the primer when wet sanding or even buffing. I would highly recommend trying the clay bar first, or a mild abrasive (such as Mother's paint cleaner) and then polish, by hand, since it sounds like your paint is fairly healthy.

[1980c10]

On darker colored cars it may need a buff. I alway use the medium clay bar and on some of the darker color is required a final buff/glaze buff when your done. I just use soapy water in a spray bottle keep the area your working on nice and wet, and when ever your bar gets dirty fold it over on it's self dirty side to dirty side, and continue that untill done that way the dirt is alway inside the bar and you don't scratch your paint.

[Piece-it pete]

I used it for the first time a coupla months ago and it really cleans the heck out of the paint. And it's super easy. 7 thumbs up.

Pete

[r2t]

This is good info. How much do claybars run? I assume advance, az & pb would sell them?

[King_V]

I've seen it at AutoZone, and I imagine the other usual places have 'em, too.

I also guess there's different brands of claybar? Or is it a single company that came up with it and makes it?

Anyhoo, I'll have to give it a shot...

[gadget73]

I've seen Mothers and Meguirs claybars. I'm sure others sell them too. I bought a Meguires kit because it came with several microfiber towels and the Mothers kit did not. They were otherwise identical, so I figured I may as well get some towels out of the deal.

[Piece-it pete]

It's my understanding that one company holds the patent on it, so they're all the same, shop price is what I was told. Ymmv.

Pete

[dugal]

I used claybar once to remove pine tree sap that had speckled the whole paint job of my black car. It was the only product that would get rid of the pine sap. Worked great !! As for the pine tree that WAS located beside my driveway ... it sure does burn nice in my woodstove

[marquisman]

hehehe. i love stories like that. they always have an epic ending...take that pine tree! lol

[gadget73]

Gotta be careful burning evergreens. They will tar up a chimney badly if you're not careful, and you really do not want a chimney fire. That would be mildly ironic to have the house burn down because the chimney caught fire after burning the pine tree that dribbled on your car.

[Piece-it pete]

Arboreal revenge?

I've personally experienced it but in a different manner

Pete