how often are you sopposed to clay bar?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 113
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how often are you sopposed to clay bar? hey, i spent yesterday(the full day on my car) good cleaning, then clay bared, and a coat of colorX, ran out of time to do the nxt, ill do it today hopefully. anyway, that was the first time i have ever clay bared and dam it came out nice! it took me forever though! i hope clay baring is like a once a year thing. how often am i sopposed to clay bar? thanks!
I usually do it right before the winter and right after the winter. I depends on how much your car is exposed to the elements, ie: rain, snow, salt, sand...
If you are in a warm climate where you get no snow, than I would say once a year is good. It also depends on how dirty you allow your car to get?? If you constantly stay on top of your paint with frequent cleaning and waxing, then you really don't have to clay your car at all after the first time.
If you are in a warm climate where you get no snow, than I would say once a year is good. It also depends on how dirty you allow your car to get?? If you constantly stay on top of your paint with frequent cleaning and waxing, then you really don't have to clay your car at all after the first time.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 113
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i just got the car, it was stored for the winter and was maintained very well over the years. i intend to do the same; i cant store it but im hopeing to be able to keep it covered for most of winter. i live on long island, so the winters get messy here sometimes. SALT IS MY WORST ENEMY!
Originally Posted by LT1Burnout
i supose this'll sound stupid but, what is "clay-barring"?
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Originally Posted by LT1Burnout
thanx Zangel, so where would i find it?
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I'm going to try this out when I have time 
Chop-Foo Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,709
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From: Haymarket, Virginia
Claying will remove surface contaminates that don't get removed by just washing. Overspray, rail dust, brake dust, etc. Good tip is to clay the car every 6-12 months. It really depends on the area you live.
A good test to see how bad your surface is, take a plastic bag, or even the plastic wrap from a pack of cigarettes if you have one. Put your fingers in it and feel your paint through the bag. You WILL be shocked the first time you do this. Clay will remove those contaminants that you can't really see. Take your time and it will work wonders. You may only need to do the horizontal surfaces of the car, but it may be wise to do the vertical surfaces as well, if you feel and buildup on them.
You can get the Mother's clay bar kit at most auto shops (Auto Zone, Advance, etc.). You can also order the Meguiars kit (they have two different ones now, at least) or any other manufacturer. Check here for some info about claying.
A good test to see how bad your surface is, take a plastic bag, or even the plastic wrap from a pack of cigarettes if you have one. Put your fingers in it and feel your paint through the bag. You WILL be shocked the first time you do this. Clay will remove those contaminants that you can't really see. Take your time and it will work wonders. You may only need to do the horizontal surfaces of the car, but it may be wise to do the vertical surfaces as well, if you feel and buildup on them.
You can get the Mother's clay bar kit at most auto shops (Auto Zone, Advance, etc.). You can also order the Meguiars kit (they have two different ones now, at least) or any other manufacturer. Check here for some info about claying.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,586
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From: Columbus, OH
Originally Posted by PendragonZ
Clay gets things that buffing and polishing can't get. You don't need to to it every time you buff and polish, but once/twice a year is good.
Launching!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 273
Likes: 1
From: HighDesert California
Originally Posted by Zangel
Claybar removes tree sap, bugs, brake dust and other things that are difficult to remove with soap and water.
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I need help removing dried tree sap!! I have a black `02 TA, i parked under a pine tree and got a lot of sap on my hood, i removed some by just washing it and using a razor on the windshield, but i am having problems removing it from the hood, it is really dried on there, i have tried sap and bug etc. remover, ive tried regular soap and water, tried power hosing it, and i just tried a clay bar which didn't do a thing for me(unless i am totally using it wrong). Please tell me how to get this crap off. Its been on there for a good 3 weeks now. thanks. 