Hi folks need a new clay bar but what do people think of clay mitts, are they handier to use and look after or is it best to stick to the clay bar ? Cheers.

Hi, I have the G3 clay mitt at the moment, only used once so far, never used clay bars, so might not be the best person for this, but, as a beginner I have to say that the clay mitt is a doddle to use, just stick it  in a bucket of shampoo to lube it and wash away the dirt and then use on the car, then when you're finished stick it in the washing machine with your other microfibers and it looks like new again. did the job quickly (don't know how quickly compared to a clay bar though) and at the end of the day the only thing you run out of is the bucket of suds.

 

Que someone experienced:

I really like it and aim to use it regularly if I get any Detailing

Its particularly good on light contamination or upper car body

Always use this Mitt in conjunction with a tar and iron remover product prior to using it and it will be more effective...and don't use it to wash the car with

Use it after the wash stage and rinse with plenty of clean soapy water...Farecla G3 Detox shampoo is ideal but so is Fairy Liquid or your regular wax free car shampoo!!

However, for really bad contamination, it does have its limitations...That's where a proper clay bar will take over IME

I rate the mitts as well. 

I honestly don't clay that often;  but i must admit the clay mitts are a breeze to use!

....never with fairy liquid though...... i leave that in the kitchen to make sure SWMBO is busy!   

I honestly don't clay that often;  but i must admit the clay mitts are a breeze to use!

....never with fairy liquid though...... i leave that in the kitchen to make sure SWMBO is busy!   

As a once a year use Fairy Liquid is very effective to use as the lube

Just don't use it regularly on your car!!

Having seen the approximate chemical breakdown of said "fairy" liquid; i will refuse to put it near my cars paintwork.

My opinion, my car, my choice of course; not trying to be controversial.

 

More custom products specifically designed and available for this purpose. 

Ok. Of course..... but neither would I if I didn't think it was safe

Do you use APC?

Thanks for the PM O.C.D...... spot on! 

Ok. Of course..... but neither would I if I didn't think it was safe

Do you use APC?

 

Not sure what the APC Q refers to - but three options...

 

Do i use APC - Yes.

 

Do i use APC to strip wax? - No.

 

Do i use APC to lubricate the clay mitt? - No.

OK

My concern is people with less experience will try to clay too big an area too fast with a mitt and this is bad.

Black clay doesn't show how much you have picked up and how often you need to clean to provide a fresh surface. I have seen people clay like they are washing the car taking very little care.

Clay bar for me is far better for mid to heavy contaminated cars, giving a much better visual indication of how much is being lifted and when to fold the bar, and as Chris posted a good chemical detox with a Tar Remover is often important, I also iron x if the car needs it, all before claying.

To my mind no clay, bar or mitt, should be used (on it's own) to remove heavy contam unless you are machine polishing afterwards as with heavy contam it is almost certainly going to mar the paint, maybe even inflict scratches if you are unlucky.

So controversially I vote bar (kind of)