So what are these clay bar things all about then ? How do you use it and what does it do ?

It appears from recent pictures that it is almost like putty, but I assume its not because that wouldnt do much for the paintwork.

Do you press hard when rubbing with it ?

Will it help remove light scratches ?

Quite an informative page about it here Phil.

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-clay.html

cheers

Derek

It removes all the impuritires from the paint.....if you wet the paint work and run your finger across it you'll feel small "bumps"..using a clay bar will remove these....if you wet paint again after clay barring paint should feel very smooth.

You must use clay bar on a wet surface.

Won't remove small scrathes or swirls.....use a light polish for this or paint restorer for this...something with a fine/light cutting agent...not T-Cut.

I've never really noticed any bumps in my paintwork. I've always used AutoGlym polish after every way then their Extra loss Protection every 2 months.

I do however have an annoying light scratch on the front wong I'd like to remove.

As has been said they are excellent from removing the little bits that you can feel on the surface of the paint.

Wash the car properly then use the clay bar (which is like putty) on a wet surface to rub the car down.

It works wonders.

Deleted

Whilst reading a few posts on the scooby.net' date=' i came across a chap who has is own valeting business. He had posted a thread with before, during and after pictures and explanations on how to get a car minted to the MAX ! So far i have used a couple of the products recomended by this chap and the results are fantastic. All i need now is a £1000 credit account

[/quote']

Thats Rich, he's a member on here and a very active member on seatenthusiasts.co.uk, great wealth of knowledge and a genuine guy, will happily give you info for the fun of it even though he's a business man

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/members/wx51%2Btxr/

What are you talking about.

What are you talking about.

Clay bars.

Ok... sorry to ask a probably stupid question, but whats the difference between a clay bar and the results youd get using T-cut (not the hardcore stuff thats like paste - the more polish like variety...)?

Cheers...

Clay bars.

Sorry to confuse, that was not aimed at you. It was for the attention of Bigw2069.

Ok... sorry to ask a probably stupid question' date=' but whats the difference between a clay bar and the results youd get using T-cut (not the hardcore stuff thats like paste - the more polish like variety...)?

Cheers...[/quote']

T-Cut is an abrasive and will remove a layer of the paint....the clay bar doesn't...IIRC.

Professional detailers will use a clay bar first to remove paint impurities, then a paint cleaner, followed by a non abrasive polisher, then seal it with a wax.

I prefer a non carnuba wax as it is easier to work with a gets better results.

For those who want to know more I would recommend signing up to the next Meguiars seminar day (when I can get a slot organised) and you will learn all.

Or get yourselves on to Car Care - The finest products, the best advice - Polished Bliss where there are some really good guides to detailing your car, including claying.

I used a Meguiars Quik Clay on my Octy and it removed loads of small surface contaminants - just make sure you keep the area you are working on well lubed - I used the Quik Detailer spray that came with the clay.

Gochie - if you want to mask a scratch, it depends on how deep it is! This will impact how much of a difference you can make just by hand.

One of the best polishes to hide swirls/light scratches by hand is Autoglym Super Resin Polish - but as said, if the scratch is deep you may get it out using either a PC (Porter Cable dual action polisher) or a more powerful rotary polisher but be careful these things can do damage in the wrong hands

If you do use the Autoglym SRP - remember to put a layer of wax over the top for protection. I have been using Poorboys Nattys Paste Wax but will be getting some Collinite 476 soon hopefully as it lasts a while at this time of year.

calr bars are awesome phil, amazing results.

you don't know how dirty your car is until you clay bar it

the lumps and bumps we are talking about you won't be able to feel now but clay bar the car and se the difference for yourself.

thoroughly clean the car, then clay bar, then clean it again and then wax or polish it

I tried the finger test on my car and thought there were no bonded contaminents, then someone gave me a fag packet rapper. Then i could really feel them. Took 2 clay bars to remove them. As has been said have a look at the Polishedbliss guide on cleaning and make up your own mind.

Car Care Advice - How to clean your paint in preparation for polishing or protection

Your Autoglym is good stuff at hiding swirls etc as it's full of fillers.

As has been said Clay bars are used to pre-clean paint before applying a sealant or wax - they give a smooth,clean surface for the products to adhear to.

They can also be used to remove paint defects such as swirls and holograms which can be inflicted by incorrect washing techniques amongst other things.

If the scratch is a light one then a clay MIGHT remove it, however more usually a detailer would use a PC (Porter Cable - random orbit polisher) with varying grades of polish and pads.

The use of clays can infact cause further damage to paintwork if not used correctly, you should always use an appropriate lube -- just wet paintwork will not do -- most Clay manufacterers make or recomend a lube.

Something like this :Polished Bliss

For more information try these sites :

Polished Bliss -- Guide to paint preparation

Detailing World

You will find loads of information that will help