If you’ve ever been disappointed with your car’s appearance after waxing, it might be time for a clay bar treatment. Clay barring eliminates contaminants, preventing wax from sticking to your car’s surface. Knowing when and how to do it is important, and here’s your guide!

When to Clay Bar Your Car

To solve a problem, first, you need to identify it. If you’re looking to clay bar your car, it’s almost certain there are unwanted particles on your car’s paint that need to be cleaned. These could be dirt, sap, debris, tar, grime, or any organic material that sticks to a car’s paint. 

The Process of Clay Barring

This detailing process involves removing impurities from a car’s surface. While washing your vehicle, you want this stubborn matter removed. Also, it’s a way of adding a finishing touch to your car’s exterior, by gently pulling out dirt, sap, industrial fallout, brake dust, etc. 

The Need for Clay Barring Your Car 

Before proceeding, you need to understand why it’s necessary. Clay barring will remove those tough stains that regular washing can’t, thereby making your car’s exterior look smooth. If you choose not to do this, your car’s paintwork will end up looking rough over time. 

Benefits of Clay Barring 

It’s simple! When you remove embedded particles from your car’s paint, it restores the overall smoothness and shine. Who doesn’t love to drive an aesthetically pleasing vehicle? In addition, it enhances the effectiveness of waxes and sealants applied after washing. 

Preparing To Clay Bar Your Car

Whenever you choose to do this, remember it should always come after washing the car. Once you know “why and when” to clay bar your vehicle, there’s no point waiting to get it done. While at it, ensure you have all the tools needed.  

Tools Needed For The Process

These tools include a quality clay bar or clay mitt, clay lubricant or detailer spray, and microfibre towels. These are for wiping and drying the car’s body. A clay bar is a sticky, clay-like material that removes particles and contaminants from the paint.  

Getting a Clay Bar Kit

Clay bar kits are available in auto detailing shops, but you can also buy them from reputable brands like Chemical Guys and Meguiar’s. Visit their websites to see how much each kit costs. They are generally not expensive, costing between $30 and $45. 

How to Clay Bar Your Car

Once you decide to give your car a clay bar treatment, there are some steps you need to follow in order to get it done. These steps are easy to carry out and don’t require any expertise. You just need to follow them as instructed and you’ll be done in no time.  

Get Auto Cleaning Service

Before you start, your vehicle has to be cleaned to remove those bits of dirt that can scratch the surface during the process. No one wants their car scratched, so this can not be overstated. You should consider hiring an auto cleaning service for a professional touch. 

Test If Needed

You can test the need for clay barring by putting your hand in a zippered plastic bag. Then, gently slide your hand on the car’s surface. If you feel any particles, you are bound to proceed with the process. However, if the car’s surface feels smooth, you may wax it. 

Flatten The Clay Bar 

This involves kneading the clay bar into a flat disc. Get the clay bar kit and cut what you need, then knead and shape the bar to make it flat and oval. Ensure the flattened bar is large enough to cover your fingers. After this, it’s time to lubricate.

Lubricate The Car Surface 

Never use it on a dry car surface! Always lubricate the car to ensure smooth clay barring. You’ll find quality lubricants in automobile shops, but it’s best to seek recommendations that are suitable for your type of car coating. 

Glide the Clay Bar Gently On The Car 

Now, you can begin gliding the flattened clay bar on the car using your fingers. Avoid applying excessive pressure to prevent scratching the paint. Keep going back and forth over the car’s surface until you achieve your desired result. 

Wipe the Car Using A Dry Microfiber Towel

Lastly, use a dry microfiber towel to wipe any residual lubricant on the car’s surface. Again, use the plastic bag to test for smoothness. If you feel bumps, continue clay barring until contaminants are completely removed. Then, polish and wax the car. 

Tips for Effective Clay Barring

Always use quality products and avoid applying too much pressure. Maintain a consistent pattern when moving the clay bar. Regularly check the clay bar for impurities and knead thoroughly to ensure a clean surface.