Difficulty Level
Tools/Supplies Needed:
• clay bar• car wash soap
• car wash sponge
• bucket of water
• clay bar specific lubrication or soapy water
• hose/water
Procedure:
• start by giving the car a thorough wash• once the vehicle is clean, have a clean bucket of soapy water or clay bar specific lubricant can also be used
• ensure the clay bar is moisturized and knead the clay bar
• continue to make a flat portion in the clay bar
• make sure the area you are working on is well lubricated, then rub the area with light pressure using the clay bar
• continue to feel the area by hand touch to ensure all the contaminants are removed
• knead the clay bar when you find the surface you are using in getting dirty to make a clean spot to work it
• go body panel by body panel to ensure all areas are covered
• rinse the vehicle off to remove any left over contaminants or soap/lubrication
• once the vehicle has dried, you are now ready for the waxing stage
Video tutorial on how to clay bar your vehicles paint. The clay bar is intended to remove any of the contaminants which are either stuck to or baked on the paint's surface from being exposed to the exterior elements or from day to day driving. The clay bar will help remove those contaminates and should take roughly an hour depending on the severity, not including wash time to do the procedure. This is a recommended cleaning process before applying wax to your vehicle's paint because it does ensure it will be the cleanest and smoothest surface to protect. The clay bar will remove contaminants such as rust dots, rust stains, baked on dust, overspray from paint, scrub marks left from other objects which have not damaged the existing paint, oxidization, etc. If the clay bar does fall on the ground, throw it away! Do no risk the chance of reusing it over again because a slight amount of debris can stick to the clay bar and destroy the paint. Clay bars need to be replaced once you are no longer able to find clean areas after kneading. Clay bars are made to be used on all colors of paint. This particular tutorial was done on a 1997 BMW 540i.