Clay bars… Good or Bad?

If you have spent any time online or browsing your local auto parts store, you have seen clay bar products to clean your paint. They advertise a shine than will blind you and a slippery smooth finish.

Clay bars work by pulling up dirt and other contaminant from your paint. Your paint is relatively soft and dirt and other tiny metal particles can become lodged in the paint to the point that regular washing will not remove them. When you rub the paint with the clay bar, the clay grabs the contaminants and yanks it from the grip of your paint.

The problem lies in the fact that once the contamination is removed from your paint, it does not just fall to the ground, it stays in the clay bar. This material which is often metal and organic compounds from brake pads and rail dust can become like sandpaper. Constant kneeding of the clay to expose fresh clay and burying the contaminants where they can not do damage, is needed to avoid scratching your vehicle.

I have seen good and bad clay jobs, some come out looking like glass, others have noticable scratches left in the clear coat. I don’t suggest it for first time waxers, but if you have some experience, are willing to take the time to do it right, then go ahead and give your paint a new look.