|
|
| Tips and Tricks |
Clay Bar Procedures
How To Clay Bar Your Car to the Ultimate Shine
The clay bar was invented in Japan back in the late 1980s as a paint cleaning system designed to safely and effectively remove embedded surface contamination not removed with a regular car wash. “Claying” your car with a clay bar is not a substitute for polishing your paint but rather a process to be applied prior to polishing that will help remove stubborn contaminants bonded to your paint. Then, the polishing process removes paint defects such as: scratches, swirls, oxidation and staining while improving overall paint clarity. The process enhances gloss and prepares your paint for your car wax, paint sealant or protectant.
A clay bar requires viscosity to prevent it from damaging your paint. Viscosity can be achieved by a few methods, such as a solution of 80/20 soap and water or, for best results a detail spray such as the Shining Monkey Show & Shine Detailer. If you choose to use soap, keep in mind that it tends to dry out your bar and reduces its life expectancy. Using a proper detail spray will not only provide you with excellent viscosity, but it also leaves a protective coat of wax on the surface and enhances smoothness.
Before starting the process, always work in a shaded area and on a cool surface. Claying your car on a warm or hot surface will tend to make the clay stick to the surface and will not be effective to remove the embedded surface contamination.
  
  
 
|
Steps:
- Thoroughly wash and dry your car or truck.
- Cut your detailing clay in half and form a round flat surface.
- Spray your clay lubricant onto the section you want to clay. Work small areas at a time (approx 10”x10”). IMPORTANT! If you drop your detail clay bar on the ground you MUST throw it away as it will pick up dirt from the ground and will damage your car.
- Gently apply slight pressure as you glide the detailing clay bar over the surface of the paint in a back and forth motion. Do not apply excessive pressure!; remember you are only meant to glide the bar over the surface to remove embedded contaminants. You might feel the clay grab at first, and then release. The glide resistance will diminish as the contaminants are removed. IMPORTANT! Keep your clay and surface well lubricated with your clay lubricant.
- Wipe clay lubricant from the surface with a good quality microfiber towel.
- Fold over your clay and knead to reshape often to expose a clean clay surface.
- Feel the area that has been cleaned. It should feel slick and smooth. If not, you will need to repeat the process until all of the surface contamination has been removed.
- Continue this process over the entire car and remember that detail clay works great on your headlight lenses, glass, chrome and wheels too!
- As a precaution, when claying wheels be sure to use a dedicated clay bar that will not ever be used on your car’s paint as well.
Be sure to lubricate your detail clay bar with the Shining Monkey Show & Shine Detailer to keep it from drying out and store it in a re-sealable container or bag. As you will see, claying is well worth the effort when it comes to properly caring for your car and keeps your investment looking great for years to come. Shining Monkey products can be found in your local PartSource and PEPBOYS stores!!
Download this issue here
  
 
|