A clay bar lifts the bonded contamination a wash leaves behind, such as tree sap, overspray and rail dust, so the paint feels glass-smooth and polish or a coating bonds properly. A traditional bar such as the CleanSkin Premium Grade Clay Bar ($15.90) or Gyeon Q2M Clay Bar needs a lubricant like Gyeon Q2M Clay Lube or Labocosmetica Lubrifica. Clay mitts and towels such as the CleanSkin Clay Mitt and The Rag Company Ultra Clay Towel cover panels faster and rinse clean if dropped; a dropped clay bar should be thrown away. For machine use, the Juice Clay Skin Pad fits a 150mm DA. Clay after an iron remover and before you polish.
How do I know if my car needs claying?
After washing, put your hand in a thin plastic bag and run your fingertips over the paint. If it feels gritty rather than glassy, it needs clay.
How often should I clay my car?
For most daily drivers, once or twice a year, or before polishing or applying a coating.
