I have seen several posts about using a clay bar to remove tough to get grim off of a car's finish. What is the technique and also where do you get them and how expensive are they?

 

BigM,
Clay bars are great for removing paint contamination!

Simply put.... if you run your hand over the finish of your car and it doesn't feel as smooth as a baby's rear end..... You need a clay bar.
There are several companies that sell clay bars. I currently use Mothers Clay bar and Quick detailer. Purchased at a local Automotive shop. I've been very pleased with the outcome using it.
There are other brands and types out there.... Some better some worse. I suggest reading through this and giving it a shot. Using a Clay bar

I think you will be happy with the outcome.

Hope this helps.
SW

PS. the article mentions a few types of contaminations that using a clay bar will remove..... but it will remove much more than they lead on. I've used it to remove Paint over spray (it had been on the car over a year!).

 

It also works pretty good on dried bug residue... :> I've used a clay bar on my MINI, and it looked great... I say go for the Mother's clay bar kit. It comes with the bar, some bar lube (instant showroom) and a wee bottle of mothers car wax... for 10 bux or so... and they sell it at wallmart...

Rocketboy_X

 

>>I have seen several posts about using a clay bar to remove tough to get grim off of a car's finish. What is the technique and also where do you get them and how expensive are they?

I love Griot's Garage for their yellow clay - I've also tried Zaino Brothers and Meguiar's but I found both of their clays to be too hard and they didn't 'feel' right.

Others' make them and the price range is likely anywhere from $15 to $35 - just keep in mind you should read about how to use it - always use a good lubricant (some sort of speed shine or similar works best) between the clay and the car... if you forget that you'll do more harm than good!


p.s. Photo Album has some shots of my black (black = hard to get nice consistent mirror like finish due to swirls showing easily) 328gts from last weekend - I always uyse a clay bar. The car is in pics 27,28, and 29. There is NOTHING as good as a CLEAN, freshly clayed and then waxed black car: Reflections

 

I must agree with Dave. The Griot's Garage clay bar is by far the best on the market. You must also use LOTS of lubricant to prevent the bar from sticking to the paint. I always clean my car with clay prior to waxing with Klasse. The car looks like a mirror when done!!!

 

anyone in the LA area want to give a MINI detailing workshop?

 

I might be willing to host one, but it would have to be after the SEMA show (first week of November) as we're too busy getting ready for it now.

We're in Huntington Beach.

Any interest?

 

>>I have seen several posts about using a clay bar to remove tough to get grim off of a car's finish. What is the technique and also where do you get them and how expensive are they?

Have not used the clay bar on our MCS yet, but used "Clay Magic" on our Volvo V70 this past weekend. Results were fanatastic, followed up with Zaino Bros. http://www.zainobros.com Z-1 and Z-2, car looks better than the day we purchased it. Can't wait to do the MCS. Purchased "Clay Magic" at Autozone $9.99 including clay lubricant.

 

The kit by Mothers (bar and instant detalier, AND a wee 'lil bottle of wax) is around the 10 dollar mark, you can pick it up at Walmart...

Rocketboy_X