Clay Bar Danger?

M

MattB

New member
I recieved a clay bar with my Zaino detailing kit, and am eager to use it after hearing how much good they can do (and as far as I know my car has never been clayed). However, I recently read a horror story about clearcoat being stripped by a clay bar. Is this possible even if you use the proper lubricant? Because if there's a risk of this I'm just going to have it professionally done...
 
Quote: Clay Bar Danger?





~One man’s opinion / observations~



Detailers Clay with ‘lift’ pollution from the paint film surface but is not abrasive enough to remove clear coat (improperly used it could induce a scratch if not lubricated or there is contamination being dragged by it)



~Hope this helps~





Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/



justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*
 
If the clearcoat was failing/delaminating clay "could" pull it off..... But that isn't the clay's fault - it was doing what it does best.
 
There's two types of clay. Detailing clay, including Zaino, is safe. There's also abrasive clay, but we wouldn't be using it here.
 
Be reaaaaly careful about lubricating and watching for contaminates...I put a scratch in my paint and I was kneding at least 4-5 times per panel...
 
Or cut the clay into little pieces and toss each one after doing a small area. Remember that clay is a renewable resource but paint is not.
 
As long as the car is clean, you use plenty of lube, and you keep the clay off the ground, you will be fine. If the clay falls on the ground pitch it.



Try it on a small area first. You will be so amazed you will do the entire car.
 
I have used clay for close to two years and have never encountered any problems. Like everyone says, use plenty of Lube.
 
That leads me to another question. How do I tell if my clay is too contaminated and I need to fold/knead it to reveal new clay?
 
MattB said:
That leads me to another question. How do I tell if my clay is too contaminated and I need to fold/knead it to reveal new clay?
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Usually after a few passes on the panel that I'm working on I would fold/knead. If you look at the clay surface that you're using, you will see the debris that it's removing.
 
manueljlg said:
It´s okay to use water and Dawn to lubricate ?
Click to expand...



It would be fine if you have it in a spray bottle. But, if you just have the bucket and you're constantly dunking the clay inside, your clay will be gone before your car is done.
 
Quote: It’s okay to use water and Dawn to lubricate?





~One man’s opinion / observations~



You might want to use soap or detailer type product as opposed to a detergent as it will dry out both the clay and any oils on the paint film surface.







~Hope this helps~





Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/



justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*
 
Yeah, that would be an AWFUL lot of "Dawning"...I'd sure use something different myself.



And yes, it WILL break down the clay rather quickly. I didn't like using Dawn-wash as a lube, but then I'm not too fond of using Dawn on my cars anyhow.
 
QD's are relativly cheap. Go to walmart and get Meguiar's Quik Detail for $4.99 (or buy another QD in bulk from the internet). I use 1/2 bottle to clay my car. It is not worth trying to mix togther soap and water solution that may/maynot break down the clay.
 
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