Clay bars: Autopia's own vs. Meguiars vs. Mothers

Q

Quik89si

New member
I have noticed that some clay bars are extremely expensive (Meguiars at $18 or so) while others are relatively inexpensive (Autopia's clay bar at $9.25).



Is there a realistic difference between different brands of clay? Is the clay in Autopia's store reasonable?



Thanks.



Alex
 
Don't forget to compare bar sizes and total weight of the clay you get in the container. Some clay kits are 80g, some 100g, and some as much as 240g. You get what you pay for.



There are only a couple clay mfrs out there. Almost all the paint detailing clay on the market comes from these companies. The differences between them are rather minor. Everyone has their favorites, though.



If you're looking for a great deal on an excellent clay, go to WalMart and buy the Clay Magic kit for under $10. If you can find the Mothers clay kit for a comparable price, consider that one.
 
Clay bar pricing can depend on aggressiveness and size. The Meguiars BSP Overspray Clay is not cheap, but the bar is big and hella sticky and aggressive. Probably overkill unless you have heavy paint overspray to remove.
 
Yeah, the Mother's kit has worked for me in the past. The only thing is that it's $20 and it comes with the QD, which I really don't need - I just bought a huge bottle of the Meg's QD. That's why I am looking for clay by itself - but the Mother's is probably what I'll end up with, if not the clay magic.



Alex
 
Or order the 3M clay directly from the 3M online store. About $22 for two big bars and free shipping. Its about the same price per gram as the Clay Magic kit but w/o the QD.
 
You can order just the Mother's clay if you don't want all that other stuff. You have to call them.



I'd say Mother's is some of the better clay I've used.
 
Now I have all the info I should need! The 3m deal is tempting - I'm always a sucker for free shipping. Clay Magic would be nice if I can find it at Wal-Mart, since it's quick and I don't have to bother with shipping. Mothers - I like that idea too, because I'm already familiar with their product!



Alex
 
I love Mothers and HATE Meguiars. Meguiars left a freaking residue on the car that took us longer to get off than it did to detail the car.
 
Quote: Clay bars: Autopia's own vs. Meguiars vs. Mothers







~One man’s opinion / observations~



Clay Magic and a Woolite / Water5:1 lubricant solution get my vote.



~Hope this helps~







Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/



justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*
 
There seem to be two basic types of clay, one (like the Autopia Block) is more "plastic-like" than the other (the Griot's/Mother's type). I myself like the Autopia Block the best.
 
Meguiar's Clay Bar was awful. On the other hand, I've found Autopia's Block to be an excellent buy.



I have yet to try Mother's or Clay Magic's Clay Bar, so I couldn't tell you my experience with those.
 
Lots of positive feedback on both CM and Autopia Block - decisions, decisions! Maybe CM for now, since they should have it at Wal-Mart, and later, when I get some more sheepskin wash mitts, I'll pick up the Autopia Block...



Alex
 
Between ClayMagic and Mother's, Mother's is clearly my preference. In addition to my preference of the clay, the inclusion of the Showtime QD makes this a very easy decision. Yes, CM includes their Clay Lube, but...



I have not tried David's Block and still await his decision to repackage a Glide, Block, and Waffle kit.
 
In OZ, a 3M clay bar is $50 and autoglym $60+



I decided on the acidet wash instead. Does a brilliant job and 5kg for $45 bucks.
 
I like Mothers Clay the best. Leaves no clay residue, I like how it feels on the paint, and did the best job of removing stuff from the paint.



Also I have used the blue Clay Magic Bar and the 3M bar and they are exactly the same bar. I couldn't tell the difference between the two.
 
I personally use Clay Majic.....Have had nothing but success with it, and the price is right. I keep 2 or 3 of the kits with me all the time (just in case you should drop one on the ground) and if that happens, pitch it and use a new one.
 
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