When is it time to toss clay?

[imported_Flash Gordon]

The way I manage my clay bars is the same way I manage all supplies, I rotate. A new clay bar can be used on up to 10 nice cars. That is newer cars needing just a light clay treatment. When a new clay bar gets worn I use it on older cars with heavier fallout. I keep up to three clay bars in various condition and a brand new one on hand. When a clay bar is spent it becomes real soft and doesn't perform well so I throw the oldest away and start a new one. Using older clay bars on real dirty cars will extend the life of your newest clay and save you money. I charge extra for the clay process usually between $30 to as much as $60. A clay bar is used on about 25 cars so it's a money maker. I believe that Auto Magic invented the clay bar and these bars are very good. I have used other less expensive generic clay bars with some good results. You might ask your supplier how their generic clay bar compares to Auto Magic. I hope this helps.

Paul
www.applepolishingsystems.com

Great advice here ^ :wizard:

Your user name is AWESOME :clap:

I actually "wash" my claybars. It used to be that when it got fairly dirty, say after 3-4 vehicles, I'd toss it.

Then someone told me to "knead" and pull the clay in fresh carwash soap for 5 minutes or so.

I've done this several times. The clay actually comes out very clean and ready to go again!

I haven't counted the number of uses, but it's quite a lot, washing the clay after each use.

I have an old 7/11 cup I toss mine into when I'm done (with soapy water) After a few hours I rinse it in the sink and toss in a snack size zip bag :Snowman:

It may be time to throw it away after the Blackfire Clay Bar Cleaner and Extender can no longer lift the contaminants off the clay bar.

Whaaaaat, when did PAC come up with this :huh:

I was doing that with my Smooth Surface Meg's clay for awhile, but I found the clay started breaking down and leaving a clay film in places on the paint.

Sounds like you are having better luck with your clay.



Mike

I've Never had clay deteriorate using the soapy water method. Then again, I've never tried Megs clay :cornut:

 

[Mikejl]

I've Never had clay deteriorate using the soapy water method. Then again, I've never tried Megs clay :cornut:

I'm actually kind of surprised to know there are many that wash their clay for reuse. I tried it out mostly as an experiment and think I may have used Meg's APC and not car wash soap, while rinsing it under the faucet in the garage sink.

Since I don't detail for a living and have a good supply of clay on hand, I can use it and discard it when it gets too dirty or I drop it. When I start to run low on Ricardo's, I might by some Blackfire Clay Cleaner though.



Mike

 

[ZL1Mark]

Good info, thanks guys!:cornut:

 

[imported_Flash Gordon]

I'm actually kind of surprised to know there are many that wash their clay for reuse. I tried it out mostly as an experiment and think I may have used Meg's APC and not car wash soap, while rinsing it under the faucet in the garage sink.

Since I don't detail for a living and have a good supply of clay on hand, I can use it and discard it when it gets too dirty or I drop it. When I start to run low on "Riccardos, I might by some Blackfire Clay Cleaner though.



Mike

Riccardo's huh.....Freind request sent :wink:

My feeling are as long as contaminents are being removed and you don't get any junk(tar,gravel & whatnot) I continue using. I eventually will toss a piece even though it is still effective mainly out of some kinda weird guilt factor