When is it time to toss clay?

I knew people that hooked up home stereo speakers in their cars so it really isn't that off topic. 8ohms on 4 ohm radio just does not sound right. :)
 
Is there certain things to go by? A clay bar can become very dirty after 1 car. Although, I've heard people use the same clay bat on multiple cars. When do you know it's time to throw it away?
 
Clay Bars

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
 
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. :)
 
CamoZ71 said:
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. :)
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I didn't know there was such a thing. I just added some to my shopping cart. :thumbup:
 
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.
 
That's a good idea Bill, I'll have to try that.

I usually divide up a bar into smaller sections, like a Clay Magic bar makes for 4 or 5 pieces. If the cars are fairly "clean" to start with, a piece will usually do 2, maybe 3 cars I guess? To tell the truth though... I always use a new piece when doing a client's car.
How long they really last depends on the cars you're doing. If a car has heavily contaminated paint, then one section will usually do one car; at least for me.

I'm very careful about risking someones paint for making a clay bar go a little further... clay's cheap, re-paint... expensive.

I save the old, "almost clean" clay for doing the insides of wheels... comes in handy for that.
 
Luster said:
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.
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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
 
Roadrunner said:
That's a good idea Bill, I'll have to try that.

I'm very careful about risking someones paint for making a clay bar go a little further... clay's cheap, re-paint... expensive.

I save the old, "almost clean" clay for doing the insides of wheels... comes in handy for that.
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Excellent points. You're right, clay is cheap compared to trying to get out self-induced scratches on someone elses car!!!

Mikejl said:
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
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Well, "washing" the clay won't make it last forever, but it does extend it's life somewhat. Basically, it's like using the two-bucket method for your wash mitt... you're releasing the dirt from your mitt into the water bucket before putting it back on the paint.
 
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