Clay bar = damaged car!!

[True-Blue]

The more crap you can remove from your paintwork before claying the better, I use a fallout remover first, then preferably something like ‘tardis’ before starting to clay.

I’ve never had an issue with claying either, but by the time I use clay a lot of the airborne contaminants are already gone because of the above.

The Megs stuff is ok, not the best, not the worst.

[SV8Predator]

The Megs stuff is ok, not the best, not the worst.

What's the best, then?

[tomscott]

Used the same stuff for years never ever had an issue. I also use a clay mitt now far quicker.

[enzed4]

Have used clay bars (not the Megs one though) of different brands without any problems, except where not enough lubricant was used, in which case I've just re-lubed and reapplied the claybar to remove any residue.
I watched a vid a couple of days ago where a vehicle was being clay barred; the youtuber summed it up well by saying it's all about Friction not Pressure. Fast, light strokes is what you want.
I find clay bars good for any bird-poo staining on paintwork if you weren't able to get to it immediately, e.g. my son's Sapphire Black 335i turned up last weekend for a visit having sat under a tree for a few days the week before. Washing the car helped, but claying removed what he had feared was permanent damage to the clearcoat.

[Busterboo]

… I use a fallout remover first

[enuff_zed]

… I use a fallout remover first

Best way to prevent fallout is tighter underwear!

[Nictrix]

… I use a fallout remover first

Best way to prevent fallout is tighter underwear!

[True-Blue]

The Megs stuff is ok, not the best, not the worst.

What's the best, then?

With getting too ‘anoraky’ there are different grades of clay, and some are more aggressive than others. I just find the Megs stuff is a bit pricey compared to other options. Amount of clay you get for your money etc.

[True-Blue]

… I use a fallout remover first

Just google ‘fallout remover’ about a Gazzillion videos on YouTube

[ph001]

Quick detailers make good lubes usually. I've never had a problem with the clay grabbing (which is almost certainly not enough lube) but I have had horrendous scratches every time I have used one that necessitates a machine polish afterwards. As long as you are planning on the polish stage then I guess that's OK.

Mind you - Monaco blue seems to scratch just by touching the paintwork with your fingers!

My take away lesson is that you need to use a much softer clay compound than is normally recommended.

[enzed4]

You can use plumber's putty or modeller's clay as a detailing clay. Can't say I've tried it but sure would be massively cheaper . I think I have some in the garage, might give it a go next time the car needs it.