Clay Bar Question

[de2]

Hello,

I am concerned about a couple of things if I clay bar my Z. First, will the clay bar effect the clear coat? What I mean is will it begin to remove any clear coat on the car or does it just remove the surface contaminants and not actually remove a minute layer of clear coat/paint? My second concern is with my clear bra (on the car). Should I clay bar on the clear bra or will scratches develop on this type of material if clay bar'd.

Yesterday I clay bar'd my 25 yo Toyota 4x4 for the first time and it came out quite nice so now I am interested in doing the Z but I have the above concerns. Thanks for any information you all can provide.

de2

 

[duckson]

It wont remove any clearcoat just bonded surface contaminants.
You should be fine on the clear bra, most things can be clayed on the car - glass, alloys, light lenses as well as your paintwork. I would do the paintwork first and leave the alloys as the last item to be done if you want to go the whole hog.

Just make sure you use a lube of course!

 

[srhutch]

Megs do a aggresive Claybar which will effect the clearcoat I believe, but you wouldnt generally need to use it, just pointing it out so you dont get the wrong one.

 

[duckson]

True there are more intensive clays out there which will marr the paint to some extent, beginners should start with the mild clays like the one in the Megs clay kit or Sonus Green clay for example.

 

[Smokin]

I have the "regular" Megs and will be doing it as soon as I have a warm day to do so. Remember, you really need to put a good wax on right after clay barring so you protect the clean you just did.

 

[de2]

Hey thanks all,

I was not aware of different types of clay bars so I guess I need to look much closer before I buy one for the Z. The one I used the other day on my truck is from Megs and I don't know how aggressive it might be. Thanks again for the advice, very helpful as always.

de2

 

[Elliot]

I wasnt aware of different grades of bar either, it only removes surface contaminants such as bird lime, tar etc.
Ive always used megs bars chopped into 3 bits, and keep the older dirty bits for claying wheels etc

 

[Smokin]

Smooth surface is the "regular"

The other is called "detailing clay" and they have two grades-comes in a tin.

 

[jjarc]

The clay bar is great to deep clean the paint and the one I use does not damage the clear coat (Griots). One piece of advice I picked up in a detailing class regarding your clear bra is to avoid the edges. You can put a piece of masking tape over it to protect it. The clay, polish and wax can actually gunk it up and the line will be more conspicuous. I probably would not clay the bra, although I don't think it would hurt it. Generally right behind the wheels it where you really need it. The more aggressive scratch removing polishes will definitely remove some clear coat and even the lesser ones after a number of uses. Good Luck.

 

[Aebous]

Don't forget to rewax/polish after you clay

 

[MR BLACK]

Hi I have used the meg kit on loads of my cars elise's to beemers silver ones black ones etc i did my Z on sunday morning the kit does a great job i also use the meg polish and wax

 

[paddy wright]

How long does it take to clay a roadster roughly?

 

[MR BLACK]

about 3 hours all in and arms about to drop off :lol:

 

[duckson]

1-2 hours depending on how much muck is coming out onto the clay.

 

[Aebous]

Depends on your prep work....One claying how-to I found said wash the car twice prior to claying then clay, then wash again with dawn dishwashing soap. Then you wax/polish. Takes a long time to do all that