How many times to use claybar before tossing....

[imported_Luster]

I`ve used several different clay brands, including Mothers, Clay Magic, Meguiar`s, Zaino.



Most times, after claying, I simply "wash" the clay with carwash soap and water and store in a zip-lock bag until the next use.



Then after claying about 3-4 cars, I pitch it.



Do you guys toss it every time?



I`ve heard of guys using a single clay bar for 6 months, maybe 20 cars! Is that wise practice?



(Yes, I am aware of the "drop-it-toss-it" rule, but I`m talking about normal use here.)



Thanks........Bill

[SK2003TypeS]

How do you wash clay ? :nixweiss

I haven`t tried it, but I would figure, the dirt and grit would be hard to get out.

I also use about 1/3 of a bar, use it then throw it away because it looks like it`s too far gone when I`m done.

[DaGonz]

I like the the Schlegel Gray Ghost detail clay, I cut my bar into quarters.



As for durability, it depends on the car. Today I detailed a 2004 Nissan Altima. I washed it, then clayed it. There was practically no contamination of the clay, so I can reuse that piece. The 1999 Ford Escort ZR2 that I detailed on Monday had so much crap in the paint that I had to cut the quarter sections in half, and I still went through half a bar of clay!



I also have been known to "shave" the contaminated surface of a section of clay, leaving a fresh layer of clay to continue with.

[imported_Luster]

Originally posted by SK2003TypeS

How do you wash clay ? :nixweiss





Basically, when I`m finished with the vehicle, I take the clay and submurge it the the soapy car wash water. Then just pull and fold the clay underwater like a "kneaded eraser". Usually pull and fold for about 3 or 4 folds.



When the clay comes out of the wash water, it`s pretty darn clean!

[SK2003TypeS]

Interesting Luster. I`ll have to give that a try one of these days. Thanks for the tip :xyxthumbs

[imported_Greg]

I use Pinnacle Poly Clay. What I do is cut it into 1/4 sections. Then flatten it out real good, do usually the whole car, assuming it isn`t too bad. Then I pitch it. Never tried rinsing the stuff out though.

[forrest@mothers]

When the clay starts to change color, and it doesn`t seem as sticky as new, toss it.

[Corey Bit Spank]

I cut it in half. I toss it everytime. I don`t clay bar THAT often, so this isn`t a horribly costly thing for me.

[flamed03vert]

Luster,

I also have been washing my clay. Not sure how many uses I get out of it. I just throw it away when I begin to have trouble getting it to look new through washing.

[Scottwax]

Originally posted by forrest

When the clay starts to change color, and it doesn`t seem as sticky as new, toss it.



Same here. There doesn`t seem to be a set amount of vehicles per clay bar, but more what you are removing from the paint of each one.