Wasatch
New member
I keep reading and hearing that there are difference's in clay bars. I'm not talking about weight per dollar. I'm talking about smearing, marring, leaving swirls. So what are your experience's, recommendations.
Is There Really A Difference In Clay Bars?
- Thread starter Wasatch
- Start date
Woob
New member
Yes there are differences
Depends on amount of contamination, how aggressive the bar is, and how you use it. I've used the Mothers and its an excellent setup for local stores, but after using Adam's, Mothers is used for wheels now!
Some bars are more aggressive, so more mild. Some grab or are bend more. Some crumble.
Depends on amount of contamination, how aggressive the bar is, and how you use it. I've used the Mothers and its an excellent setup for local stores, but after using Adam's, Mothers is used for wheels now!
Some bars are more aggressive, so more mild. Some grab or are bend more. Some crumble.
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
~One manâ€â„¢s opinion / observations~
First used by Japanese auto manufacturers the technology was passed on to the US market. There are only a couple manufactures of clay, and U.S. patents protect the technology, with some subtle difference in technology (plastic vs. elastic material) and the firmness of the material. In general, softer clays are safer and easier to use, firmer clay cleans better with a little more risk of scuffing or scratching
All detailing clayâ€â„¢s contain an abrasive; the differences between the types of detailing clayâ€â„¢s are the abrasive levels. Some manufacturers distinguish the differing levels by colour (i.e. Clay Magic Red is a medium abrasive, whereas the Blue is a Fine abrasive.
a) Fine- clay that pulls or shears off the imbedded paint contamination and encapsulates it.
b) Medium- clay is used to remove paint over-spray; it contains an abrasive that abrades, while the clay encapsulates it.
~Hope this helps~
Knowledge unshared is experience wasted [each one / teach one]
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ JonM
First used by Japanese auto manufacturers the technology was passed on to the US market. There are only a couple manufactures of clay, and U.S. patents protect the technology, with some subtle difference in technology (plastic vs. elastic material) and the firmness of the material. In general, softer clays are safer and easier to use, firmer clay cleans better with a little more risk of scuffing or scratching
All detailing clayâ€â„¢s contain an abrasive; the differences between the types of detailing clayâ€â„¢s are the abrasive levels. Some manufacturers distinguish the differing levels by colour (i.e. Clay Magic Red is a medium abrasive, whereas the Blue is a Fine abrasive.
a) Fine- clay that pulls or shears off the imbedded paint contamination and encapsulates it.
b) Medium- clay is used to remove paint over-spray; it contains an abrasive that abrades, while the clay encapsulates it.
~Hope this helps~
Knowledge unshared is experience wasted [each one / teach one]
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ JonM
TOGWT has got it.
In the end there are only 2 types, and various colors
For elastic I like Wolfgang because the color doesn't bleed (ClayMagic does).
For plastic, I like Poorboy's because I got a deal on it.
Elastic is easier to use in all temps, but plastic tends to be a bit more aggressive and harder to use in colder temps.
In the end there are only 2 types, and various colors
For elastic I like Wolfgang because the color doesn't bleed (ClayMagic does).
For plastic, I like Poorboy's because I got a deal on it.
Elastic is easier to use in all temps, but plastic tends to be a bit more aggressive and harder to use in colder temps.
Wasatch
New member
Thanks alot guy's.
General Lee
New member
What would you classify Mothers' yellow clay bar? Fine, Medium, elastic, plastic etc.?
imported_The Uncle
New member
What is this talk about Clay Magic bleeding colors about? I've never had that happen (but have not used clay nearly as much as the rest of you).
Corey Bit Spank
Active member
Is Meguiars "new" quick clay system really "new"? Or is it the same crumbly crap they have offered for years?
mtodde
Silver Car Fan
Corey Bit Spank said:
Corey, it seems to be a big improvement. I've used it twice and it is very similar to the Sonus clay (the lube is the same old QD, nothing like Glyde) in texture, effectiveness and feel...same color too. IMHO it is a big improvement...
For $10 and local availability (mixed here in Atlanta, but at least you can find it) it is hard to beat. I've been recommending it to friends and have had a few folks order it from Autopia with part of a larger order (I have friends buy products in exchange for me detailing their cars).
1 Clean WS6
Detailing Rottweiler
General Lee said:
Fine to medium and elastic
AMDin93103
I like cheese.
The Uncle said:
Us eit on a white car and you will see some slightly blue lube.
mtodde said:
:scared
$18.50 here both suppliers!
-Andrew.
VertigoGTI
New member
Whatever you decide on, I hope it isn't Pinnacle's Clay. It's too soft, acts more like a sponge with the lubricant. By the time I got done claying my GTI (not a big car) the clay was more like wet Silly Putty. It held no shape and was pulling nothing off the paint.
I've been using the Blackfire clay instead, works so much better!
I've been using the Blackfire clay instead, works so much better!
Andrew- I think the 10 dollar clay magic refers to the little bars(80g) that you can get at the chain autoparts stores. 18.50 should net you a large (200g) bar of clay from one of our local suppliers.
Has anyone tried the clay from 3D? I think that's were my next bar will come from.
Has anyone tried the clay from 3D? I think that's were my next bar will come from.
imported_The Uncle
New member
It would be great if we could put together a chart - price, elastic vs. plastic, fine vs. medium vs. harsh, other features/problems.
Who makes the 3d clay? I haven't heard of that one. Anyways I've tried them all within the last year(fine grade) except for the one's I have currently sitting on top of my fridge. Those untried include TOL, Prima, and 4* clay. It's hard to tell a difference between them all when your claying the same car over and over with these new claybars, and your car is in Grt shape to begin with. But if I had to pick 2 favorites, it would be the WG clay and the Carpolish's clay( both are elastic polyclays)...
i've been using pinnacle clay for about a year. It works but is so stiff that it takes a while to flatten out and actually work. Also it grabbs the paint so easily that I always end up with scuff marks that have to be cleaned off. It does an awesome job on overspray, takes it off instantly. BUT is hard to work with.
BookemDano
New member
I started with Blackfire PolyclayII. It is gray (so it's difficult to see when it's dirty), expensive, and very stiff.
I switched to Zaino clay (about October, '04 I think). It is light yellow (easy to see dirt), less expensive and flexible. It is VERY easy to work with.
So far, I haven't seen any marring when I use it. I use a capful of Z7 car wash with about 18 oz of water to make a lube. VERY cost effective and a simple rinse get's rid of any remaining lube.
I'm very happy with this combo.
Regards,
Dan.
I switched to Zaino clay (about October, '04 I think). It is light yellow (easy to see dirt), less expensive and flexible. It is VERY easy to work with.
So far, I haven't seen any marring when I use it. I use a capful of Z7 car wash with about 18 oz of water to make a lube. VERY cost effective and a simple rinse get's rid of any remaining lube.
I'm very happy with this combo.
Regards,
Dan.