imported_Terry
New member
I've had good luck with Mothers.....:up
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What is the best clay bar for the money?
- Thread starter AutoNova
- Start date
Demon Detailer said:There are only two clay companies in the United States. The first is Clay Magic (Auto Magic) the second is Erazer (Kucala Enterprises).
Both companies have patents. They are both in litigation with eachother. Auto Magic is trying to monopolize the market so it can raise prices. AM is claiming that Kucala's clay violates his patent. But, Kucala has his own patent.
I know there is a manufacturer in Australia and several in Japan . However, because of the patent situation in the United States, the only clay you can get is one of the two above mentioned brands. Different companies ie Car Brite, 3M, Malco, Mothers, Mark V, etc. have them private labeled with different colors & sizes to make people think their bar is unique.
So, decide which of the two styles you like. The Erazer style is harder, the Clay Magic has more of a grainy texture and is more pliable. Then look for who will give you the best price!!!
Do one of these two companies make the BlackFire Clay Bars also? If they do I have been paying to much. I probably should try the AM clay bars anyway because they seem like a better deal than the BlackFire bars I have been buying. Thanks, Wes
Found the 200gm bar at a couple of sites for $24.99. Funny thing is, David has the 100gm bar + lube at the Autopia store for $10, or two for $18 and change. If you have something else you need, just get it here.
"Only good for 20 cars?" If the cars are not trashed, I only get about 3-4 cars out of a standard (100gm) CM bar.
"Only good for 20 cars?" If the cars are not trashed, I only get about 3-4 cars out of a standard (100gm) CM bar.
AutoNova said:Ok, Clay Magic gets the prizen now tell me your sources for purchasing and who has the best price. I looked at a website last night and they said the 200 gram bar was only good for 20 cars?
Demon Detailer
New member
Unless your car is trashed, you should be able to to get 10 - 20 cars out of a 200 gram bar of clay. You can use the clay until it starts to fall apart when you knead it.
Re-using a bar so often makes me a little nervous. I usually take the 3M bar, cut it in half and then take that half and cut it into 15 equal pieces, 1 per section. Once I'm done with the section, I throw the piece away.
Technically, clay will work forever. Problem is, if it gets saturated with enough crap, then you run the risk of marring the surface of subsequent vehicles you work on.
Not a good thing...
JMHO,
Bill.
Technically, clay will work forever. Problem is, if it gets saturated with enough crap, then you run the risk of marring the surface of subsequent vehicles you work on.
Not a good thing...
JMHO,
Bill.
Demon Detailer
New member
The clay won't work forever. When it gets filled with contaminates, it won't stretch properly and knead properly.
If you take a 50 gram piece of clay, use it on a section, then knead it for the next section. Then knead it for the next section, etc. it will last for 2 - 5 cars if they aren't too bad.
You will notice that as you are kneading the clay, it won't knead the same way when it becomes contaminated. Then you throw it away and get the next 50 gram piece.
No use wasting your money.
If you take a 50 gram piece of clay, use it on a section, then knead it for the next section. Then knead it for the next section, etc. it will last for 2 - 5 cars if they aren't too bad.
You will notice that as you are kneading the clay, it won't knead the same way when it becomes contaminated. Then you throw it away and get the next 50 gram piece.
No use wasting your money.
The bar will become too contaminated AND still work (hence the chance of marring) before it gets to the point where it stops working (ie can no longer knead it).
I've had some pretty nasty clay (read: black) that still worked, but I'd never use it on a my own car or a customer's (if I was a pro).
You make a good point, no use in wasting money/throwing it away. But there comes a point where you cross the line of stupidity just to save a few dollars.
No offense, JMHO. In the end, do what works for you. If you see no adverse impact from re-using the bar, then who am I to tell you otherwise.
Bill. :up
I've had some pretty nasty clay (read: black) that still worked, but I'd never use it on a my own car or a customer's (if I was a pro).
You make a good point, no use in wasting money/throwing it away. But there comes a point where you cross the line of stupidity just to save a few dollars.
No offense, JMHO. In the end, do what works for you. If you see no adverse impact from re-using the bar, then who am I to tell you otherwise.
Bill. :up
I use 3m and am quite happy with it. I also have some wolfgang clay that I havent tried out yet.
I am pleasantly surprised that there is an Australian clay manufacturer. Its hard enough to find detailing products here let alone people who make them. I will do a bit of digging around and see what I can find.
I am pleasantly surprised that there is an Australian clay manufacturer. Its hard enough to find detailing products here let alone people who make them. I will do a bit of digging around and see what I can find.