CLAY BAR INSTRUCTIONS


A Clay Bar removes imbedded contamination from the paint finish that cannot be removed using conventional cleaning methods. It works like no cleaner, compound or chemical can and is safe for use on all paint finishes. The following contaminants are a general description of some of the contaminants that a Clay Bar removes.
  • Rail dust- is actually tiny, sharp bare metal shavings that can adhere and imbed to the paint finish and cause serious damage when left untreated. Over 70% of new vehicles are transported from the factory using the rail system, therefore rail dust is present on new vehicles. There are many instances where a vehicle travels or is parked near a railroad in which case the finish is infected with rail dust.
  • Brake dust- similar to rail dust, brake dust is also in the form of tiny, sharp bare metal shavings. In recent years, asbestos brake pads were replaced with metallic brake pads, which are actually brake pads made from tiny metal or metallic shavings. Anytime a vehicle is braking; brake dust is disbursed into the air and onto the paint finish. Since the brake dust is now actually tiny particles of bare metal, this form of brake dust can seriously damage the paint finish when left untreated.
  • Industrial fallout- is the general term used for pollution and can be found in many forms. Eventually, pollution settles onto the paint finish of all vehicles and can cause serious damage when left untreated.
  • Tree sap, Road tar, Bug residue, Paint overspray, acid rain deposits and other contaminants that adhere and imbed into the paint finish can cause damage when left untreated.
Why you should use a Clay Bar?
  • Contaminants that are left untreated can weaken the protective properties and even cause serious damage to the paint finish after a short time.
  • It is the only way to truly clean the paint finish and prepare the surface for protection with wax, polish and/or paint sealant. A "clayed" paint surface allows wax, polish and/or paint sealant to form a stronger bond to the paint finish.
How to use a Clay Bar?
  • First you should thoroughly wash the vehicle to make sure that there is no dirt or debris on the paint finish. Although a Clay Bar is not abrasive to the paint finish, if dirt or debris is present on the paint finish, scratches could result when a Clay Bar is rubbed over a dirty surface. Using a dishwashing detergent such as Liquid Dawn diluted with water will make sure that the vehicle is free from grease, wax and oily film. (Mix 1 ounce of Liquid Dawn to 2.5 gallons of water for an effective cleaning solution)
  • A Clay Bar should never be used on a hot surface or in direct sunlight. Using on a hot surface could cause Clay Bar to stick or "track" on the finish, however this can be removed by simply re-lubricating the surface and rubbing the Clay Bar over the area again.
  • A Clay Bar is designed to be used with a lubricant. The lubricant creates a "slick" surface for Clay Bar to glide across. In a spray bottle. (You can also mix Car Wash soap in a bucked and lubricate the section with a sponge.)
  • Lubricate a small section of the vehicle to be cleaned (approximately a 3-ft x 3-ft area). Using adequate pressure, begin rubbing the Clay Bar over the lubricated section to remove contaminants. You can actually feel the contaminants being removed and as the section becomes smooth, simply wipe the area with a GOOD quality Microfiber or 100% cotton towel and continue in small sections until the entire vehicle is complete.
  • As one side of a Clay Bar becomes soiled, simply flip to the other clean side. After both sides have been used, pull, stretch and refold the Clay Bar to expose a fresh clean side. When pulling, stretching and folding no longer exposes a clean side, discard and use a new piece. Note: Occasionally inspect the Clay Bar to make sure there is no heavy dirt or debris present.
  • If you are planning on applying a sealant or wax after the Clay Cleaning Process.Re-wash the entire vehicle with a Car Wash.
**Important note: Avoid reusing the Clay Bar if it has been dropped on the ground. If dropped on the ground it may pick up dirt, or other debris that can cause serious scratches to the paint finish.


Should I protect the finish after using a Clay Bar?
  • After using a Clay Bar, the finish has been truly cleaned of all contaminants and stripped of all wax and/or polish leaving it vulnerable to the suns UV rays, acid rain and other elements. The finish should now be protected with polish, paint sealant and or wax to protect the quality and longevity of the finish..