Clay Bar Questions

Hey all!

I want to clay bar my truck (2012 DblCab), but have never done it before... I just waxed it, should I wait a bit before doing it? Do I roll the clay over the surface (like using a rolling pin), or do I kind of press it against the paint, pick it up and press again? I know I need a lubricant (probably going to pick up the Meguiars Clay Bar kit, I like their products), but is there anything else to it? Any special areas I should pay attention to?

Thanks bunches for any help you fine people can provide!

 

I wouldn't have a clue, never used clay bar myself. What is it's purpose? I usually just wax the truck and be done

 

Clay bar is used to remove everything off of the surface of the paint. You would basically be wasting the wax you put on it. Wait until you want to wax it again.

Wash, clay bar, wax, polish...

 

you fella are correct! it will remove all the tiny rust spots from the brake pads. that stuff is awsome! makes a huge difference than just washing and waxing.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfEfLGL59GI

 

This will do it.

 

fixed

 

Thanks for the help all! Is polishing really necessary though? My truck is a 2012 with no swirls or real scratches, and I don't own a buffer or anything so I am applying by hand...

 

for the best shine, you can use a light polish, but it isnt SUPER important on a brand new truck
You'd be amazed at what the smallest details like a light polish on new paint will do

 

First thing I did was to clay bar my 2012. There is all kinds of contaminates from the railroad car and trucks during transportation.

 

Thanks everyone, especially Konaborne, for your help. Picked up a clay kit and will knock it out once this coat of wax starts needing to be replaced!

 

I just did my truck yesterday. I love the Maguires kit, works great!

Also used the Ultimate liquid wax, And its soo smooth and shiny!

 

I usually clay bar twice a year. The time and effort is well worth it.

 

how long did it take u to do the whole nut??
has anyone tried that ICE stuff?

 

I haven't done it yet obviously, but everyone tells me that for a truck already in decent condition it might add about an hour to your wash/polish/wax cycle. Add more time the worse your truck is.

I have used some of the ICE products. I like their interior detailer, slightly cheaper than Meguiars (but I am turning in to a bit of a Meguiars fanboy) and pretty close in quality. I have used the ICE car shampoo, and it isn't bad either. I would not recommend the ICE Synthetic Polish... I used it, and it essentially felt like I was smearing baby oil on my truck. I thought about writing some reviews on the products I have used, and the ICE Synthetic Polish would get 7 chicken scrotums down!

 

thanks for the info,and very funny bout the chicken..

 

Just wanted to add this to the thread for the benefit of anyone looking for info on claying. I'm a noob with this stuff, so I was skeptical... I picked up the Meguiars clay kit today, did a complete wash and dry as it recommended. Noticed the tailgate was rough feeling, so I clayed it... and WOW... that is amazing. The things my previous vehicles have missed..

 

^^^X2

 

I also wanted to add, do your best not to drop the clay bar on the ground as it will pick up fine particles on the ground. It should tell you on the packaging as well.

 

I am new to clay myself. Is that tiny clay bar in that vid enough to do the whole truck?