Best clay bar?

With the recent wildfires, cars are covered in ash and nastiness, is there a huge difference in the different clay bar kits? Want to give my truck a good deep cleaning when the fires clear up but haven't really looked into clay yet. Thanks!

 

Meguiars (their Detail Line) or 3M. Just my opinion. This is one of those topics where you ask 10 different people and get 10 different answers.

 

IronX first, then Meguiars.

 

yea there is a difference in clays. Some are more aggressive. Keep in mind the more aggressive the bigger the risk of marring.

 

I gave up on clay several years ago once I tried a Nanoskin Mitt. I find it much easier to use and much harder to drop on the driveway.

 

Agreed. Much better product in my opinion.

 

Griots 2.0 synthetic clay bar

 

Also agree. Was sceptical until I tried it. Can feel it working the same way you'd feel resistance of clay changing as it cleans.
I have dropped it, cleaned it, and not had any finish damage.

 

Mitts are good for new or well kept paint, but if you can feel the grit while washing with car soap then meguires clay first......

 

I still believe Clay Magic is the best bar out there.

I did however just try one of those surface prep pads for the DA and honestly ....I think it left a slicker finish than a standard clay bar.

 

This may be it, now we just need someone to start importing them here:



Maybe the Rag Co one is similar: https://www.theragcompany.com/ultra-clay-towel/

Optimum has one too:

 

Does synthetic clay mitt has a expiration date or shelf life?

My synthetic clay mitts are sticking to the plastic container it came in and peeling away from the mitts.

 

Whatever you decide make sure you have a good clay lubricant. Shine Supply makes a good product called shine mist that works well for this. Also using a paint decontamination spray helps a lot before using a clay bar.

 

I have found the outdoor temperature makes a big difference with clay. Too hot and I get clay residue. Too cold and the clay doesn’t conform to the contours well. I like the Griot’s clay but I can see how the synthetic clay would be more practical. I worry a little bit about surface scratches with the synthetic clay but I haven’t tried it yet.

 

Use the clay bar or mitt/ glove after second wash with soap still on paint. The soap will lubricate and with a clean bare hand you can feel the difference when it’s done. Do a panel and rinse

 

Another vote here for Nanoskin. I use the Autoscrub pad on my DA polisher. As others mentioned, make sure to keep the pad and paint lubricated. You'll be amazed at how smooth and clean the paint feels.

https://www.nanoskinusa.com/collections/autoscrub-decon-system

 

Fall out cleaner first, then wash, then a nanoskin pad on a dual action polisher, saves heaps of time.

 

Exactly what I use. Nanoskin pads on my Cylco polisher. Can have the Taco "clayed" in 15-20min (depends on how much my neighbors are yakin to me)