I've heard alot about the clay bar. I saw som epost where ppl strip their wax off with other detergents...does it do the same as the clay bar...or the clay is much better at doing do job?

How are clay bars used?

As you can see...i am a noob with no experience in car care and a little exp in driving...any help is much appreciated.

 

Nothing replaces the clay bar.

It's not only used to strip wax though. It's good for getting off pretty much anything that is stuck to your paint. Especially rail dust, asphalt and paint splatter.

For just stripping wax you can use dishwashing liquid.

 

excatly red cl

you dont need to clay all the time, but its a great way to get containments off your car

you should clay bar before waxing your car or your 'seal' the containments right into the paint (not good)

 

Detailers Clay:
Regardless of how clean you think your paint is there are still contaminants stuck on the paint that you need to remove before pre-wax cleaning, polishing or applying a protection to your paint film surface.

Detailer's cleaning clay is a soft pliable plastic bar that contains abrasives to remove embedded pollutants by encapsulation or shearing, lifting debris from the paint film surface and leaves behind an ultra-smooth surface that will make your paint protection adhere better and improve its durability.

A washing-up detergent or car wash concentrate cannot lift /encapsulate brake dust and remove it.
JonM

 

TOG, you would probably be more up on this, but isn't there a foaming sort of clay alternative that a couple people over on Autopia are using?

 

There is. I'm not too impressed with what I've read about it so far.

 

my wife tells me my claybar looks like modeling clay you can buy at Hooby Lobby for a couple of bucks. She may be right but I am scared to use anything else.

 

^^^clay bars are synthetic...do not use modeling clay as it is filled with grit/dirt.

 

TOG[WT], you would probably be more up on this, but isn't there a foaming sort of clay alternative that a couple people over on Autopia are using?

I'm not convinced that a liquid can lift and encapsulate dirt/brake dust that is imbedded in paint, having said that I've never tried it.
JonM

 

while we're on the subject can the clay bar damage the car or paint if use improperly?

 

Yes, clay can damage paint if not used correctly. You want to avoid "scrubbing" with it. Very little pressure is needed. Just enough pressure to keep the clay from sliding off the paint and onto the ground. Also, check the clay periodically as it becomes soiled and then fold it. And you can never have enough lube.