I saw a little snippet on the Speed channel about a clay bar they were using like a wax. Has anyone used something like this before?

i've actually used it throughout the car. it definitely feels a lot smoother after usage, and helps if you plan to put a good coat of wax over it immediately after.

so, my approach is - wash thoroughly through, clay bar while wet (and still using the spray that it comes with), rinse, dry, meguiar 3 step. all in all, it's roughly a 3 hour job for me. but... what can you do when it's done out of live, right? :)

Clay bar is for removing rail dust (new cars come on railroad) and overspray. It takes any dirt, grime, filth that is on the paint/clear coat off. You must use it with soapy water. You just run it over the car like you were putting on wax. But please keep the car wet with soapy water. You dont have to use the spray it comes with. You will notice you cars paint is smoother after words. Then like witeenigma said wax your car throughly.

Hope this helps!

used it on my buddys black civic, it takes out alot of the gunk in the clear like they said make sure u use the stuff that comes with it. Also tried it on my white 300zx where there seemed to be dirt in the paint that washing and waxing wouldnt take out after i did this car was like new.

If you're using claybar, break it into small pieces and just use one piece at a time. Make sure that if you ever drop it on the ground that you THROW IT AWAY and get another piece. The last thing you want is to be wiping your car's paint with clay sandpaper ;)

Also works excellent on wheels that are stained or have deep dirt. Just make sure to use lots of soap or detail spray (any kind of lube at least) and be gentle

the clay bar is a great thing we use it to detail cars at mercedes benz all the time when the paint is a little rough it will do the job rather than having to wet sand it or waste a lot of time with the buffer

does anyone have any before and after pics of their car using clay bar, maybe?

I have used both Mother's California Gold and Meguire's clay bars and I highly recommend them both.

White paint stains easily, as I've learned, and the clay bar is a necessity for removing them and also removing roughness from your paint.
Sorry Joe, no pics.

I used clay bar it is an ok conditioner smoother of the paint but isnt a cure for swirls ect; still does what it promises ,but you would have to be pretty anal about your paint to notice it.

I owned a detailing business for seven years swear by over spray clay it is designed to remove over spray, rail dust and general air bourne fall out in a non invasive way but like anything it has to be used properly to achieve best results.

Wash the surface thoroughly to remove all dust and grit then use the entire bar do not break it into pieces use a back and forward motion on a wet surface, I use a spray bottle of water with some kitchen detergent mixed for lubrication. Do not mix car shampoo into the water it will break the clay down. As you proceed with the job you will notice the bar getting dirty as it removes built up grime and fallout off your paint so regularly fold the bar into its self to extend its life and improve efficiency.

Store your clay in a plastic bag or the box it came in and as previously stated if you drop ip and get sand and grit in it THROW IT AWAY

Clay will not remove swirl marks because there caused be fine scratches in the paint.

Nice avatar! (and good info). Can you just shave/cut the grime off the clay or is it better to fold it?

Nice avatar! (and good info). Can you just shave/cut the grime off the clay or is it better to fold it?

Its best to fold it but at times I have scraped grime off a bar when it has been particularly dirty

I took the avatar pic at my local race track but have not fitted a TRD tach so will need to do a new one