MK5 Golf GTI

General => Detailing => Topic started by: paulw123 on April 23, 2013, 10:54:13 am

Title: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: paulw123 on April 23, 2013, 10:54:13 am
So i used maguires clay bar kit for ist time at the weekend, turning it over a few times. Lots of black tar came off the paint.
How do you know when the clay bar has had it & needs replacing?
Title: Re: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: RedRobin on April 23, 2013, 10:57:47 am
.
When it stops picking contaminents off and gets so that there's no clean parts when you knead it and fold it over a few times.

Of course, some folks will throw it away earlier than others. I use one small piece at a time (also Meg's).
Title: Re: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: JP6 on April 23, 2013, 12:26:43 pm
I use a small bit at a time, and only use that small bit once per clay session.
Title: Re: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: Frodo-anni on April 23, 2013, 12:44:18 pm
The megs bar and most others is possible to cut into 3. If you ever drop it on the floor, always throw it away never re-use on the paint work. I tend to use one of the pieces once on the car, then keep for doing wheels with later.
Title: Re: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: garrardrj on April 23, 2013, 12:45:09 pm
What does a clay bar do that a good polish doesn't ?
Title: Re: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: Saintsteve on April 23, 2013, 01:08:49 pm
What does a clay bar do that a good polish doesn't ?

It takes all the bonded contaminants out of the paint, so when you polish, you get a better finish  :happy2:
Title: Re: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: stealthwolf on April 23, 2013, 02:14:09 pm
For tar, you're better off using a tar remover since a clay bar will just push it around.

As above, divide the bar into 2-3 pieces. I use a piece once for bodywork and depending on how it looks, either chuck it or save it for bits like the wheels.

You shouldn't need to clay more than twice a year.
Title: Re: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: Horatio on April 23, 2013, 02:14:58 pm
works good on glass as well  :happy2:
Title: Re: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: Tortaruga on April 23, 2013, 02:43:30 pm
Is it ok to clay the diamond cut face of monza alloys?
Title: Re: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: Scottymon on April 23, 2013, 02:52:25 pm
Should be fine, but what I would suggest is to run your hand softly over the the alloys before hand to see if there are any areas that have a slight nick to the lacquer... then avoid those directly with the clay bar, as you know once the lacquer has been chipped / removed the white worm process will begin :(
Title: Re: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: paulw123 on April 23, 2013, 05:15:36 pm
thanks chaps, i should of asked you lot first, as i did'nt think to cut it into 3, but used the whole bar  :rolleye:  , then i kind of folded it over and thought-- i wonder when this has had it, don't want to harm the paint by rubbing contaminates into good paint  :jumping:
Title: Re: When to throw clay bar away?
Post by: scooba on April 28, 2013, 06:54:33 pm
I used my Megs kit for the first time today on our BMW Coupe. last time i tried it it seamed to stick to the paint this time i used loads off spray and it worked a treat I onld done the boot and rear bumper the I polished it with some Megs wax ,I am really pleased with what I achieved ,Tomorrow eve I intend doing the hood or sills or both.

When you clay glass do you just apply it like you would to paint

What about the lube im sure I read some where you can use soapy water ?

TIA