Is there a recommended brand of clay bar and can anyone tell me where to buy it? I've heard Mothers is good, but was wondering if there are any others good brands.

 

I think they are all pretty much the same. I have used clay bars from Zaino, Mothers and one other and I couldn't tell a difference.

 

I've only used Mother's (on my last bike) and no complaints, haven't needed to use it on my '07 yet as finish is still mint.

 

If you drop it on the floor, throw it in the trash!

 

I was at KMart last week and they had the Mothers kit on clearance for $9. It comes with clay, detailer, and cleaner wax. I think they were getting rid of it cuz the new Mothers kit includes the above plus a microfiber towel.

Also try any auto parts store. That is where I have gotten mine in the past.

Also, cut the bar in half. You do not need the whole bar for the bike. That way if you drop it, you have a second half to use.

 

dont want to be ignorant here but what exactly is the clay bar for and how do you use it.I gather its for sometype of waxing?

 

It takes any surface contaminents in the clearcoat off. You do it before waxing to bring back the shine to an aging paint job.

If you run your hand over your paint on your bike or car and it does not feel smooth, then a clay bar will be helpful to bring the shine back. After you clay bar, the finish will be baby butt smooth.

I am no expert, but this is my explanation.

 

First, because I own a detail shop, Why are you claying? Overspray? Second, 3M has the best overall clay, IMO. Three, just tear off a little piece as per needed, that way if it is dropped, you 'can' throw it away, not the whole bar.

Clay used along with soapy water for lubrication, is a mild form of rubbing out the paint. Leveling contaminants at the surface. Paint surface prep for reconditioning.

 

I don't know that is does anything for the shine. It just removes contaminants from the paint so that you get that smooth as glass feeling after waxing.

A lot of people will do this to a "New" car to remove rail dust from shipping. So it's not just for reconditioning. On my vette I do it once a season before I wax.

 

If you're just looking for consumer-grade clay, then any of them at the local auto parts stores will do. Clay Magic, Meguiars, Mothers, etc...

There are also professional grades of clay which can usually only be obtained at detail supply stores. Usually different colors mean different degrees of abrasion. Mostly used for body shops.

As others have said, if you drop the clay bar, throw it away, otherwise it was scratch up your paint. Also, while you can use a mixture of soap and water as a lubricant, I recommend using a slick quick detail spray. Soap & water needs to be rinsed, but detail spray does't. Whatever you use, make sure it has sufficient lubrication, otherwise again it will mar your paint.

Clay is good stuff, just use caution and good common sense.