How to Clay Bar: 6 Easy Steps for a Properly Waxed Car

Here are 6 quick tips to clay bar your car - a great way to remove contaminants & debris from paint. But how often you should do it depends on a few factors.

Mention a clay bar to most non-car folk, and they will probably stare back at you blankly. A staple for detailing shops and enthusiasts alike, it is quite literally a piece of malleable clay that removes contaminants picked from everyday driving, like bits of brake dust and road tar. It’s a great idea to do this before waxing because it will ensure the paint is smooth and clean before applying a protective coating.

First, a couple of vehicle clay bar questions answered:

What does a clay bar do for cars?

A clay bar is a detailing tool to remove contaminants and debris from a car’s paint surface. When glided over the surface with a lubricant, it gently pulls out contaminants such as embedded dirt, road grime, tree sap, industrial fallout, and even tiny metal particles, leaving the paint feeling smooth and looking clean. This process, called “claying,” helps restore the paint’s smoothness and shine, improves the adhesion of wax or sealant, and enhances the overall appearance of the vehicle. It’s an important step in car detailing to maintain and protect the paint’s finish.

How often should you clay bar your car?

The frequency of clay barring your car depends on factors such as your location, driving conditions, and how well you maintain your vehicle. As a general guideline, clay barring can be done once or twice a year for most cars to keep the paint surface clean and smooth. However, if your car is exposed to harsh environmental conditions, like heavy pollution, industrial fallout, or tree sap, more frequent claying may be necessary. It’s best to assess your car’s paint regularly and clay bar it as needed to maintain its appearance and protect the finish.

How to Clay Bar Your Car (In a Nutshell)

1. Give your vehicle a thorough wash and dry before removing loose dirt and grime.

2. Your clay bar kit should have a big rectangular chunk of clay. Rip off a piece big enough to fit in your hand and reseal the rest in a Ziploc bag.

3. Warm up the clay by kneading it in your hands, and then generously spray the supplied lubricant onto the car panel you’d like to start with.

4. Take the clay and gently glide it back and forth on the lubricated panel. It should slide effortlessly, there’s no need to apply too much pressure. If the clay starts to stick, spray on more lubricant. Wipe the area dry with a soft, clean towel afterward and run the back of your hand along the paint, which should feel like glass. If not, start over again.

5. Examine your piece of clay — it’s likely looking dirty. When it looks dirty, fold it in half and massage it until you have a clean side to work with.

6. Repeat this step for each section of the car. I like to start with the roof and work my way down, from front to back, because the bottom part of the car usually picks up the most filth. Hatchbacks and wagons also tend to accumulate a lot of grit on the lift gate, so you’ll want to spend more time there.

After you’ve gone over the entire vehicle, it’s time to seal in the shine. Grab a bottle or can of your favourite wax and finish the job. Good luck, and enjoy your newly waxed vehicle.

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