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Auto clay safely removes contaminants and old wax from automotive paint, without damaging it like abrasive cleaners. It was once only for professionals but is now available to consumers. Auto clay is used by wetting the surface and sliding a small piece of clay over the lubricant. It can remove sap, tar, overspray, bug debris, and more. After using auto clay, a good quality wax or sealant should be applied to protect the surface.
Automotive clay is a special type of clay used to prepare automotive paint for subsequent waxing by safely removing contaminants and old wax. Auto clay can polish the vehicle’s surface without damaging the paint, making it safer to use than abrasive cleaners. This product was once reserved for professionals only, but has made its way into the consumer market to the delight of car enthusiasts.
Nothing preserves auto paint better or brings out its beauty and shine like a good wax and seal, but before these products can be applied, the vehicle’s surface must be thoroughly cleaned. Washing with a mild soap is a good place to start, but this will not remove old wax or stubborn particles lodged on the paint surface. Industrial fallout, brake dust and road grit can become embedded in the protective clear coat of paint.
The standard method of removing grit and grime before autoclay was to use polishing compounds. Compounds contain abrasives that “sand” the cleaned surface. While effective, it also removes minute layers of topcoat with each application, which can compromise the paint system over time.
As an alternative, auto clay was developed in Japan in the early 1990s. The adhesive properties of the clay conform to the porous surface of the paint and remove contaminants, rather than relying on sanding. Today, the Clay car is in the arsenal of virtually every professional detailer. It can remove sap, tar, overspray, bug debris, and just about anything else that settles on the paint.
Auto clay is used by wetting the surface of the vehicle, then sliding a small piece of clay over the lubricant without pressing it against the paint. Some car clay bars come with their own proprietary lubricant, while others suggest using distilled water with a few drops of mild soap. As the clay removes contaminants, it encounters less resistance and slides more easily. When the clay surface becomes ineffective, it can be kneaded or turned to reveal a new surface. Eventually it must be discarded and replaced.
You can easily test drive your car, truck or SUV to see if it needs to be fixed. Wash and dry the vehicle, then slip a thin plastic sandwich bag (not freezer grade) over your hand and lightly run your fingers across the paint. The plastic will allow you to feel grainy on the top layer. After the clay, try this test again. You should be surprised with the results. Remember that clays remove old wax and grime so the surface will need to be protected after it is clayed. Choose a good quality wax or sealant.
While car clay is safer than compounds, it also contains some abrasives. The most common medium grade clay bar is designed to be used twice a year. For those who pride themselves on maintaining a flawless, glass-like finish, wax jobs are much more frequent than twice a year. In this case, a finer grade automatic clay bar is available, safe to use as often as once a month.
Auto Clay is available everywhere automotive products are sold. Many manufacturers use proprietary formulas and some have patented their auto clay, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
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