How to clay bar a car

Clay is a mechanical decontamination: a soft, slightly tacky bar or clay mitt glides over lubricated paint and shears off bonded grit, overspray, tar specks and mineral deposits that washing cannot shift. On South African roads it is usually needed once or twice a year. Always iron decon first — it removes the iron chemically, which means less work for the clay and less risk of marring.

1. 1

   Wash and iron decon first

   Two-bucket wash, then Iron Out and rinse. Clay should only deal with what chemicals leave behind.

2. 2

   Do the bag test

   Put your hand in a thin sandwich bag and feel the paint. Gritty or rough patches show you where to clay — usually the bonnet, roof, and the rear behind the wheels.

3. 3

   Flood the panel with lube

   Work on an area about 50 × 50cm. Mist Quick Detailer generously — the clay must never touch dry paint.

4. 4

   Glide in straight lines

   Flatten the clay into a palm-sized patty and slide it back and forth with no pressure. You will feel it grab at first and go smooth as the contamination comes off. Wipe the area and feel again.

   Bay tip · Fold and knead the clay often to expose a clean face. If you drop a clay bar, throw it away — it will be full of grit.

5. 5

   Wipe and move on

   Wipe each section with a clean microfibre before moving on. Do glass too; it makes wipers quieter.

6. 6

   Protect immediately

   Clay can leave light marring and removes any old wax. Apply Ceramic Shield the same day.