when to replace a clay bar?

[TarheelGrad1998]

I tossed mine after 1 use. My concern more would be enough junk in the thing that scratches the paint. Maybe you could get a few uses out of it, but to me the stuff is cheap enough, and I don't use it often enough, to be worth the risk.

[k757]

I'll be using a new bar on my new vehicle, just like a new wash mit was also purchased

[skulli69]

Originally Posted by k757

I am using the Ice clay bar box. It comes with liquid clay bar, an actual clay bar and a clay bar lubricant. I certainly put it to the test with my new-to-me little Suby as it had 8 years of paint neglect. I still need to go back and touch up a few spots, but the paint is as smooth as can be. Of course the 4 million fine scratches in the clearcoat are ever-present.
That sounds like a good answer, thanks

Keith, regarding the scratches and most likely swirl marks, I have found using 3M Shine Restorer + Carnuba Wax has been very effective. I tried using the 3M Rubbing Compound, but I was not impressed with it so I wound up going back to the 3M Shine Restorer for the deeper scratches and swirl marks. I also wasn't impressed with Ice liquid clay bar system. So, as for the clay bar, I am on the search for a good product.

[skulli69]

Where I am at the point of needing to claybar my truck again, as the hood and top of the cab are getting mighty rough. So with everyone's experience in using clay bar products, is there a brand that is better than others? I keep hearing about Meguiars and am tempted to use it.

[L1dws]

I've used meguires, Adams, and Griots, and the Griots has worked the best. If you have a random orbital for scratches you can use the Griots system of polish 1-4 and top with Sealant or their best of show wax.
Good luck

[skulli69]

Originally Posted by L1dws

I've used meguires, Adams, and Griots, and the Griots has worked the best. If you have a random orbital for scratches you can use the Griots system of polish 1-4 and top with Sealant or their best of show wax.
Good luck

Thanks for the input! I don't recall seeing Griots here, but I will check it out. Thanks again.

[Dempt277]

Originally Posted by k757

I am using the Ice clay bar box. It comes with liquid clay bar, an actual clay bar and a clay bar lubricant. I certainly put it to the test with my new-to-me little Suby as it had 8 years of paint neglect. I still need to go back and touch up a few spots, but the paint is as smooth as can be. Of course the 4 million fine scratches in the clearcoat are ever-present.
That sounds like a good answer, thanks

I would strongly consider buffing the entire vehicle. If you already have one you can knock it out yourself or it may cost you around $100 bucks to have somebody do it for you. It will totally revive the finish and overall look of the car. Some shop guy absolutely trashed the paint on my RTS a couple months ago when they washed it and the dealer payed to have it buffed. It ended up looking better than new! It is definitely money well spent.

[cdepuydt]

I break pieces off my clay bar, shape it into a round/waffer type shape, work the vehicle with it, turning it over frequently, when it looks like it is getting full of "environmental contaminents", I toss it, break another piece off, and do it all over again.

I don't think you should use the clay bar in the original shape it comes in, and just clay with it, and then toss it when it looks dirty. That's an awful waste of clay...and they don't exactly give that stuff away.

[MrAC1980]

Wow it took me awhile to read this post, but I think you guys throwing the clay bars away after one car is a little crazy. I should give you my address and let you send them to me! I've used the same bar on multiple cars with no problems, then when it turned colors from white to grey I use them on wheels for awhile. I finally threw a bar away this weekend after it litterally deteriorated in my hands and fell apart and actually started sticking to my hand. My system is wash and dry the car, then put some dish detergent and water in a spray bottle and mist the area I want to clay, when the clay starts to stick I spray more then wipe the area with a towel. Then finally put a coat or two of wax. The trick to not getting swirl marks is don't go in circles with the clay or wax.

[Cajun Country Ridgeline]

I have used Mcguire's liquid clay bar. I scrub the area and rinse with soapy suds water and then rinse. It does a great job. I have never used the hard clay bar, so I would not have the problem of how many times to use.