Easiest way to CLAY your Car! How When and Why you need to clay bar your car. Best Types of Clay Bar

[@Makethings987]

Josh, I hope you never change. I love the way it feels like we're just there with you in your shop. You change your mind, make mistakes and fixes, have real honest and real time reactions with no editing, scripting, and all. I just feel like I am hanging out with you having a beer and we're talking about detailing. Great stuff.

[@---yx7ti]

well said

[@chrisrefaei]

Exactly, right!

[@Danielxperez14]

Honestly!

[@anthonyscuderijr.cluchfc6602]

Well Said. Keep it up Josh- a real no BS approach!

[@Tallnerdyguy]

He does edit, the typing isn't done with a sign...

[@jeffspooner7637]

I'm just a DIY detailer but I've been using clay for many years now. I started with Mothers clay bar kit years ago. It came with a spray bottle of detailing spray as the lubricant. Once you were done claying a section you had to buff off the spray lube before it dried. At some point along the way I started just using a fresh batch of car wash as the lubricant. I take my microfiber wash mitt and slop a section wet with car wash and then use the clay. Every bit as well lubricated as using the spray lube stuff and when you're done with a section you hose it off! I have a 2011 GMC Sierra and every time I clay it I get an incredible amount of brownish blackish contamination off the vertical surfaces of the door panels.

[@thekinarbo]

I just made a bottle of clay lube. 4oz alcohol, 28oz water and 5 drops of dish liquid. However, seems like using car soap and water would work too.

[@isaiahhill4584]

@@thekinarbo be careful with dish soap it can damage ur paint

[@scotttaylorteam3016]

fantastic idea. thx!

[@MikeDaFridge]

⁠@@isaiahhill4584 I believe dish soap is only harmful in high concentrations (like when used for a pre soak, wash, etc.) But 5 drops seems to be just significant enough to add lubrication and a bit of cleaning power as well. I have to try that recipe cause quick detail spray as clay lube sucks imo

[@Tommynguyen0715]

After review almost all the videos here on KZbin regarding "using Clay on Cars", I found that your video is the NUMBER 1 the BEST of ALL due to all the details and examples that you have and showed us viewers to see and know which type of Clay to use for our cars. You did a Great Job Bro, a thumb up for you A++++++++++++

[@STBRetired1]

The lesson I learned is to use the Clay PAD first since it can be washed and reused and then use the Clay BAR for the slickest, smoothest finish before buffing out the paint. Those Clay Bars are expensive so why use them first and clog them all up with the first pass? Use the washable Mitt or Pad first.

[@sargonoshana2324]

Too time consuming your basically claying twice.

[@MoistNapkin]

@@sargonoshana2324 Damn, you're good at counting.

[@imdeplorable2241]

That's a good idea. I just ordered a Maxshine Nano Clay Pad so, I'll try your way. Thanks.👍

[@b4ds33d]

Doing twice the work and unnecessarily removing more clear coat than needed? Yeah, sounds like a winner.

[@jerryb.7021]

I got the same results as your test. I bought the Nanoskin clay mitt for $35 or so. It just didn't work well. Less aggressive than even mild clay. I had to go over the same spot forever to remove the contaminants. Then I would get frustrated and push harder which then gave me black streaks from the clay mitt material. So I went back to the old-fashioned clay bar. It works best for me. Even though it's small compared to the clay mitt, it's faster overall because it's more efficient.

[@Korruptor711]

I'm still in the learning (and purchasing stuff) phase and this one was really helpful. I have an old car that has been neglected with clear coat starting to peel off and rust spots, so I don't care if i make a mistake on this car.

[@dtloewen]

The tip to wash the vehicle then foam again and clay the whole vehicle is brilliant. I will try that.

[@thecougarexperience]

I just did my kid’s car today for the first time and it’s a game changer!

[@Pontisteve]

I've always used a traditional "medium" clay bar (typically it's a pink color) on a well washed surface. On a beater like this white van that's really bad, I would probably wash the car with Dawn and a wool mit. It's gonna need the full monte anyway. I tried some clay lube, but honestly water works great. I like to use a garden hose w/ sprayer, and keep rinsing occasionally as I clay. It washes away any loose contaminants, and keeps the clay bar lubricated enough. Plus, water is clear and you can see when you're not just absorbing contaminants, but actually starting to sand into the clear coat. The clean water begins to show some white color, much like when wet sanding a car's clear coat, but a lot less of it. My go-to steps for a rough car are a thoroughly hard wash, medium clay the car, polish with Pro Miracle Cleaner Wax and a Lake Country white foam waffle pad using an orbital, then seal it (if you want), and wax it with yellow Carnauba wax. There's a lot of new options like ceramics that are available, but my go-to steps will take you from a disaster like this white van to a silky smooth and amazingly clean and polished paint real quick. Optional additional steps would be compounding it before using the cleaner wax, using a polishing compound (basically a deep shine step) after the cleaner wax, and sealing it before the carnauba wax.

[@sandrab.5065]

I am sticking with an all-purpose, sticky clay bar. Thanks for sharing your process and results. 😀

[@imjoshv]

The traditional clay bar is great!!! There are many cases where that is still my favorite choice

[@stevelangsdorf7307]

If you need a good test to determine if you need to clay put your hand in a sandwich bag and gently it over the paint you will feel how rough it is or you can use the edge and you will hear the contaminants. It is an excellent way to show the customer what the what the problem is and how you are going to fix it, never had one yet who wasn't very impressed👍💯

[@danettej4796]

Thank you so much for all the help you gave me. Your instructions were great. I’m getting ready to do my truck and car. I’ve never clay bared a vehicle before. I feel more comfortable now. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@robertwhyte3435]

The clay towel works great if you wrap it around a sponge. Also, the sponge helps keep the surface wet. Typically, I wash the car, rinse the car, spray soap over the car again and then clay as I rinse off the soap. Then I dry the car. I don't dry the car until after the claying is done.

[@knowstress1]

Tried many different clay bars. Clay magic was always the best. Used it for 10 years for my business

[@dtna]

I have used everything here. And I prefer regular clay with ONR. At first, you can buy Griot's Garage clay because it comes with a container. Then you can buy any clay. But as it gets dirty, just throw it away. Don't forget to lube it with ONR before you store it, or it might stick to your container.

[@robertmarsh8334]

My personal preference for bad contamination is a traditional clay-bar and only use synthetic ones for a well maintained car with light contamination but I can't hate on his opinion especially since he backed it up so well. My way is much more labor intensive since I would use a heavy clay, rinse and then see if a second time with a light clay or possibly a synthetic would possibly help decontaminate it better (only had to go that far on 2 cars)

[@genetoliver1458]

Hello Josh - your patience and diligence really show through, and it is sincerely appreciated. Not everyone has, or can convey, that passion. I'm a real gear head, and I've been contemplating clay bar'ng my on vehicles for a long while, or taking to a Detail Shop. Quite honestly, I find it difficult to release my babies to anyone. Facts. Your comparatives have definitely helped in giving me the confidence to tackle this job, and enjoy it! Great job. May you have continued success in all of your endeavors.

[@LKN4WAR]

Dude clay pad on the DA. 😀 I use my max shine clay pad on DA on my window glass and it works well. A good way to feel contaminates is to use those super thin grocery store meat bags or produce bags as a glove. The ones on the rolls. You can feel every little bit of embedded material in the paint.

[@josh33025]

I clayed my first vehicle ever and wow it alot of work. I used a real clay bar and found that it works great in tight curves and you can kind of squeeze it into narrow spots that I assume a pad wouldn't reach.

[@cappleget]

I just bought a white 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser and the paint is wrecked - thanks to you I now know that am gonna try the pad and clay

[@davidbaca7853]

Excellent video and perfect timing, claying is the step I’m trying to best figure out right now.

[@dextermosqueda6954]

Same here I’m just starting out !!

[@keithcee6378]

Seriously good timing. Just ordered some products from chemical guys….and I’m def scared to mess with the clay, being a novice with it. so I def needed this video in my life 👍🏼

[@imjoshv]

Just keep it lubed and you’ll be good!

[@RichardWood-s2x]

Best video on the web yet, regarding clay. I will try a little spot with a very light rub, then swirl remover, then glaze. Hope im doing this right ?

[@rachelhoyle5728]

I had no idea that those tiny rust specks in my vehicle are from industrial fallout. Wow. Thank you for tracking me something new.

[@mikekramer9650]

Hi Josh, Mike here from Fleetwood Pa, I detail cars on the side at home, was the Detail manager for a new car dealership, I have the Clayzilla deal, which went out of business quite a few years ago, SurfCity garage was first to carry it and I new the manager and he send me one to try. Best clay I ever used, you could buy extra velcro pads to fit the shaped like a PC mouse, I still have pads yet and have 2 clayzilla's. However for the new people doing claying, you have it right in this video, the newest clay pad is round, havent used it yet as I still love the clayzilla, I have done over 40 cars with one pad! I dont know about this new round pad how many you can do? But definitley the best next to clayzilla. I also have not had a WHITE vehicle without those pesky orangeish dots either! Thanks for letting me comment! Great job on video's!

[@audieconrad8995]

I use the Mother's 2.0 claypad. I keep a damp towel on my shoulder and wipe the pad on the towel after each pass keeping it always clean. Good system for me. Works gr8.

[@seabrew1]

I prefer traditional clay personally. For a professional the other options would make the most sense most of the time. Mother's speed clay pad 2.0 works fine for me as well. Looks to be much better then that chemical guys one you used IME. I've only used 3 or 4 chemical guy products and none of them i would buy again. Maybe Mr. Pink locally if i was stuck. VRP is decent too just doesn't last. I'll be tying mckee's tire coating this winter on my summer tires.

[@philindeblanc]

ya Chem guy products are over priced and under perform in my experiences, as well. They put more effort in the product smelling good, lol.

[@brunofontinha9818]

No filters,no edition,just a real test in a real world of detailing...the mitt is the best option,for most of the jobs,saves you time...Have you done some test just using an iron remover and not touching the paint at all,mechanically?

[@avyfa1946]

Well, clay bars and mits are kinda last step in cleaning/decontaminating your vehicle. You use IPA degreaser, iron remover, tar remover and insect remover (but degreaser usually does it job well with insects) and only then you use clay bar or mit. I know it's tempting to go straight with clay, but it's chemicals that should do the work, not you or your hands.

[@Workrelatedstufff]

You can spray iron remover on your car??

[@willmtaylor]

@@WorkrelatedstufffTypically called decontaminate.

[@olhesty2196]

Thank you so much for your vid man! I am clueless on this whole process, and have seen many clay vids. Your vid is very comprehensive and pragmatic.

[@adventuretrails1ato]

Awesome video. I just clay barred a SUV with white paint like that. It's been awhile but I figured the clay bar would be the best way to go.

[@hartlanddetailer5670]

I only clay when I know I will be polishing afterwards. Do to arthritis in my thumbs, I use the nanoskin clay mitt. I like to clay after the chemical decon. I use my wash soap, usually my strip washing mixture with clay mitt. You can use ONR as a clay lube as well, I believe the mixture is 1 oz per gallon of distilled water?

[@samslade739]

Thank You. I really learned allot. I used one of those clay pads "2.0"(from a major company) with lots of soapy water. It made my truck's surface really slick. However, when it dried it looked as if I had sanded the entire surface. Took allot of polishing.

[@renealbaladejo3698]

Thank you for the tutorial. Informative and understandable. I truly appreciate how you efficiently compare claying products so your viewers can make a educated selection on there care detailing products 👍

[@G63-s1n]

You really motivate me to detail my car Tomorrow early morning 👌👌👌

[@iwayned]

Clayed my full sized white sedan( which I drove off the dealer lot 3 years ago) and clayed it for the first time. Not as bad for fallout, but more brake dust. Used a clay bar. I am rally happy with the look and feel now. I put The Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax on it. Today I used The Chemical guys Clean Slate (three times) to remove the butter and then IPA'd a section by section of the car and appied AvalonKing Armor Shield IX on the IPA sections getting a third done. Started to mist rain - Stopped. To be continued.

[@cheyenne8735]

Keep me updates

[@thatguy6207]

Hey, that is the van everyone is looking for!

[@willmtaylor]

Recent subscriber and loving your videos-really appreciate your knowledge and no nonsense approach. That being said, your interpretation of the results seemed to be biased and influenced by your affiliate links on this one. The results of the clay bar (at least on video) seemed MILES ahead of the circular pad, but you still said the pad’s results were better. Regardless, thanks for all of the content. Great stuff.

[@stockmarket9891]

Yes sir! Such a good experiment testing out many common name clay bars, mitts, pads, now i know exactly which one to get for me. I'm a practical car cleaner that wnts results in a fast paced manner while also being super cheap at it. I would also recommend getting myself the clay pad b/c my car isn't as bad as that van but it does have a lot of water spots and dirt build up from not claying it for a whole year. Cheers JOSH!

[@randydodson7377]

I called to schedule and book my appointment! Looking forward to having this complete detail done!

[@quijada1545]

Brah......NICE job on this one. You killed it for us again. Thanks so much 👍

[@imjoshv]

Thanks Oscar!!

[@jhollie8196]

Glad to know you live in San Diego. I live in Oside and will seek your services on my next new car in Jan / Feb 2022 when lease is up..

[@nicorallysport]

Good job my mate! 👍. For me the best are the traditional clay bar !, I use the pro Meguiar's C2000 and C2100 and 3m perfect it lll versions a lot. With the meguiar's m34 as clay lube the result is top !.

[@koreanature]

Wow, that's a great video. I will always cheer for you in Korea I'm looking forward to a great video. Have a nice day.

[@powellj27]

Great video, very helpful for professionals and enthusiasts. I tend to use the clay bar as I’ve not had good results with the synthetic alternatives.

[@stealthsrt4]

i truly enjoy your channel. i love clay bar i picked up griots synthetic clay pad man i love the way you can feel the way the paint smoothness changes

[@russelbalugo2071]

I recently bought a clay towel, which is kinda similar to a clay mitt. Went back to clay bar when I found my brother had a spare one hiding in the shed. The towel has it's uses but it's too mild for heavy contamination removal.

[@williamthomas4125]

How frequently do you clean the synthetic clay surface. Is it just after each panel? Then just dip in rinse bucket or hose it?

[@originalsupermommy]

I took a $20 bottle of Meguirs Iron Remover and unleashed it on my Jeep when it was drizzling rain so I could let it dwell about 15 minutes, then pressure washed residue off and my paint had very little contamination left for clay bar process.

[@zerocal76]

Man, I glad I came down to the comments. I just checked out some iron remover products on Amazon. They seem to work great, thanks!

[@originalsupermommy]

@@zerocal76 that's awesome! My Jeep is 20 years old and probably never has had decontamination of paint before. I was super surprised how smooth the paint got just after iron remover.

[@zerocal76]

@@originalsupermommy Yeah man I don't think this existed a few years ago when I was more into detailing. I have a wheel cleaner that is basically the same as an iron cleaner and it works amazing. Does your trim look fine or faded after using the Meguiar's cleaner?

[@originalsupermommy]

@@zerocal76 my Jeep really doesn't have any plastic trim, I have the Overland edition which has painted pieces that are normally plastic on lesser models. I only have a small piece of plastic on bumper step area on back and it's been faded forever.

[@zerocal76]

@@originalsupermommy I appreciate you takin the time to reply man. I just ordered Adam's iron remover to test it out. I'll probably end up trying a couple more. I like to keep my 2 rides CLEAAAN unlike these youngins from Gen Z 🙄

[@fishmonger3796]

When to clay bar vs iron decon? Or both?

[@JC83JC]

I know this is an older video but super helpful and great video! Thank you!

[@chelsabailey1018]

Cool video! Thanks for posting! Questions... I wash my car once a week, but for work, I have to travel on a lot of dusty/gravel roads. As a result, each day, my car has a light coating of dust on it. My car was clayed and then I applied the TW Graphene Flex Wax. It still feels smooth in most areas of it except for the bottom of my door panels. Should I rinse my car off daily or wait until it's washed to get the dust off? Also, should I clay it once a month? Please advise.

[@rogerdale5451]

Additionally, ships burn nearly unrefined crude. Near shipping channels, there will be black dust particulates constantly.

[@Gnetbird]

My experience is that the clay mit is good for lighter jobs and the clay bar is for harder jobs. Sometimes I use both, the clay mit with soap and clay bar with paint dry and clay lube. And Do clay clay often. Why let those contaminants sit amd cause clear coat failure.

[@davestewart9146]

I was thinking about something other than traditional clay bar, thanks Josh 👍😁

[@imjoshv]

Anytime!!! I’d go with the Mach’s one clay pad disc! Cheapest option and works great

[@tfcig2019]

I've never done this myself. It's been 5 yrs since I had truck done. Curious as to where one can purchase clay mitt & clay lube? Did not see clay mit you tested on your product site. Nor did I see any clay lube (that I'm aware of) on there either. So, could you please recommend which mitt (on your site) and which/where clay lube can be purchased? Thanx!

[@dreamkiss4u]

I'm sticking to the clay bar old school, if it ain't broken don't fix it.... the bar is actually faster it clearly shows in 30 seconds it beat everything in cleaning speed also, in the same time using your favorite one it would have taken your 3 to 4 times longer for that small spot so by you fishing that small spot with the towel pad... you could have done the full hood with the bar regardless of the size.

[@ProCSRman]

How often can u clay glass? Assuming it’s safe to do whenever but just to be sure.

[@ricardogibbings2996]

Good morning always wanted to learn the correct way I was afraid to use it what type to use

[@jeffalldredge4237]

Your videos are awesome Josh. Keep them coming.

[@OLLI_UP]

Assuming a clay bar is for small oxidation spot flaking removal to be polished also right?

[@Archeagle]

The Mother Clay Mitt 2.0 is a good one too.

[@infiniteprojects808]

Is the clay pad good on black cars? And is it medium or fine padding?

[@7245bcw]

as weekend car wash enthusiast, my cup of tea is clay mitt. Quite easy and faster than most products, long last and multiple use. Also ease of storage is a pro as well.

[@imjoshv]

Great point!

[@music-wd4ed]

Thank you very much for the very detailed video, but I have a question, if the blue one, which is the least aggressive could be used for a car in such a situation, why are there other hardness levels?

[@djlcruze]

Great video, thanks! Now, how do you return those cloudy headlights back to looking clear again?

[@imjoshv]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWK6gIeujdaleq8

[@AblationMusic]

So is this the steps before ceramic? Wash, clay, compound, polish and ceramic?

[@MrFlingtoe]

Is using rubbing compound the same thing?

[@joelane4670]

Josh, I just purchased a clay mitt that I would like to use with my foam cannon.. is it OK just to use it with the soap bucket and take minor perfections out. And what do you think is a reasonable and good trim protector coating. Thanks man will enjoy your channel. I also plan on polishing and recoding. I have a car that probably feels just as bad as that man does. Then I have a newer truck that I don’t think that needs clay, but I’m just not sure any suggestions would be helpful....

[@jaimesanchez4365]

Can u clay in direct sunlight?

[@ark1065]

Should I use medium or fine clay on my car?😱 Gold color 2009. Chrysler 300. 1. Never been clayed. 2. Gray, thick contaminate coated a d burned in the paint. 3. Oxidized gray scale covering hood and roof. 5. If I run my hand across it snags my skin. 6. It is unsightly and obviouse.🤢 7. It look like an abandoned vehicle. 🥺What is your suggestion?🥹 Please?

[@bboylorettoEight08]

i like the clay mitt style or the clay towel from nanoskin

[@cutlasssupreme508]

If you clay, do you have to buff or polish or is it a choice

[@shadowman7000]

for me it was very helpfull video , thanks for sharing this with us.. all the best from Romania

[@imjoshv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sudosoft]

Thanks for the comparison! Appreciate the time and effort! Saved me a lot of work!

[@ironeagle2526]

Josh if you keep your car waxed often and washed would you still have to clay ? I have 14 year old truck I bought used the color was silver I used a rubbing compound then a polish then a wax it was applied with a DA polisher medium pad on the compound and a polishing pad for polish and wax now that made that paint pop and it was smooth like glass

[@TouchstoneMPWD]

I just started Mobile Detailing in March 2023. I have noticed a lot of vehicles that have this more so on the hood. Typically any new products I try on my own vehicles. I do want to get into Claying. My question is, I have an Expedition and the clear Coat has faded, or rather gone all together on the hood. Can I still Clay the hood or what should I do in that situation?

[@genemaverick5705]

I use plumbers putty , does the same thing as clay bars , unbelievable shine and paint looks cleaner , and it’s only $2

[@mikemunoz3235]

Your videos are very informative, thank you. Question, I have a new vehicle. Should I ceramic coat it and clay bar it or not. Thank you.

[@marniehornsby8810]

Just wondering is there a cheaper version of a clay mitt you like

[@kft4764]

I love clay towels. So much surface area and it takes me maybe 10 minutes to do the car. If it's more of a touch up, even less time

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Your Newest Subscriber My Chevy Cruze Needs To Be Claybared

[@fadi831]

the clay pad can be faster by sticking it to a sander electric or air sander (orbital) and the whole car will be done in max 20 min .thanks for the video it was very educational ,

[@falovepa]

Since you can't make it down to Chula Vista, can you show how and what products you use for leather interior? I'd be ever so grateful! Love your videos, they've been so helpful!

[@chuckholsclaw6829]

Hi Josh I'm going to clay my truck. I want to also ceramic coat it. So after claying it, do I ceramic coat or do I need to wax it then ceramic coat it ?

[@noelelnolo9642]

Great video, u r a down to earth guy w/great knowledge. Great reviews and practical know how.

[@Workrelatedstufff]

Do u have to wash car again after using clay lube before you wax it seal it?

[@faaustin]

After You clay what product and process do you use to polish? Great vid

[@erickimia9141]

Hi josh, Do I need lubricant with clay pad? Thanks

[@LostBoyLA]

How do you clean the maxshine clean pad between each section of the car?

[@cragz9191]

I'm no expert but from what I've heard the synthetic clay mitts apparently lift the contaminates, in which hosing of is required as the material isn't tacky like traditional clay. This is just what I have been told. It kinda makes sense though.

[@jimmypickett9912]

What about the iron remover step that others mention?

[@imdeplorable2241]

Excellent video. Great information. Thanks, Josh.👍

[@jeremysalazar3208]

Hey boss, you said you “foam & wash, then foam again,” so you do a normal wash (including scrubbing down the foam with a 2 bucket method) and then foam again without drying. Then good to start clay barring?

[@Bobby2Hotty83]

i have a question after claybar do i have to wax and buff or can i just go straight to cermaic coating my car ?

[@brandonnguyen1486]

Can you use a rinse less wash detail spray as a clay lube?

[@qualitytouch]

Cool vid.....what a great idea with the golds for lubrication. You have a vid demonstrating?

[@AnthonyJames7]

Bought a nanoskin mitt with your affiliate ;D You're the man, thanks for the video and recommendation.

[@geraldcamarillo2939]

Excellent video. You explain the process a whole lot better That's why I like watching your videos.

[@imjoshv]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jcbo1963]

How do you clay bar around the badging and ceramic coat around the badging?