How to Clay With Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit

The paint on your car is constantly bombarded with things from the environment like tree sap mist, industrial fallout, road tar, paint overspray, and even the exhaust from planes flying overhead. As these contaminants bond to your paint, they make the finish feel rough to the touch while also decreasing visible shine and reflections.
Clear reflections, high gloss shine and long-lasting protection can only be maximized when your paint is free from bonded contaminants and is as smooth-as-glass.
Start off by washing and drying your car with a premium automotive wash like Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash & Wax to remove loose dust, grime and debris from the paint.
Then, run your clean, dry fingertips over the paint.
Don’t be surprised if it feels rough to the touch. What you are feeling are those nasty bonded contaminants that need to be removed before polishing and waxing. Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit is the right choice that comes with everything you need to safely remove bonded contaminants, and make your paint smooth again. It’s an important part of auto detailing. Ultimately, claying is quick, easy and you don’t even need to be a professional detailer to do it.
Even if you’ve purchased a brand new car, be sure to check if the paint is smooth because during shipping or storage, even new cars can accumulate bonded contaminants, and require a clay kit like the Smooth Surface Clay Kit.
To begin the claying process, remove one of the clay bars from the package, and flatten a piece into a small pattie.
Mist the included Meguiar’s Quik Detailer liberally onto the paint for lubrication and begin working one small section at a time with light pressure while using a back and forth motion. As you work, you’ll begin to feel the difference on the paint immediately. Once you’ve completed a section, and the paint is completely smooth, wipe off the extra Quik Detailer with the included Meguiar’s Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel.
Every few sections fold and knead the clay, and flatten it back out to reveal a clean, fresh portion. This will rejuvenate the clay and allow you to pick up more contaminants from the surface quicker. Continue working in small sections until all areas are completely smooth.
Always remember, if you happen to drop the clay onto the floor or ground, throw it away to ensure that you don’t pick up and push any dirt or debris back into the paint and create swirls or scratches.
Once you’re done and your paint is as smooth-as-glass, you’re ready to apply your favorite Meguiar’s polish for maximum shine, and wax to ensure you have plenty of protection on the paint.
Products Featured:
Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash & Wax - G17748
Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit - G1016, G10240
Meguiar’s Quik Detailer - A3316, A3332
Meguiar’s Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel - X2020, X2025
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o Find us at your local retailer or auto specialty store!

[@brandoguy8567]

I wish we could post pictures on here because I just did this three days ago and the results literally speak for themselves and I took before and after photos not only can you see the difference but feel it as well...just absolutely incredible products...the bottom part of m car and back bumper were the absolute worst but now it seriously shines before the sun comes out.

[@Michaelbrian777]

I have a TorRed Challenger that was covered in either tree sap or galvanize over spray. It was so bad when the sun was coming up and going down it looked like it was sprayed with it all over entire car. Finally after a year or so I broke down today and bought your clay bar kit . It took everything off. Unbelievable. The clear looks new As well as the glass. Only used one of the three bars. 10 stars on this product.

[@meguiars]

Love these stories! Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@xxHydroponicxx]

I’ve just clay bar prepped my car for the first time prior to cutting, polishing & waxing. I’m a believer!!! The proof’s in the finish!!!

[@meguiars]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@micheal123486]

Highly highly recommend this product 👌 bought it once, never stopped since!

[@meguiars]

Thanks for the feedback and endorsement! 👍

[@joshmanning]

Un-freaking-real! It's ridiculously easy to use, incredibly effective, and not nearly as time consuming as I imagined. Just picked up a 2019 Charger in granite crystal. It looked great, but I could feel sap residue like someone filled a bottle and sprayed the hood, roof, and trunk from 3 feet away. Washing did /nothing/. Neither did waxing (duh). I've used Meguiar's for years, so it made sense to use them for my first clay bar. I grabbed this kit from Walmart and about an hour later all of the upward facing surfaces were as smooth as glass. (That's not an exaggeration.) It doesn't take a lot of elbow grease either -- just reasonable pressure, lots of lubricant, thoroughness, and then some microfiber. I couldn't be happier. Will recommend to everyone.

[@constantdarkfog49]

I clayed my car , so I can tell you I makes a really BIG difference in the paints smoothness, it came out like glass. But I used a Mother's Clay Kit, they give you more clay. I do use other Meguiars products, I love the Ultimate Fast Finnish, great stuff.

[@overrooftops]

I can feel scratches on my Honda's roof and hood, so can't wait to try this product! Thanks for the video. It's the first time to see malleable clay used. Other similar products have a hard bar.

[@meguiars]

To be clear clay will not remove scratches in paint. That is something you would want to address with compound. It is also important to keep in mind that a mild/safe compound has its limits and will not remove deeper scratches. A good rule of thumb is that if the scratch catches your fingernail it may be too deep to remove easily with a compound. Here is a video that will also provide great info on what clay is versus compound and when to use each... s.3m.com/k4e5m4

[@marksaldivar236]

My product choice is meguiars ultimate line and etc. Awesome products I always use the wash and wax the ceramic wax spray or the fast finish I always have great results when I use meguiars products

[@ericbrouet]

That dude loves to feel the smooth car 😁

[@solarflare1008]

I used this kit to remove overspray on my 1999 CRV. I took almost a day but the results like new paint.

[@meguiars]

Great news ! Must have been pretty bad overspray, but congrats on the results ! What wax did you use to top it with ?

[@solarflare1008]

@@meguiars Nu Finish.

[@meguiars]

:)

[@sjones1102]

Works can attest, big time. 02 Silverado pewter metallic. Looked amazing after this , followed up with some polishing and wax.

[@meguiars]

Thank you for sharing! 👍

[@ManuelGarcia-qr3cu]

What do I use after I clay bar my car? Because my car has never been waxed or anything and it has scratches from over the years. It’s 16 Dodge Charger and I’ve heard ultimate compound is great to remove scratches . @meguiars

[@meguiars]

This article covers the 5 Steps of Paint Care. It has most if not all of the foundational information you will need to understand this process. Take a few mins to read through it and you will be better off for it. s.3m.com/qhh476

[@robertjackson4126]

Your products amazing I use nothing but you're products

[@alexsterling4718]

I have this question, can this product work on car Sideview mirrors to remove dry water spots from deeply Embedded into the mirror? If so please let me know how to do it be blessed happy holidays

[@meguiars]

Yes, clay can be used on glass however if you have water spots that have etched the surface you would be better off trying a good safe compound like our Ultimate Compound.

[@AtariAzeri]

Can I spray water for lubrication when I don’t have anymore of the detail liquid left?

[@meguiars]

You really need the lubrication of the detailing spray to be safe not just water.

[@aarons7267]

What is the different between c2000 clay bars and smooth surface clay kit?

[@meguiars]

The C2000 is slightly more aggressive but likely your purchasing decision will be based on price, packaging, and availability rather than a slight difference in clay. The Smooth Surface Clay Kit is much more readily available a retail locations and of course comes with the lubricant (Quik Detailer) and a microfiber towel. Hope that helps. 👍

[@ggerardlee]

does the included microfiber cloth need to be washed before using with the clay kit?

[@meguiars]

Not mandatory but certainly wouldn't hurt. Make sure to rip off the tag first as well. 👍

[@Jimidybillybob]

So in NZ this kit is $80, its alot for only two uses.. (Get what you pay for though!) my question is, can I only use the clay bar once? As you said flip for new clean surface, one time use?

[@meguiars]

Clay is definitely reusable and this kit now comes with 3 clay bars. When you should toss a clay bar is really relative to how much contamination is coming off or your vehicle. Some clay bars can be used several times and some only once in extreme situations. Hope that helps! 👍

[@Jimidybillybob]

@@meguiars Thanks! That means I might just go buy this kit haha

[@justinlamb3822]

Will one kit be enough? I have a 2007 f150 super cab with a 6 1/5 foot bed

[@meguiars]

One kit should easily be enough for your truck unless you have a ton of bonded contaminants on the surface likely being hit with a bunch of overspray from a neighbors house painting.

[@artflybolt2.0tx25]

Ok so it's, Wash Clay Compound Polish Then finally liquid wax....?????

[@meguiars]

You got it!

[@romansroad2007]

I’m doing that now and watching how to do it best. Yes plus a 12 pack of beer too

[@Creaky_Candle]

I knew chem-trails where bad! Lol

[@paulsalmon4771]

I appreciate the chem-trail reference most are clueless

[@Creaky_Candle]

@@paulsalmon4771 Well now its call SAI Stratospheric Aerosol Injection and thats per NASA.

[@Alex-rh4wm]

Am I able to just use Meguairs ultimate quick wax after clay bar treatment?

[@meguiars]

You certainly can just keep in mind Ultimate Quik Wax is designed to be a maintenance wax not your only form of protection. It may only last up to a few weeks.

[@SciaticaDrums]

Is one bottle of that going to allow me to do my entire car? I have a 2013 Dodge Challenger and there's a lot to do!

[@meguiars]

Unless the vehicle is extremely bad where you need to clay multiple times., the full bottle of Quik Detailer that comes in the kit will be enough for sure.

[@aleksandare46]

What type of.clay bar is this? Mild medium or aggresive?

[@meguiars]

This would be a mild clay bar.

[@ankitparashar7]

Can we use this product on glass/windshield?

[@meguiars]

Yes, works on glass as well. 👍

[@Chris-fb1ok]

will the clay remove spray paint overspray ?

[@meguiars]

Yes, it very likely will if it is just over spray versus large amount of paint being intentionally sprayed all over the vehicle.

[@jeremyp.2731]

How to clean a car after polish?

[@joshuatalavera4210]

Ipa wipe down

[@krismatthew6296]

Anyone know or recommend to be using a tar remover before claying?

[@meguiars]

You certainly can if you have tar.

[@ThatRedEm2]

Is this clay bar better than the synthetic one?

[@meguiars]

They really serve the same purpose but there are situations where traditional clay will work better on more stubborn contaminants.

[@ThatRedEm2]

@@meguiars thanks for the tip, also I want to ask can I use meguiars gold class wax after claying and then finishing with hybrid ceramic liquid wax as a additional coat?

[@meguiars]

We are certainly not claiming that you need two different waxes but yes you can do that if you like.

[@chinibebe]

Should all do the whole car or spot treatment?

[@meguiars]

You can certainly do either but the whole car is great. The horizontal surfaces do tend to be much more affected by contaminants falling and sticking to the paint.

[@brianborja8303]

Can I clay my windows?

[@meguiars]

Yes, absolutely can use clay on glass. 👍

[@unnamedchannel1237]

Music volume need to be cut by 50%

[@barackobama5304]

Totally. 😞

[@robertace821]

I drop my clay before it reach my car 😵

[@meguiars]

We feel your pain. We've all done it at least a couple times. 😀

[@J-Wrapz]

😏

[@crazy-jake]

Sound quality is terrible and music is too loud.

[@WniGrup]

How do you sell more product? Tell the consumer to throw it away and buy more! Pfft, what a load.

[@meguiars]

First, our hope is that you do not drop the clay. Secondly, the kit comes with 3 clay bars and they are certainly re-usable. Many times one kit will do several cars but of course that depends on the amount of contamination being pulled off of each car. Lastly, you can certainly use the clay again after dropping it on the ground if you do not mind the risk of a bunch of contaminants scratching your paint but that is of course not the best/safest practice.

[@lukelawrence6007]

And bird poo

[@TheRS1969]

Stop that MUSIC very annoying

[@ericdaviss5568]

Thief car te car take thr time to find your wires and drive thr car back to you.

[@thelegendarywasdgamer9724]

English please

[@jasonjiang9918]

How abrasive is this ? Some people are saying you need to polish after claying. Others are saying it's not needed. I want to clay my car but I am afraid of its abrasiveness

[@meguiars]

Clay is not typically abrasive. It is designed to safely remove bonded contaminants from the surface of your paint not doing anything "in" the paint. If used properly, the more versions of clay should do this without leaving any marks behind. There are more professional/aggressive versions of clay that on softer paints may leave something behind that will be addressed in the compounding step afterward. Again, this clay kit is very safe and can be a very important part of a good detail job. Should not be something to be feared. It is actually easier to use than most people think as well.

[@Ordaz32]

It works on the water marks??

[@meguiars]

Typically water spots are etched into the paint meaning they would need to be addressed with a compound. Our Ultimate Compound would be a great choice.

[@Ordaz32]

@@meguiars can i use quik detailer after clay kit??

[@meguiars]

The main purpose of all of our quik detailer sprays are to allow you to remove light dust, contaminants, & fingerprints safely, in a spray on, wipe off type application. So yes, it's great for in-between regular washes for touch ups & again light contaminant removal, plus added gloss. Our A3316 Quik Detailer Mist & Wipe in the red bottle, provides just the right amount of lubricity for use as a clay bar lubricant, which is why we include it in the kit.