Traditional , Organic Clay Bars Or Synthetic Clay Mitts and Pads!! Which Is Better? Let's Find Out!!

Traditional and organic clay bars versus synthetic clay mitts and pads. Which performs best and is suited for you? Let's find out! Apex Style!
Clay Bar.....www.amazon.com...
An essential step to prepare paint for polishing and waxing
Removes sap, bird droppings, and other contaminants
Leaves paint completely smooth
Regular use helps prevent oxidation
Allows for more effective polishing and waxing
Clay Mitts and Pads....www.amazon.com...
Unique clay/polymer matrix removes impurities faster than clay bars
Can use wash water or speed shine as a Lubricant
Lasts longer, preps up to 24 cars, 3 times more than traditional clay
Unlike traditional clay, if dropped Simply rinse clean and continue
Detailing For Dyslexia...www.detailingf...
apexautodetail.com www.apexautode...
#apexautodetail #claybar #claymitt

[@apexdetail85]

Traditional clay bars...or synthetic clay mitts. Which do YOU prefer?

[@collinhopper7542]

I have fallen back in love with a clay bar.

[@chavezcustomdetailing9540]

Clay mitt for me.

[@tobyhigginbotham2564]

Synthetic.

[@Will-ii1dy]

My nearest Auto Zone mismarked our mothers speed clays so I canget them for under $10. I keep them stock piled so I will never need anything else.

[@felixf5211]

Traditional clay.

[@georgekirby3361]

The “river of dirt” was pretty cool Brian.

[@lifeofbrian9511]

This is one of the few channels that can keep me captivated for a 24 min video. Just sayin'😁

[@ashishpatel350]

Thanks for following up with my question. See guys he does read the comments 🐸

[@apexdetail85]

Your damn right I do. 🙂

[@wrthrash]

Have to say, your microscope reviews are brilliant, and UR my ONLY detailer channel subbed, many thanks for all the hard work.

[@mikeyp2447]

Hell of a good upload B! You are killing it!!

[@ronniesprint2777]

BEST EVER "clay" cleaning results and products comparisons. Microscope says it all. Excellent video.

[@Jeff_Seely]

I admire and respect your clear coat conservation style toward detailing. I do not like to have to clay at all. Will that said, I use a traditional superfine clay and I try from having to go use it. All my vehicles have rather soft paint. But this was a wonderful study! Thanks Brian!

[@Starmixologist]

I have to say your videos have jumped several notches lately, keep up the good work!

[@monstermustang89]

I’ve always been a clay bar user but that mothers one don’t look bad, loving the videos.

[@Rick-oe1hc]

First, the microscope set up you have is great!!! I use a fine clay bar. I tried an artificial clay block once with lots of lube and it left some significant scratches and I haven't used it since. After watching this video I may give it another try, but cautiously. Another great learning video

[@mikeypotts4732]

Yes, same! It looks like the trade off like mentioned in the video is constant decontamination of the panel and bar/mitt

[@RJT11]

With content like this, you are going to get to 100K subscribers! Thank you Brian for all the research and work you put into your videos.

[@metalpolishshop]

I dont know.which way I lean. I like the clay mits and now by watching your VERY DETAILED comparisons I am leaning back to the clay bars.

[@phillipvanbooven2598]

This is great content. Using the microscope is fantastic tool. However instead of seeing bonded dirt removed on the clay can you do a video with the microscope on the paint? To see the bonded containment removed and any marring introduced. Thanks

[@supercharged00gtp]

I've used synthetic for quite a while, I really like the durability and even ability to use on a DA in cases. I geeked out at the running dirt thru the valleys on the mother's tool too, that was really cool!

[@jamesbiedlar590]

Is there any test you can come up with that shows just how much these scratch the finish? Great video btw!

[@jayz313]

James @Apex Detail, take a look at this video from John on the Forensic Detailing Channel, it's long, under the microscope he shows you the maring of clay on paint. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2SQmoePn6ieopo

[@apexdetail85]

Jon has a FANTASTIC channel!! Check out that video!👍👍👍

[@CAPTJ696]

These guys are like celebrities now!!☆☆☆

[@dtna]

Thank you for testing everything and showing us the differences between these products.

[@antpart7998]

Brian made that Mercedes paint so deep and lustrous that whilst walking past the car he tripped and fell directly into the deep shiny depths of the passenger side door paint and was never seen again.

[@vetteboy1024]

I tried the pad, and I have used clay for a long time. I prefer the clay because it’s seems to work faster. I have only dropped one a couple times. It’s worth the risk for it to be cheaper for a quicker result for me.

[@JTBlair-nw6gb]

I find the synthetic pads will break contaminants loose and leave them on the panel most of the time. They aren't very effective at trapping the contaminants. Original clay is the only way to go.

[@mujjuman]

This video is freaking awesome!!!!! WOW!!!! I am honestly blown away

[@no_lft_shft]

That little camera is seriously awesome lol

[@1221Ralph]

13:30 under the microphone lol

[@apexdetail85]

😂😂😂

[@richardseem7948]

very cool video my friend. ur new name is Brain the science guy...

[@paulwharton1850]

Excellent, in depth video - Fascinating. Many thanks......all the way from London !

[@Brandon-no3vc]

Can I use a clay bar if I have a wax or sealant and ceramic coating or will it remove it?

[@Tools_Tips_How-to]

I used the pad for about a year now. Love it just wish any lighter color.

[@thatcrazywolf]

Dude when I clay my car it never looks that bad.

[@mrsarcazim]

I know it’s late, but just saw this one and it was very helpful. I still lean clay bar

[@sccarguy]

I prefer real Clay most of the time . One advantage of the synthetic is on cars with clear bras . The edge of the bra can cut and trap the clay around its edges and you have to back with a brush to clean up.

[@apexdetail85]

True that! Great point.

[@1powerequalsgod]

Best video I seen and learned from regarding the subject of detail flaying.

[@steveolivero1582]

I use 80 grit sandpaper, is that ok?

[@ricokoegelenberg1150]

Thanks Brian... Your vids are so Informative & Awesome ;-) Much appreciated...

[@gordonliddy9418]

I prefer the nanoskin clay sponges. They are a good size and about $10

[@carlmitchell5769]

As thorough as the video was, based on the amount of contaminants after using the Adam's clay bay on one small section of rocker panel, it doesn't seem like the car was washed prior to clay bar use. I have never seen that much dirt after claying my entire vehicle. Maybe it was done intentionally.

[@billyray94]

I use the Auto Scrub mitt with the Nano Skin lube. It's easy to use, and it's easy to tell when its time to rinse and blow off the mitt.

[@alpersayar9532]

Great video. I wish you followed one with the other kind to see how much they can pick up after each other from the same area.

[@gseybold]

Good information and instructions. I really appreciate your reviews and updates.

[@bigd9848]

I use the Adams clay and the mothers. I never had a problem yet,👍🏻Excellent video Brian

[@audieconrad8995]

Hey Big D I've been using the Mother's pad for several years and find it quite effective. I keep a lightly dampened old hand towel flipped over my shoulder and wipe off the pad frequently as I do clay the vehicle. Additionally, I will occasionally rinse it off with the nearby hose. It is amazing how much dirt get wiped onto the towel!

[@BobScott-k3s]

Definitely Informative next level video

[@gotrixiego5103]

I prefer traditional clay because they give me more tactile feedback. Except when I have a large vehicle to do. Then I grab a clay towel.

[@qrtrscale]

This is a really informative vid Brian, thanks!

[@AGreedyTree]

The Mother's clay kit seems to do a better job than Meguiars. After claying, I do a quick wash and then follow up with NuFinish. I like NuFinish because it lasts a long time and I hate waxing my car.

[@coachtim6188]

At 10:00, we see what it pulls off of the car, a ton of contaminants including metal. And that claybar is ok to continue to use for many cars. But if it falls and picks up a couple pieces of dust off the floor, it must be thrown away. I've always wondered if that concept is a detailing urban myth that we have all just blindly followed.

[@J1Z06]

very thorough content on this channel

[@Jay_Ira]

Awesome video bud. I recently used plumbers putty on my car and it did pretty well at removing contaminants before polishing. Would you say that putty is closer to a fine clay bar? Have you tested the plumbers putty under a microscope?

[@joshuaopfer6566]

I know its alittle off topic but I saw angelwax is coming out with new products such as engima corona and would really loves to see some updated angelwax products reviews and testing even if its with some of there old stuff

[@apexdetail85]

I will cover them.

[@lead-dog]

Awesome video. Thank you very much.

[@benca6151]

So my clay mitt wont pick up everything. Will a clay bar be better? My paint is really rough on the roof and hood

[@bigsled12]

I was thinking about trying synthetic but after watching this how do I know when to rinse off a mitt/pad without a microscope ? Especially since they seem to be all black and I cant see the dirt at all ? Seems too risky Could you just keep dipping in your favorite auto shampoo ? I just hate kneading clay bars.

[@dannycurtis1939]

That's what I'm wondering. I've used the 2.0 a couple times and just used soap and water in a bucket. I dipped the 2.0 in the bucket often to keep the surface plenty wet, but now I'm not sure if that is a sufficient way to rinse the pad or not.

[@bigsled12]

@@dannycurtis1939 Yea since I can't see the dirt with this pad I am using the clay bar . These would be a lot easier but I only clay once a year anyway.

[@thingsido6067]

Really intersesting stuff Brian!! honestly it's my least favorite part of getting the paint ready for polishing, so I bought a $10 and used it on the paint after working it inon the glass, the results gave me a hartatack and looked like i wetsanded the paint. Do you have an idea what is causing this?

[@troyhenry3267]

I'm thinking of going with the auto scrub Mitt. To clean it in between panels, does it matter if you dont have a compressed air tool ?

[@MDI.PHOTOGRAPHY828]

The Mothers one, top right is horrible imo. It will leave transfer if the surface dries, or is warmer than what it should be. Face it not everyone mobile can fit a canopy in their rig. Love the pads, the clay towels are amazing & great longevity.... not featured in video. Similar concept to the MIT.

[@kimnewling5728]

I'm a newbie so I'm trying blue clay magic. I didn't catch it on the video, but do the synthetic mitts have an abrasive level too?

[@Ike-yq3gf]

Thank you.

[@254JROCK]

I use both pad & clay Scope paint b4 & after clay ?

[@marioskosmidhs9454]

congrats dear sir, great video Thanks again

[@ceocouchbosses5062]

What an amazing video

[@Neur0bit]

Great video as always Brian! BTW, which microscope is that?

[@apexdetail85]

www.amazon.com/Microscope-Languages-Adjustable-Brightness-Recording/dp/B07NGGH3ZF/ref=sr_1_6?camp=1789&creative=9325&keywords=LED+microscope&linkCode=ur2&linkId=779c545039f27067c0c4402908ad0fcc&qid=1563933819&s=automotive&sr=1-6

[@Neur0bit]

Apex Detail - Awesome. Thanks!!

[@Camaro-bv6mq]

Took me 4 clay bars for my camaro..how tf do people use 1 clay bar for 3 cars💀

[@tomplatz4318]

If you are only doing a car or two take time use organic clay

[@Grizzleback07]

5:02 I will use the top of my fingers between the first knuckle and second knuckle from the tip since this is a sensitive area of skin to feel any contaminates.

[@LSD04]

Wasn’t this on Pans channel 4 days ago?

[@apexdetail85]

Who cares really. I did mitts, clay and will be doing pads next. I don’t tailor my schedule to what another channel attempts to do.

[@loopsandthreads5028]

Pam! Lmao... anyone can sit there and read off a label! This was a real video on clay.

[@mikeyp2447]

That guy reminds me of the used car salesmen that ripped me off last month... no thanks. This guy is a tru professional.

[@thaddeusrudd7145]

Put the nano skin on a d.a sander wash the car keep it well lubed. Your welcome can clay a whole car in 5mins

[@marchufnagel9068]

Would you recommend using ONR mixed as a clay lube? Wolfgang Uber?

[@gregoryalbares5830]

I use Wolfgang it works great.

[@scotthall8609]

I was wondering the same thing... almost out of glide but have a whole gallon of ONR...

[@baklash6079]

Gregory Albares how did you dilute the Uber?

[@gregoryalbares5830]

@@baklash6079 I just make it like the directions say and use EagleOne towel that is the size of my hand. I do like Brian says with power wash and air before I stick it in the bucket again. Works really great like that. Thanks!

[@gregoryalbares5830]

Wolfgang is extra soapy that's why I use it. Been using it for about a year. Anyone of the soaps that are extra soapy will work.

[@markkropf8295]

Are some traditional clay bars better than others? Which to buy?

[@MikeEM1]

I like Clay Magic for clay bars.

[@apexdetail85]

There are so many. Just dont order the generic brand off Ebay.

[@PKmode]

Didn't Pan JUST do this?

[@apexdetail85]

And the point is? lmao

[@jamesbiedlar590]

Jesus...Pan lol... what is he selling now?!

[@lifeofbrian9511]

Watching his channel is similar to the 3 am infomercial I sometimes wake up to when I gotta piss!

[@arizonarats]

Pan did it but not with the awesome microscope view

[@apexdetail85]

The more info you guys have before heading out...the more successful you will be. Cheers!

[@RichardGerard]

Synthetic is much better..

[@uscfroadie]

Glad to see your channel growing. I can't click fast enough when you upload a new video. Great videos with science and fact based reviews, not opinions. Love 'em. Please keep them coming.

[@stephentrebolo4233]

This video is the best detailing video I've ever seen! The use of your microscope and great screen graphics enhances the learning experience. Thanks!

[@tommartin1223]

Excellent. Thanks for dropping that important knowledge. As usual. You are the apex, in detail product review

[@user-sx4yu3nw4j]

There are a lot of videos about clay bars and pads/mitts, but none of them can hold a candle to the quality and unbiased education offered here. Well done! 👏

[@MyGuyKirby]

My first choice is synthetic clay, I drop regular clay too often. When I prep windows the mitts work great.

[@DJTEDDY507]

I love the level of detail you get into man. Phenomenal!!!

[@WebYoda]

As a KZbin Creator myself I am stunned by your attention to detail with how you cover material in your videos. You are giving so much knowledge for free and I commend you.

[@Mrjozz011]

Weather has a big part on which type of clay I will use. I wouldn’t recommend using a clay mitt outdoors on a hot panel it just wants to stick to the car and I’m using plenty of lube (that’s what she said) 😂😬🤔 As a mobile detailer clay bar works for me cause I’m outdoor a lot, but the mitt works great indoors.

[@victorpirsoul3979]

I believe that the contaminants you are seeing, under the microscope, on the brand new clay bars (right out of the box/packaging) are what the clay bars picked up from your fingers as you flattened out the piece of clay to fit under the scope. Like you said, they do pick up everything. Cool video!

[@Seat1AJoe]

Brian, can I use paint prep (wax and tar remover) instead of clay bar? Or do I used paint prep followed by clay bar?

[@erikmoose]

Have always been thinking about how a claymitt can pick up things and just be rinsed off. Great video about the subject. I learned allot and it was very interesting. Have not seen any other do it.

[@nasimwehbe8410]

Great video. I have been and will continue to use the organic clay. Been using for almost 20 yrs and use only water as my lube. Always does a phenomenal job.

[@jeremyraney3659]

I have the Griot’s pad that you used, and it actually works really well with a good shampoo like Adams. I even used it in a bucket with a grit guard to clean it as you go. And if you need more lubrication from it, you can just squeeze the foam. Thanks for the test!

[@jimmyqballs]

I learned the hard way not to use the clay pads in conjunction with a tar/bug remover lol, it turned it into a gummy mess and left a residue on the paint that was a bit troublesome to remove

[@karinastephens9644]

I was not expecting such a cool video! Thank you so much for the education you provide to everyone when it comes to detailing! :)

[@mrsnappy52]

Folks I think we are making rocket science out of this now. Synthetic clay bars work just fine. So does plumbers putty. Let’s not be ridiculous and think you have to torturously go around the entire car with something the size of a pencil eraser in order to get a good finish. We are going for feel with this step not clarity, shine, etc. you don’t need depth gauges, refractor glasses , or whacked equipment to make a car look nice. -Wet the car down while it is cool with a good surface wash and rinse it. -wet I’d down again with surface wash and let it soak a few minutes and use your wash glove , or washing mit to clean then rinse. - with a soapy lubricant spray a panel of the vehicle. Then use your clay bar, synthetic or otherwise in a back and forth motion. Once you do entire panel rinse it off. You will tell the difference. Repeat steps until Car is complete. -if this has given you a satisfactory “feel” then dry car. - Now you can apply you favorite compound if need be, Polish, wax, etc. Do this every few months and the car finish will always look great

[@user-un5my5bw4j]

I see a lot of other videos by other people claming never to use a clay bar and only use clay mits or towels which i cant agree with. Medium and fine clay bars have their place here in Pennsylvania with contaminants we get. Personally i prefer clay bars you just got to get the right brand. I prefer the Pinnacle, the Magnashine, Maxishine, and Blackfire. The cheap ones that are colored on amazon, or ebay arent very good nor am i a fan of those ultra thin chemical guys brand. Get quality clay and the experience will be way different than it is with cheap junk

[@tonykomer2997]

If it's an Asian car, no question the traditional fine clay x2 if it's black or other dark color. Maybe the nanofiber or speedy pad/mitt on harder clears like corvettes gmc up to more recent models. Currently now with how cheap manf are cutting paint thickness and the water base crap being used, I think you almost have to use traditional clay asab4asive polishing is no longer a given. Facts the clay picks up more contaminants. It's gentler on the paint least amount of marring. It being payable allows the particles to be encapsulated by the clay. Mitts pads are strictly convinced and multi-use. That is their only positives over clay. They do not pick up as much and marr the paint more. It should be obvious just from the fact they are cleanable multi-use. As we now have new car paints that can be below 3mm sometimes even 2mm I think every possible thing that can be done to preserve CC must be. It's no longer optional. We need as much clear as possible for when we do need to polish/correct. Ideally, new cars should be prepped and coated /ppf (ugh) with top coats as soon as possible. Frankly, on a top-tier car, I think I would garage it for a couple of months to ensure fully cured paint. Then immediately prep and coat. Certainly put a topper that could prevent those contaminants from ever making it into the base coating and never into the clear coat. Stay up on the toppers as much as possible. Seems as tge after care products have gotten tomtge point of serious durability the car manf are making it mandatory just to keep the paint. Seems to me car manf have made an effort to push planned obsolescence duty life from 30 yrs to max 20yr if not 15. That is dated not by use jiles/hours but time period. Paint is the way to do this. If paints start having failed clears at 15 yrs, most will trade or scrap. By far, value will plummet vs. a car with still good clear. I think the move to thinner clears is not mainly in line production cost savings but something much larger. Reducing the effect life of the vehicles on a grand scale. It's well known that the gov has been using numerous tactics to get vehicles over 20 years old off the road. Car manf were more than happy to assist with this as its win win for them. Combine this with the all electric being force crammed down our collective throats. Knowing the batteries on average are only good for max 10 yrs. Make it have a failing clear coat within 5 yrs of tgat all but ensures consumer vehicle life duty term of 15 yrs. With the escalating costs of vehicles way out pacing inflation it will further ensure people are heeding replacement vehicles right as their loans come to term. Banks and deditors are fully on board with this. So Gov, Car manf and financial all in agreement the trifecta of evil in concert. My advice learn how to paint vehicles and build and replace battery packs. Add in full detail prep Resell and have a huge market till the big boys take it over.

[@Wreckz_Tea]

You keep saying mead when the word is knead. You knead the clay like you would knead dough. Mead is an alcoholic beverage knead means to work something into itself or to message into. Also the heavy grit clay is absolutely useful for cars that have been neglected for a long time. I bought an 02 firebird from a kid and I tried using a regular clay bar and a clay mitt and they did almost nothing. This car was ROUGH. it felt almost like sandpaper but the heavy grit clay bar took care of it and was essential to getting it done.

[@no_lft_shft]

And this was all done on an already "clean car" I'm assuming you washed the car prior to the clay bar. My mind is blown at what this stuff can pull out of your paint.

[@JustLikeGreta]

Clay bars are the worst. Not easy to use and cannot be rinsed. If you use one one 5 cars you have a bar with 5 cars of dirt in it.

[@60trickpa]

That was cool seeing the water flow though that pad . I have used both clay bars and pads. I found with the pads they got dirty and I couldn't get them clean and threw them away. With the bars I knew I would use once and dispose. After getting some great advice from you about claying my cars I don't clay them except if needed now. Thanks Brian for your work and sharing your knowledge.

[@Amor1990]

If you drop a claybar, just cut off the part that touched the ground.

[@PeteyMcSavage]

Detailing Video of the year!

[@aarongrantthebulk]

Dirty old clay bar, or delicious banana cake?

[@jimmyccee1083]

I am a fellow NY'er...thank you

[@1badhaircut]

I could never accept clay bars simply because they hold what they pull from the car. For that alone i don’t use them. I only use the FINE but keep MEDIUM if I’m going after some very lite correction. I’ll always punder-correct

[@mikeypotts4732]

There's quite a few people including myself who have seriously marred paint using synthetic clay bars, specifically Mother's clay bar 2.0. Do you have this issue when using synthetic clay bars/mitts? I should have decontaminated more in between panels and applied way less pressure, as well as chemical decontamination before hand and providing sufficient lubricity while using the synthetic clay bar. I'm just concerned that the nature of the synthetic material itself causes issues as the contaminants have no where to go once lifted from the paint, unlike how it can get embedded and lost within the depth of non synthetic clay bars. Hope that made sense. Thanks for this super in-depth video!!!!!

[@stevelangsdorf7307]

It is amazing how thorough you can be without being annoying, by far the best on U TUBE. I have been using the Mothers synthetic clay for the simple fact that I can drop them rinse them thoroughly and carry on. Thanks again always enjoy your videos, I watch them all sometimes twice 😉 😊

[@michealrobinson]

Funny I just watched a video earlier about using plumbers putty as a Clay bar material. What are your professional thoughts on using plumbers putty? Maybe another video suggestion for you?

[@Rudigity]

To me, clay mitts are way faster and easier to use. I can do my car in like 15 minutes, I just make a new smaller bucket of water and coal, then keep it nice and lubed after washing and rinsing the first wash and good to go... never noticed any marring