Claybar vs. Iron Remover 50/50 Test

[Eldorado2k]

Ok so here I’ll be testing claybar vs. iron remover to see if the claybar can do everything the iron remover can do. Lets begin.

1st I get the panel prepped by giving it a quick wash. Tape it off, now I’m ready to begin claying the left side of the hood.

I want to point out that this was a very easy claying. So much so that I thought it would render this test a dud. This is what the claybar looked like afterwards.

Ok, so I remove the tape and spray down the entire hood with Meguiars Ultimate Wheel Cleaner.

After 1 min.

After 4 min.

After 5 min.

Just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke, I washed the entire rear of the vehicle, and clayed only the left side. This time there was a significant amount of contaminants on the claybar.

Sprayed the entire panel with iron remover.

5min. later.

Notice the difference in the left side of the emblem where I had clayed.

Conclusion: Are iron removers overrated? I’d say they are. It could be argued that they’re pointless if the claybar is going to do what it does and more.. It’s not as if an iron remover can do what the claybar can do.

Btw, this test cost me $14 dollars. I feel like I could’ve just saved the money and simply used my claybar.

 

[noorth]

So are we to assume this is absolute proof that iron removers are a waste of money? Its a big statement. That would make over 90% of car care companies crooks.

 

[opie2]

But....iron removers are used to breakdown/remove iron deposits. Thus making the claying process much easier and minimizing the risk of furthur marring

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

 

[Eldorado2k]

So are we to assume this is absolute proof that iron removers are a waste of money? Its a big statement. That would make over 90% of car care companies crooks.

I wouldn’t go as far as calling them crooks.. But if they can get people to buy things, then what’s the harm?
Do you really need Grit Guards? Those things that go around your tires to prevent cords for getting stuck? Panel wipe when you can make it yourself?

Do I really need a quick detailer for chrome? No, but I choose to buy it anyways because I like to use it.

The list goes on and on…

Ultimately it’s up to you whether you want to buy it or not. I’ve seen some of the best detailers in the world and their setups are unbelievably simple.

 

[Eldorado2k]

But....iron removers are used to breakdown/remove iron deposits. Thus making the claying process much easier and minimizing the risk of furthur marring

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

That claying was among the easiest claying I’ve ever done. I initially wasn’t even going to take a picture of the claybar because there was nothing on it. I didn’t decide to take a pic of it until the right side of the hood turned purple. Hence why I took a picture of the claybar in my backyard.

There’s so many things in the detailing world that are overblown. Iron deposits causing marring during claying can officially be added to that list as far as I’m concerned. If there wasn’t anything of note on that claybar, then how much marring could it have possibly caused?

Also keep in mind that the detailing world survived for years and years without the use of iron removers. It’s not until recent years that dedicated iron removers have been introduced. Paint seemed to survive just fine before they came along.

 

[JustJesus]

Thanks El Dorado!

Now I feel better. I sometimes don't use iron remover prior to paint correction. There are times when I do rinseless washing, and I'd rather have a hose and running water to rinse off the iron remover.

 

[PaulMys]

Thanks El Dorado!

Now I feel better. I sometimes don't use iron remover prior to paint correction. There are times when I do rinseless washing, and I'd rather have a hose and running water to rinse off the iron remover.

Same here.

I never wanted to start WWIII, but I just do not use it on paint any longer. Wheels? Yes.

 

[JustJesus]

Same here.

I never wanted to start WWIII, but I just do not use it on paint any longer. Wheels? Yes.

And still get great results, right?



Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[PaulMys]

And still get great results, right?



Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

IMO, yes. No doubt.

As a newbie, I was spraying the IR over the paint, and seeing zero reaction. Made me think I was an idiot, or using it wrong.

Years later, my opinion is that IR is for wheels and extreme lower (rocker) panels.

 

[luckydawg]

Same here- I don't use it on paint anymore, tends to dry out very fast-- and per the instructions , dont let it dry on the paint!!

I only use it on my wheels also

 

[Rsurfer]

That claying was among the easiest claying I’ve ever done. I initially wasn’t even going to take a picture of the claybar because there was nothing on it. I didn’t decide to take a pic of it until the right side of the hood turned purple. Hence why I took a picture of the claybar in my backyard.

There’s so many things in the detailing world that are overblown. Iron deposits causing marring during claying can officially be added to that list as far as I’m considered. If there wasn’t anything of note on that claybar, then how much marring could it have possibly caused?

Also keep in mind that the detailing world survived for years and years without the use of iron removers. It’s not until recent years that dedicated iron removers have been introduced. Paint seemed to survive just fine before they came along.

The same might be said about clay. I've polished and waxed my vehicles long before the invention of the clay bar.

I may add that I rarely clay before polishing. The exception maybe because of paint overspray. Claying will take the bulk of the paint overspray off before polishing thus keeping my polishing pads cleaner, longer.

 

[Prange]

Valugard A-B-C is an alternative to claying/iron removal.

 

[2black1s]

Job Well Done Eldo!

Results are exactly as I would expect.

 

[Eldorado2k]

I never wanted to start WWIII

I didn’t expect anyone to become upset over this. Lol.

 

[Coatingsarecrack]

I agree that claying should remove no problem. Claying has been going on for years with out it.

I believe the less contamination you drag across paint the less marring. But if doing before polishing my thoughts are iron contamination in clay isn’t going to mar clay any deeper than existing swirls and scratches.

Will I still use? Yes as i do so few cars so to add a few dollars to the cost of correcting is not an issue where I would stop doing. Maybe if i were doing production detailing.

I also think this a great product to use during a coating decon wash as you shouldn’t clay.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[noorth]

I wouldn’t go as far as calling them crooks.. But if they can get people to buy things, then what’s the harm?
Do you really need Grit Guards? Those things that go around your tires to prevent cords for getting stuck? Panel wipe when you can make it yourself?

Do I really need a quick detailer for chrome? No, but I choose to buy it anyways because I like to use it.

The list goes on and on…

Ultimately it’s up to you whether you want to buy it or not. I’ve seen some of the best detailers in the world and their setups are unbelievably simple.

Lot of good points frankly man. I have no bone to pick with anyone but i'm far from passive.

I would never buy a grit guard for instance. I rather buy a few extra mitts.

Can't we all just get along?

I think i found my favorite pad yesterday.... again lol First it was rupes yellow foam, second was the orange SDO and now the blue SDO haha

The blue SDO pad worked great has a 1-step on my personal car. I will double check today if i should run over the bonnet quickly with 3D's ACA 520 and the rupes white foam. I will be coating it afterwards, i'm loving coatings so far.

 

[Jayfro]

Ric,

Have you ever tried Megs Iron Removing Spray Clay?

I don’t necessarily need the iron removing aspect of it but if there was something that would assist in dissolving the other contaminants that would be huge. I have very soft black paint and I just hate to use clay but if I have to then I have to!

JF


Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline

 

[Bill D]

Valugard A-B-C is an alternative to claying/iron removal.

Yeah,this is going to be my go-to. If the auto manufacturers recommend it then that's good enough for me

Too bad it appears involved to get it though.

 

[opie2]

I also think this a great product to use during a coating decon wash as you shouldn’t clay.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree with that statement.

Thanks eldo for the test:dblthumb2:...was interesting to see. Made me think about that whole part of the process. Ill still more thank likely use my nanoskin clay mitt b4 hand. It takes so little time to do. Not to mention on a highly neglected vehicle would definatly help to keep the pads from clogging up faster...i think so atleast.

 

[Eldorado2k]

Just for the record, I’m not saying I’m completely against iron removers. Just this morning while washing the rest of that Infinity I got to the roof where I was met with 1 of the grimiest panels I’ve seen in a long time. This makes me think this SUV must have sat outside for a while because it was nasty up there.

I knew I needed help to break it down, so I used the iron remover 1st.

Nice purple suds.