What type of clay bar to use?

mreed2483

mreed2483

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I was looking at all the different types/brands of clay bars and wondering what is the best type to use? I would be using it for daily driver cars. In the past I would use the Megs clay bar that you can get at the local auto parts store. When I was with Tuscarora Dave the other day I forgot to ask him what to use. We used a red clay bar on my hood, but that was due to severe oxidation so I know I wouldn't use that on the rest of the car or on other cars. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

For everything else I will be getting the 6 inch HF DA, and the OPT kit with polish, poli-seal, opti compound, pad cleaner, micro towels, and foam pads from the autogeek store. I am choosing this product since TD said they were good products and since they are dust free, or produce minimal dust when used.
 
A fine(blue) or medium(yellow) traditional clay bar should be able to knock out the rest of the vehicle though if you wanna try new the new trend you could always get a clay eraser or mitt but I prefer traditional clay over the new stuff though
 
I would get something like Nanoskin Autoscrub Speedy Prep Sponge, it will last longer than clay and about the same price. Plus it is quicker than clay. If you drop it just rinse it off, no need to throw away.

You could also get the pads that go on a DA or the towels. They are about $50.
 
Try the Nanoskin Blue sponge or equivalent. That is the newest technology and I no longer use traditional clay. Nanoskin sponge or similar is faster you do not have to worry if you drop it and you can finish the job considrably faster than the Old fashioned way.
 
I keep seeing these products pop up in discussions and two questions keep coming to mind.

- Are they as effective as clay?
- Are they as safe as clay?

I have two dark colored cars and have found a way to clay them both without any marring. I thought I'd read someone here who used a nanoskin product and then had to go back to clay after doing the baggie test because he could feel there were some contaminates left.

From price perspective the Nanoskin pad looks really good. It's cheaper than clay, and even when including Glide spray it's only a couple of dollars more. Once you factor in the spray being a concentrate, it becomes much more economical.
 
To answer your questions I would say yes they are effective as clay in removing contaminants. I have personally found that nanoskin (fine grade) is more likely to mar the paint than fine grade clay.

The reason for this is that when you perform a mechanical decontamination using clay the contaminants embed in the clay.When you use nanoskin the contaminants are contained between the surface of the paint and the nanoskin.

I personally do not use clay or nanoskin unless I am following up with polishing step.
 
I have a 2013 Black Mustang GT and I use the Nanoskin Blue Sponge. I do not have any marring issues. With clay I had some minor marring issues. I no longer use clay as IMO it is as effective as clay and IMO safer than clay. No kneading, no clay on your hand, no bits of clay caught in nooks and crannies, etc.

If you drop your clay bar it is toast. With the sponge (or equivalent like TuxedoTaurus mentions) that will not be an issue. I would say the best way to see if the sponge is better than clay, try one and do a side by side compare. I did and no longer use clay. IMO since your car is Black the BLUE sponge or equivalent is the best way to go. I cannot comment on the Yellow Sponge as the Blue is fine for me.
 
I really want to try one of theses towels, it was going to be my next purchase. Then I found a bunch of clay bars on sale at KMart for $2.50 each. I now have enough clay to last years :) I will get one of these someday though as they are the new way to clay.
 
Sorry for bring up an older thread but I just ordered the nanoskin sponge and did a side by side comparison with a clay bar and could not tell the difference. Its also a bit faster since you dont have to stop and knead the clay. I am truly converted now, since I got mine from amazon prime for 12 bucks I will be sticking with this product. For 12 bucks it really is worth trying cause I am sure afterwords you will be convinced
 
aburgeson said:
Sorry for bring up an older thread but I just ordered the nanoskin sponge and did a side by side comparison with a clay bar and could not tell the difference. Its also a bit faster since you dont have to stop and knead the clay. I am truly converted now, since I got mine from amazon prime for 12 bucks I will be sticking with this product. For 12 bucks it really is worth trying cause I am sure afterwords you will be convinced
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WELCOME to the DARK SIDE!!!!! Luke I am your Father!!!!!....LOL All kidding aside, I did the exact same thing you did and that is why I use the sponge. I use the Blue sponge. I have the 6" Sponge for the DA but have never used it. I can't comment on the yellow as I have never tried it. No need to as I am very happy with the Blue.

:iagree:
 
Here is a tip when you clay. Keep a baggy in your pocket and do a quick baggy test to each panel before and after you clay. This way, you will be sure you remove all the contaminants.

I've found by using this method - even fine clay will work on bad contaminants, because you only will need to do a few more passes to remove them once you know where the stubborn contaminants are. This reduces the use of aggressive clay (or substitutes) and the marring it may cause.
 
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