Clay bars

[DBHWT]

If you get the same grit, are all clay bars about the same in quality / manufacturer ? Wide difference in price on some

[swampcritter]

From what "junkman" on Youtube says. Yes. He knows his stuff about detailing.

[chuckie669]

All my friends who want help, I've always had them purchase their own clay to bring over. Pretty secure in the Meguire or mother's $20 box sets

[denboy1]

I'd say they could be all the same. But...I used Adam's for the Camaro and old clay bars for the daily drivers.

[Cyber/Orange10]

Been using Griot's Garage's clay for years on all our cars and works great.

[Black_SS10]

I've used Meguiars, mothers, and Eagle F1. The Eagle f1 is a "reusable" mitt. They all have worked great and did their intended job. With that said, I don't think there is much difference in them that would justify a large price difference. I have always applied some type of polish after claying.

[BRZN]

swampcritter, what's the date of the Junkman video you're referring to regarding clays all being the same?

Prior to sometime in 2014 the Auto Magic Company held the patent for all Detailing Clay, and according to Wikipedia 9 out of 10 Clay bars available were manufactured by Auto Magic.

Since then, there have been many different types and styles of Clays becoming available for auto detailing use. I personally like to use the Adam's Visco Elastic Clay with the Geometric Impression tool. The block/bar styles of clays are still available, as are the Clay Mitts and Cloths. Auto Magic still manufactures private label Clay Bars under all sorts of brand names, but many more have become available.

Oh, and Black_SS10, polish is worked, common misuse of the wording. Protection; Glazes, Waxes, Sealants, and now Coatings are applied. Claying the vehicles surface will remove all protection from the paint except Ceramic Coatings, and it's a good idea to reapply a layer of protection after claying. If the clay is aggressive, or was the individual that worked the clay, polishing the paint may be necessary to remove any marring induced by the clay.

All that being said, pick one at a price point you're comfortable with, and try several to find the type/style you like. It's personal preference any more.

[ZEN357]

Originally Posted by chuckie669

All my friends who want help, I've always had them purchase their own clay to bring over. Pretty secure in the Meguire or mother's $20 box sets

I always liked Meguires products. especially their detail wax I use between paste wax applications.

[BMR Sales]

Originally Posted by BRZN

swampcritter, what's the date of the Junkman video you're referring to regarding clays all being the same?

Prior to sometime in 2014 the Auto Magic Company held the patent for all Detailing Clay, and according to Wikipedia 9 out of 10 Clay bars available were manufactured by Auto Magic.

Since then, there have been many different types and styles of Clays becoming available for auto detailing use. I personally like to use the Adam's Visco Elastic Clay with the Geometric Impression tool. The block/bar styles of clays are still available, as are the Clay Mitts and Cloths. Auto Magic still manufactures private label Clay Bars under all sorts of brand names, but many more have become available.

Oh, and Black_SS10, polish is worked, common misuse of the wording. Protection; Glazes, Waxes, Sealants, and now Coatings are applied. Claying the vehicles surface will remove all protection from the paint except Ceramic Coatings, and it's a good idea to reapply a layer of protection after claying. If the clay is aggressive, or was the individual that worked the clay, polishing the paint may be necessary to remove any marring induced by the clay.

All that being said, pick one at a price point you're comfortable with, and try several to find the type/style you like. It's personal preference any more.

I've used MeGuiars & Adams - they are definitely different

[Adam's Polishes]

All clay bars are similar here are some details on our New Fine Clay.

-Super Soft, Ultra Fine Grade Material
-Removes light contamination and grime with ease
-Two (2) 100-Gram Bars
-Safely removes fallout, brake dust, hard water spots, or tree sap
-Flexible enough for tight spots, durable enough for repeated use
-Maximize look and feel of your sealants, waxes, and coatings
-Perfect for glass, polished metal, clear plastics, or painted surfaces!

https://youtu.be/eL4Arz_RZOA

[Joe M 2012 2SS]

Clay bars have become for the most part obsolete. The only instance where you would still use one is on very soft paint. A Clay alternative is so much better. Use fine grade.

The benefits are......
No kneading.
No pressure required to remove bonded contaminates.
If you drop it on the ground accidentally.... you just rinse it with warm water, instead of throwing it away like clay.
It takes less than 1/2 the time a standard clay bar does to do a car.
The durability blows away standard clay. The SM Arnold Speedy Prep Towel will last up to 100 uses (I have about 60 on mine and it still performs as new).

5th gen Camaro's tend to have medium hardness paint. So a fine grade clay alternative works great without marring the surface.
Don't use an expensive detail spray for clay lube. Use Ultima Waterless Wash Plus Concentrate, or Optimum No Rinse and save $$.

[hammdo]

Originally Posted by Joe M 2012 2SS

Don't use an expensive detail spray for clay lube. Use Ultima Waterless Wash Plus Concentrate, or Optimum No Rinse and save $$.

I have a gallon of the waterless wash, easy to make and a huge savings!

I’m with Joe, don’t use clay bars anymore, Speedys for me...

-Don

[rdanzel]

I use Mothers and Megs. Both are good enough and readily available.

[broshua]

Originally Posted by Joe M 2012 2SS

Clay bars have become for the most part obsolete. The only instance where you would still use one is on very soft paint. A Clay alternative is so much better. Use fine grade.

The benefits are......
No kneading.
No pressure required to remove bonded contaminates.
If you drop it on the ground accidentally.... you just rinse it with warm water, instead of throwing it away like clay.
It takes less than 1/2 the time a standard clay bar does to do a car.
The durability blows away standard clay. The SM Arnold Speedy Prep Towel will last up to 100 uses (I have about 60 on mine and it still performs as new).

5th gen Camaro's tend to have medium hardness paint. So a fine grade clay alternative works great without marring the surface.
Don't use an expensive detail spray for clay lube. Use Ultima Waterless Wash Plus Concentrate, or Optimum No Rinse and save $$.

Do you happen to have a link to a good alternative to clay?