Detailing Clay Bar

Detailing clay is the only way to remove bonded surface contamination that washing alone can't touch — embedded iron particles, industrial fallout, overspray, tree sap residue, and road tar contamination that's fused to the paint surface. After claying, paint that felt rough to the touch will feel glass-smooth, which makes a significant difference to polishing results and to how well protection products bond. Should be part of every proper detail before polishing or applying sealant.

How to use: Wash and rinse the vehicle thoroughly before claying. Work one small section at a time. Spray a generous amount of clay lubricant (diluted Berry Quick works well) onto the surface and the clay bar. Fold the clay into a flat pad and slide it back and forth across the lubricated surface in straight, overlapping strokes using light to medium pressure. You'll feel contamination releasing as the clay picks it up. Fold the clay regularly to expose a clean face. After each section, wipe off the lubricant with a clean microfibre. If the clay bar is dropped at any point, discard it immediately — it will have picked up grit from the floor that will scratch the paint. Follow claying with a polish or protection product.

Tip: The rougher the paint feels on the back of your hand before claying, the more contamination is there to remove. This is normal on any car that's been driven regularly — contamination builds up constantly from brake dust, industrial fallout, and road debris.