Clay polishing a car is a detailed process that involves using a clay bar or similar clay product to remove surface contaminants from the paint before polishing for a smooth finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clay polish a car:

Supplies Needed

• Automotive clay bar, clay pad, or a clay mitt
• Clay lubricant (commercial or a mixture of water and car shampoo)
• Microfiber towels
• Car polish
• Polishing machine (optional, for mechanical polishing)
• Wax or sealant (for protection after polishing)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Wash the Car: Begin with a thorough wash to remove loose dirt and debris. Ensure the car is clean and dry before you start claying.

2. Prepare the Clay Bar: If using a clay bar, knead it into a flat disc that comfortably fits in your hand. For clay pads or mitts, ensure they are clean and ready for use.

3. Lubricate the Surface: Spray a liberal amount of clay lubricant over a small section of the car’s surface. The lubricant prevents the clay from sticking and reduces the risk of scratching the paint.

4. Glide the Clay: Gently glide the clay bar, pad, or mitt over the lubricated area using back and forth motions. You’ll feel resistance at first, which will decrease as contaminants are removed. Keep the area well-lubricated throughout the process.

5. Check the Clay: Frequently examine the clay for accumulated dirt and fold it to expose a clean surface. If using a clay pad or mitt, rinse it off as needed to remove trapped particles.

6. Wipe and Dry: After claying each section, wipe it down with a clean microfiber towel. Ensure all residue from the clay lubricant is removed.

7. Inspect the Paint: Feel the paint with your hand to ensure it's smooth. If you still feel bumps or rough spots, repeat the claying process on that section.

8. Polish the Car: Apply car polish using a clean microfiber cloth or a polishing machine. Work in sections, using circular or overlapping motions to ensure even coverage.

9. Buff and Shine: After polishing, buff the surface with a clean microfiber towel to bring out the shine.

10. Protect the Paint: Finally, apply a layer of wax or sealant to protect the polished surface. This step also helps in maintaining the gloss and protecting the paint from future contaminants and UV exposure.

Tips for Effective Claying

• Always keep the surface lubricated during the claying process to avoid scratches.
• Use light pressure — the clay should do the work, not force.
• Work in a shaded area or indoors to prevent the lubricant from drying out too quickly.

By following these steps, you can effectively use a clay bar or other clay products to prepare your car’s paint for polishing, resulting in a smooth, glossy finish.