What does a clay pad do?
A clay pad is a detailing tool used in the automotive industry to remove surface contaminants from a car's paintwork, glass, and sometimes metal. It serves a similar purpose to traditional clay bars but is often designed to attach to a dual-action polisher for more efficient use.
Here's what a clay pad does:
-
Contaminant Removal: Clay pads are designed to pick up and remove microscopic particles such as industrial fallout, brake dust, tar, and tree sap that regular washing can't remove. These contaminants can embed themselves into the surface of the paint and create a texture that can be felt as a roughness on the paint's surface.
-
Surface Smoothing: By removing these contaminants, clay pads help to smooth out the paint surface, making it as slick as glass. This not only improves the tactile quality of the paint but also enhances its gloss and clarity because a smooth surface reflects light more uniformly.
-
Preparation for Polishing and Waxing: Clay pads prepare the surface for further detailing steps like polishing and waxing. Polishing a surface that has been clayed will be more effective because the polisher can work directly on the paint rather than on the layer of contaminants. Similarly, wax adheres better to a clean and smooth surface, providing better protection and a longer-lasting shine.
-
Versatility: While traditional clay bars require manual effort and technique, clay pads can be attached to a machine, making the process quicker and reducing the physical effort involved. They can be used on a variety of surfaces where a smooth finish is desired.
Overall, using a clay pad is an essential step in a thorough detailing process, especially if you aim to achieve a professional-level finish on your vehicle.