A key rule of using a clay bar is to ensure that you use it correctly to avoid damaging your vehicle's paint. Here are some essential guidelines:

1. Use a Lubricant: Always apply a clay lubricant to the area you are working on. This helps the clay bar glide smoothly over the surface and prevents scratching.

2. Work in Small Sections: Focus on small areas at a time. Spray the lubricant, then gently rub the clay bar back and forth with light to medium pressure. This method helps to effectively lift contaminants without risking damage to the paint.

3. Inspect the Clay Bar: After using the clay bar on a section, check it for dirt and debris. If it becomes contaminated, fold it to expose a clean side or discard it entirely. Reusing a contaminated clay bar can scratch your paint.

4. Wash After Claying: After you finish claying the entire vehicle, wash it again to remove any residue from the lubricant and any clay particles that may have been left behind.

5. Follow Up with Protection: After claying, it’s advisable to apply a wax or sealant to protect the paint, as the clay bar will have removed any previous protective layers.

These steps ensure that you maximize the benefits of the clay bar treatment, which is primarily to remove bonded contaminants like dirt, sap, and industrial fallout from the car's surface, making it smooth and ready for further detailing processes like polishing or waxing.

Visual References

Here are some images that illustrate the clay bar process: