Steps to Use a Clay Bar

1. Wash Your Car: Start with a thorough wash of your car to remove loose dirt and debris. Use car wash shampoo and make sure the vehicle is completely clean.

2. Prepare the Clay Bar: If the clay bar is new and large, you might want to cut it into pieces. This way, if you drop a piece, you can use another without wasting the whole bar.

3. Wash Your Car: Start with a thorough wash of your car to remove loose dirt and debris. Use car wash shampoo and make sure the vehicle is completely clean.

4. Lubricate the Surface: Spray a generous amount of clay lubricant over a small section of your car’s surface. The lubricant helps the clay bar glide smoothly across the paint, preventing scratches.

5. Glide the Clay Bar: Gently glide the clay bar over the lubricated area using back-and-forth or side-to-side motions. You should not apply heavy pressure; let the clay do the work. You will feel resistance at first, but this will decrease as contaminants are picked up by the clay.6.
6. Check the Clay Bar: Frequently inspect and fold the clay bar to expose a clean surface. If the bar becomes too soiled, it can scratch the paint.
7. Wipe Off the Residue: After you have clayed a section, wipe off any lubricant residue with a clean microfiber towel. This will also help you check the smoothness of the surface.
8. Repeat: Continue this process section by section until the entire car is done. Common areas that need attention include the hood, roof, and trunk.
9. Final Wash and Dry: Once the entire car has been clayed, wash it again with car shampoo to remove any remaining lubricant. Dry the car thoroughly with clean microfiber towels.
10. Wax or Seal: After claying, it’s a good idea to apply a wax or sealant to protect the paint and keep the car looking shiny.

Tips

• Always keep the surface well-lubricated while using the clay bar to avoid scratches.
• Do not use a clay bar on a dry surface.
• Clay bars can be used on glass and wheels as well to remove contaminants.
• Store the clay bar in a sealed container to keep it clean and pliable for future use.

Regular use of a clay bar, about twice a year or as needed, can help maintain your vehicle’s paint in pristine condition, enhancing its longevity and appearance.