Why I Stopped Using Clay Bars... And Why You Should Too!

Summary

In this video, the speaker critiques the common use of clay bars and similar products in automotive detailing. While acknowledging their benefits, the speaker highlights the potential damage these tools can cause to a vehicle's paint by causing micro-marring. They argue that using chemical alternatives like Iron Buster or Iron X is a better method for removing contaminants without damaging the paint. The speaker also emphasizes their 11 years of professional experience, stating that clay bars are only necessary for severely neglected vehicles. The video aims to educate viewers on more effective and safer alternatives in car detailing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Clay bars, mitts, and towels can cause micro marring on paint, potentially damaging the vehicle's surface over time.
• 😀 Many people believe clay bars are essential for paint correction, but they can do more harm than good, especially on newer cars with soft paint.
• 😀 Instead of using clay, a safer alternative is using chemical products like iron removers, which dissolve contaminants without abrasive action.
• 😀 The speaker has been detailing cars professionally for over 11 years and has not used clay bars for most of that time, achieving near-perfect results without them.
• 😀 Clay bars are only necessary in situations where the paint is extremely neglected or covered in iron particles that need to be physically removed.
• 😀 Paint correction should be approached with minimal aggression to avoid unnecessary paint removal, and chemicals can handle many of the tasks that clay bars once did.
• 😀 For cars with paint protection films (PPF), clay bars are still useful to remove contaminants that might show through the film.
• 😀 Using clay mitts or towels is even more problematic than bars because they don't allow for kneading, which means contaminants are not removed as effectively.
• 😀 Using a new, fresh clay bar for each vehicle is crucial to avoid transferring contaminants between cars, unlike clay mitts or towels that accumulate dirt.
• 😀 The speaker's personal approach is to minimize the use of aggressive detailing techniques, always prioritizing the least-invasive method for achieving the best results.

Q & A

Why did the presenter stop using clay bars, mitts, and towels in detailing?

The presenter stopped using clay bars, mitts, and towels because they can cause damage to the vehicle's paint, specifically leading to micro marring. The abrasiveness of clay combined with contaminants can scratch and damage the finish, especially on soft paint.

What is the main issue with using clay bars according to the presenter?

The main issue with using clay bars is that they are abrasive and can cause micro marring on the paint surface. When clay bars are used, contaminants are scrubbed back into the paint, which leads to scratches and imperfections.

When does the presenter suggest it is acceptable to use a clay bar?

The presenter suggests using a clay bar only when a vehicle is severely neglected and in need of restoration. If a car is well-maintained, regularly washed, and protected with ceramic coatings or sealants, a clay bar is generally unnecessary.

How does the presenter deal with contaminants instead of using a clay bar?

Instead of using a clay bar, the presenter recommends using chemical treatments like PNS Iron Buster or similar iron-removal products. These chemicals break down and remove contaminants without the need for mechanical abrasion, thus preserving the paint.

What is the main advantage of using chemical cleaners over clay bars?

The advantage of using chemical cleaners over clay bars is that they remove contaminants without the risk of scratching or marring the paint. They work by chemically dissolving iron particulates and other contaminants, which reduces the need for abrasive cleaning methods.

What does the presenter think about clay mitts and towels?

The presenter strongly advises against using clay mitts and towels because they are harder to knead and freshen up. These tools have a single surface that can accumulate contaminants, which can then be scratched back into the paint. They do not allow for the same flexibility as a traditional clay bar.

How does the presenter maintain a car's paint when it's well-maintained?

For well-maintained cars, the presenter simply washes the vehicle and performs paint correction if necessary. Regular washing, combined with ceramic coatings or wax, helps keep the paint in good condition without the need for claying.

What is the significance of the B-pillar test on the Audi RS6 Performance?

The B-pillar test on the Audi RS6 Performance is used to demonstrate the damaging effects of clay bars. The presenter shows how even a fine-grade clay bar causes scratches and marring on soft paints, particularly in the vulnerable areas like B-pillars.

Why does the presenter believe clay bars are not necessary for a vehicle in good condition?

The presenter believes clay bars are unnecessary for vehicles in good condition because if the car is washed regularly and treated with protective coatings, contaminants don't build up to the point where a clay bar is required. Chemical treatments like Iron Buster are enough to handle minor contamination.

What does the presenter recommend for cars with paint protection film?

For cars with paint protection film, the presenter recommends using clay bars to remove large contaminants that could show through the film. The film is more vulnerable to contaminants, so claying is essential to ensure the surface remains clean and protected.