Does A Clay Bar Scratch The Clear Coat???

[DodgeViper01]

Seems like a dumb questions but I think it is legit. Since the clay bar is taking off the particals and keeps them in the bar, doesn't that mean that everytime you move the clay bar against you paint, it is scratching with fine lines and maybe even visible ones? Any help would be greatly appricated.

[BDZ1984]

simple answer is yes... but that is why you must polish your car after using a claybar

[jdoc7]

Yes, the particles picked up by the bar will definitely scratch and it will be noticeable, especially on a black car. You absolutely should polish them out with a porter cable if you have one. I always mechanically polish after using a claybar on all my cars.

[kcobean]

Yep. It's important to remember that claying a car is the first step in the "restorative process" for mildly oxidized or dirty paint, not the last. Follow up claybar with either a good scratch/swirl remover or if your paint is in really good shape, a good wax that will hide the micro scratches. To me, the trade off between the scratches and having truly clean paint to work with is well worth it.

[ViperTony]

If used properly, NO. I've used Claybar on my cars for a few years and never have a problem with scratches so long as you keep the claybar clean. This was a discussion about this not too long ago, Claybar, and I posted pics of my car and the process I follow to get it to shine. The process was actually developed by another member and I found it here on the forums. Clay is just one step. I can't emphasize that a thorough washing is needed before Clay. Get rid of any visible dirt, crap, etc. It's very important to keep the clay and surface well-lubricated.

If you're going to Silo Ridge this weekend, I'll show you the car and the process. The only mistake I made...I put way too much wax on the car, about 25 coats. The day of the Hamptons cruise, the wax melted!!!

[Newport Viper]

Seems like a dumb questions but I think it is legit. Since the clay bar is taking off the particals and keeps them in the bar, doesn't that mean that everytime you move the clay bar against you paint, it is scratching with fine lines and maybe even visible ones? Any help would be greatly appricated.

NO.

I have now seen hundreds of cars with my own eyes detailed out at Meguiar's in Irvine, CA. Never seen one have any problems with any marks from clay bars.

Go here to learn how to use it.

http://meguiarsonline.com/index.php

[ViperJoe]

Key is PLENTY of lube, rotate the clay, and when it gets "full" time for another bar. Griots's Garage sells a BIG size clay bay, twice as big as the competition.

[Man Of Steel]

Can you just shave the bar as you go?

Alright, to the tutorial I go.

[PatentLaw]

Many clay instructions will tell you to kneed it during the process, that way particles on the surface will be stuck in the middle of the bar and not further hurt the surface of the paint.

[Warren S]

Use a detail spray and fold the bar over occasionally. If you drop it on the ground, toss it away and grab a new one. Any dirt on the bar will render it useless. One bar should be able to do 3-4 cars.

Video instructions >>> www.adamspolishes.com/videos/clay_bar.cfm