What is a Clay Bar Treatment?

A clay bar treatment is the safest and most effective way to remove embedded contaminates from your vehicle top surfaces such as paint and glass. You cannot see them most of the time, but you can surely feel them. They can make your paint feel really rough like sandpaper if it gets bad enough.

A Clay bar treatment will produce a very buttery smooth finish especially when combined with a protective wax, sealant or ceramic coating. And also by removing contaminants, your paint will reveal more of a shine that you didn't know it had.

What are Contaminants?

Simple put, it is microscopic particles such as rail dust, tree sap and paint overspray that have fallen and landed on your car and bonded deeply into the clear coat over time.

Is Clay Bar Necessary?

It is if you want to experience next level premium detailing service.

Cheap car washes or low cost "detailers" do not offer this level of service, and washing your car alone simply will not remove these contaminates. It takes experience, patience & the purchase of the detailing clay & lubricant.

Also, it is an absolutely 100% necessary step prior to any machine polishing if you want to avoid issues such as holograms, buffing trails & scratches. The paint MUST be properly deep cleaned with clay if you want desirable and frustrating free polishing experience.

But the fact is, if you are interested in maintaining your investment and its value by preventing damage to the paint that will reduce the trade in or private party value, then clay bar treatment is something you should think about doing at least every few years or as necessary.

Over time, harsh elements such as the extreme heat in Lakeland, Fl will cause these contaminates to burn and eat through the clear coat of your car if left on too long. Just like your typical bug guts and bird poop that ruin black cars here.

Is Clay Bar Safe? Will it Scratch my Paint?

It all depends on who is using the clay and what kind of vehicle you have.

The fact is, not all paint is the same. Just like not all DIY people or car detailing businesses are the same.

Some people try to DIY this service and accidently scratch and marr the clear coat on the paint, causing damage that may need to be machine polished out to be corrected. Sometimes paint such as soft black paint will require machine polishing after the treatment because not all vehicles respond well to a clay bar treatment. Some scratch easy, some do not. Its important to anylise and determine the risk vs reward on a case by case basis. Some vehicles after inspection actually do not require a clay bar treatment.

Find a Local Trusted Car Detailing Specialist!

Highlands Auto Detailing here in Lakeland, fl can handle your Clay Bar Treatment. We do this stuff every day for our happy customers either at your home, office, apartment via mobile service. Or, simply drop it off, we are here to convenience you.

Or you might ask, how do you Clay Bar?

In this short video, you will see Alan, the owner of Highlands Auto Detailing, clay barring a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax which was actually littered with contaminants believe it or not!

If you choose to DIY this project, its important to wash the car properly and thoroughly beforehand. Safely remove any loose dirt and debris that would potentially scratch the paint with the clay bar. There is many ways to wash a car, but make sure you are practicing safe techniques like the pro's wether by traditional soap, 2 bucket and hose, or a more superior rinse-less product like Optimum No Rinse by optimum polymer technologies. (A favorite of Highlands Auto Detailing). Regardless of choice, make sure you pre-rinse.

Choose a dedicated clay lubricant, and a clay media of your choice such as traditional clay, clay mitt or clay towel. Many companies sell these products, from Meguiars and Mothers to optimum polymer technologies. Amazon or the retail stores have a lot of options. Choosing professional grade products is a wise choice to minimize risk of damage.

Pre spray panel and clay one panel at a time. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning clay media and knowing when to discard it before you damage it.

If using traditional clay bar, knead the clay often to trap and hide the captured contaminates. You will see them on your clay if the panel is contaminated and you will definitely feel them like grittiness on the paint.

Keep clay barring until the panel feels smooth and the clay glides effortlessly, then your done! Dry with premium microfiber towel and move to the next panel.