How to use a clay bar or clay towel to prep your car for a ceramic coating
Using a clay bar or clay towel is an essential step in prepping your car for a ceramic coating. This process removes embedded contaminants from the paint, ensuring a smooth surface for the coating to adhere properly. Here's a detailed guide on how to incorporate a clay bar or clay towel into your car prep process:
Materials Needed:
Clay lubricant (Rinseless Wash Diluted 128:1) Dilution Ratio Calculator
Rinseless Wash My favorite out there. Works great, easy to use, smells good and is the answer to a lot of situations when a light cleaner is needed. I used it non stop.
Spray Bottle Need one of these to mix up your rinseless wash. Great quality for the money. Chemical resistant.
Wash mitt Online Store or Amazon High quality wash mitt that allows agitation of the soap removing dirt without damaging paint. Use light pressure. A Must Have
Clay Towel Great quality synthetic clay towel
Hose or pressure washer Check out my favorite pressure washers
Protective gloves These are a must when working with any chemicals. Protect you skin.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Start by thoroughly washing your car with a high quality car shampoo to remove loose dirt and grime. Rinse well and dry with a microfiber towel.
To ensure all iron particles and contaminants are removed, you can use an iron remover before claying. Spray the iron remover on the car's surface, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Park your car in a shaded area to prevent the clay lubricant from drying too quickly. Ensure your clay bar or clay towel is clean and pliable.
Liberally spray clay lubricant or detailing spray onto a small section of the car’s surface (about 2x2 feet). Lubrication is crucial to prevent the clay from sticking and causing damage to the paint.
Using the Clay Bar or Clay Towel:
Clay Bar:
Flatten the clay bar into a patty shape. Gently glide the clay bar over the lubricated area using light pressure and a back-and-forth motion. You should feel the clay picking up contaminants, and the surface will become smoother. Check the clay bar frequently for contaminants. Fold it to expose a clean section as needed.
Clay Towel:
Fold the clay towel into a manageable size. Gently glide the clay towel over the lubricated area using light pressure and a back-and-forth motion. Rinse the clay towel frequently in a bucket of water to remove picked-up contaminants.
After claying each section, wipe it down with a clean microfiber towel to remove any remaining lubricant and residue. Inspect the paint. It should feel smooth. If it still feels rough, repeat the process.
After claying the entire car, give it another quick wash to remove any remaining lubricant or residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber towel.
If your car’s paint has swirls, scratches, or other imperfections, now is the time to address them with a paint correction process using a dual-action polisher and appropriate polishing compounds.
Inspect the surface to ensure it is completely clean and smooth. Any remaining contaminants can interfere with the ceramic coating bonding process.
Tips for Using Clay Bar or Clay Towel:
Always use plenty of clay lubricant or detailing spray to ensure the clay glides smoothly and does not stick to the paint.
Work in small sections to ensure thorough cleaning and prevent the lubricant from drying out.
Regularly check the clay bar or towel for contaminants and fold or rinse as needed to expose a clean section.
Use light pressure to avoid scratching the paint.
By incorporating a clay bar or clay towel into your car prep routine, you'll ensure a contaminant-free surface, ready for the ceramic coating to bond effectively, providing maximum protection and shine.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if any of these links are not working properly Jeremy@HawaiiDetailing.com