Does clay bar wear down paint finish?

[Donaldw]

I see clay is somehow used in making vehicle look nice. When I think of clay I think of a mineral that is made of small particles which can abrade. Does it wear the finish to use a clay for polishing?

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[fossil]

I see clay is somehow used in making vehicle look nice. When I think of clay I think of a mineral that is made of small particles which can abrade. Does it wear the finish to use a clay for polishing?

Clay bar detailing is an effective means of removing the embedded particles from the clear coat. The clay encases and adheres to the tiny bits of debris and literally yanks them from the clear coat. If performed correctly, you can remove particles without leaving any traces on the clear coat.

Yes clay bar can damage finish is used incorrectly, do your research or avoid it.
use plenty of lube
use fine grade clay
wash and polish/wax after clay

 

[Maverickman74]

use plenty of lube

Always solid advice!

 

[Darnon]

Clay bar acts as an ultra fine wet sand. So, yes, technically it wears the paint to a very small (negligible) degree.

 

[Art Vandelay]

There are actually different grades of detailing clay bars. Most of the clay bars sold in auto parts stores are a fine grade and best for those new to using a detailing clay bar. They are sometimes also referred to as "Consumer grade". Those are safe to use and should not damage the paint unless you really don't use it correctly. There are more aggressive clay bars available and those can damage the paint and should only be used by those who know how to correctly use them.

 

[Scott Asheville]

Do be aware that the Maverick has very thin paint. If you search the forum, there was a very thorough discussion of Maverick paint by a professional detailer. I think that was about a year ago.

 

[Lane]

I've been using a clay bar on my vehicles for almost 30 years now. All the things it can remove from the top of your paint is amazing. Light rusted-on brake dust, harsh bug splats, even paint left behind by a door whack by another car. I won't wax a car unless I have the time & energy to clay it first to make sure it's the cleanest and smoothest finish possible before putting anything else on it.

 

[Exranger]

Use fine clay and lube as mentioned, minimal problems result. Watch some videos on techniques, back and forth, not circles. Try to avoid swirls. Wash car very well first and work in shade. I’ve been using clay since about 2000. First bars then pads and now clay microfiber cloth. Still have bars for wheels, use a little piece and throw away. Never mix wheel and paint stuff, keep separate.

 

[JBEN110]

Always solid advice!

especially use lots of lube for the tail gate

 

[710-oil-614]

Lots of good responses above already. I would say clay bar has the potential to wear the clear coat but with a finer clay bar and plenty of lube/moisture while going over your paint you should not cause any damage or wear.

I like the kits currently that use a ceramic spray to lubricate the body surface while clay barring. It isn't the only coat you need to apply but it starts the process. I'm 9 months in and my ceramic coating is still going strong.

I plan to clay bar again in late spring and will apply another ceramic coat for the next year.

 

[shadow76]

Lots of good responses above already. I would say clay bar has the potential to wear the clear coat but with a finer clay bar and plenty of lube/moisture while going over your paint you should not cause any damage or wear.

I like the kits currently that use a ceramic spray to lubricate the body surface while clay barring. It isn't the only coat you need to apply but it starts the process. I'm 9 months in and my ceramic coating is still going strong.

I plan to clay bar again in late spring and will apply another ceramic coat for the next year.

What product do you use for the ceramic coat?

 

[Optimus]

Clay bars are more about picking contaminants off that are stuck to your paint. Bars are not considered something to “sand” or smooth out the paint surface itself (beyond plucking out embedded contamination). Done incorrectly (not enough lube), yes, the bar can scratch the surface. And by that, I mean the contamination “bits” you already cleaned off will be more likely to cause scratches. You MUST use a lubricant when claybaring. Having said that, it’s very easy and quick, and in no way resembles sanding paint. Automotive clay feels very similar to “sculpy” modeling/hobby clay for making things like figurines.

 

[710-oil-614]

What product do you use for the ceramic coat?

I used Meguiars quick clay ceramic kit when I bought the maverick and because I had used the hybrid ceramic spray for the clay bar I used Mothers CMX (which isn't my preference).

I've found that for the price Adams Polishes - Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating advanced to be the most effective for the spend. A bottle runs around $40-45 and easily will cover the Maverick twice (so two years).

I don't think it is necessary to recoat every year but I do.

There are other products that claim to last for 5-7-10 years but since I like to clay bar once a year it doesn't bother me to reapply.

 

[Buggy Man]

I see clay is somehow used in making vehicle look nice. When I think of clay I think of a mineral that is made of small particles which can abrade. Does it wear the finish to use a clay for polishing?

I have used a clay bar (from GRIOT'S GARAGE*) on a couple of my classic cars. The clay bar, along with Speed Shine* (a lubricant)

is used to remove contaminates, that roughness you feel on the paint, from the vehicle. It leaves a glass smooth finish that is ready for wax or protectant.

 

[Dave O]

I clay barred and waxed my 2025 Lariat a few days after taking delivery - take your time and as others have said use plenty of lubricant

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