dak911

What is the latest thinking
So many clay bars available...which to use on a very good finish....?

Monetthecat

Before getting my cars ceramic coated and PPF'd I used Griots clay bar and loved it. Don't forget you need a lubricant like Speed Shine for the bar.

I have to admit it was oddly satisfying to see all the embedded contaminates that the clay bar picked up

iammacey

Do a decon wash first and then, if you're going to clay, Adam's is great. Or Griots, as mentioned already.

Scooby921

I've tried few different clays. Pinnacle ultra poly is my favorite. I also have used it with regular quick detailer as a lubricant and most recently with Dodo Juice Born Slippy as a clay-specific lube. Difference is noticeable. Use a proper clay lube for reduced friction and improved results.

Marine Blue

Be careful with clay if you don’t intend to polish afterwards. Clay can leave microscratches on the paint, at least that’s what I found with both Meguiars and Griots clays combined with quality quick detail spray for lubricant.

I typically get the paint as clean as possible without clay and then run my hands over the surface to determine if there are any contaminants. You can also do this by placing your fingers into a sandwhich bag and then running the bag over the paint. If the paint feels smooth you shouldn’t need to clay, if you feel any imperfections/bumps then clay will help.

I often spot clay areas like the front bumper, rear bumper and rockers which for my cars tend to be the worst offenders for buildup. Our cars don’t get parked under trees very often and I clean all our cars regularly so the tops don’t get contaminated as easily. Occasionally I do see metal dust which clay can remove but iron decon products work better and are not abrasive.

Envious Eric

Clay before polishing, polish after claying...they go hand in hand, never separate
https://www.detailedimage.com/wax.ph...1790/100-g-S1/

jas997

That sandwich bag is the true test to find any containments, that's for sure