hi,
Just wondering, how many times can you really clay bar?
I mean i am aware that we should only clay bar our cars twice a year, but since the first time i clay bar'ed my car, it seems like everytime i wash it i want to clay bar it, just feels "cleaner" in my heart. So back to my question, is it ok/safe on the paint for me to clay bar it say every month or 2, just to make sure no particles bond themselves to my paint? Thanks

 

tentatively, I will say yes. make sure you are using
1) clean clay
2) good clay lube

I would go to DetailedImage.com and the "ask a professional" section. they give very timely and in-depth answers to all the questions you might have

 

You can clay every time you wash if you want to. However, since you have BO paint as I do, I'd not recommend it simply because even using clean clay and plenty of really slick lube, you will induce some micro marring that might be visible. Our paint finish is that soft and black really shows it. I have been detailing and took a close look at the surface before and after clay under 1500 watt halogens. It definitely leaves some marring on the paint even if you are gentle and use plenty of lube. Not a lot, but some. On lighter colors it would be almost impossible to notice but on darker ones you can.

How about trying 3 or 4 times a year?

 

It was crazy when I first got my BO, saw a bug or something on my door and flicked it off with my finger.

Left some scratches.

lol.

Stupid paint.

 

yeah our paint is SO soft. especially OB

 

chemical guys clay luber and clay bar is what I use twice a year..works like a charm..

 

Thanks for all th replies guys,, and yeah, mine is a BO, and yes, under a halogen light i can see a little marring, although that dun really bother me too much because i cant see it under normal lights, only when i shine it with my halogens. I guess i'll try to hold my urges and clay 3-4 times a year.

 

I typically only clay my car prior to polishing, which ends up being 2 - 3 times a year usually.

Here are some tips from our clay bar guide:
* If you drop a piece of clay, throw it away!
* Working in small areas helps make sure your clay lube will not dry up too fast
* Do not use too much pressure when gliding a clay bar across the lubricated surface
* Using a quick detailer that leaves behind a slick surface is often good as a clay bar lubricant
* For most vehicles, we recommend using a fine grade clay bar
* A medium grade clay bar will almost always leave behind some marring that needs to be polished to remove
* Optimum No Rinse mixed with water is a common clay bar lubricant amongst professionals
* You can often tell if there is contamination still on the surface by listening closely as your clay
* Avoid using a clay bar in direct sun light so that your clay lube does not dry up quickly
* Cutting your clay bar into small pieces helps preserve your clay in the event you drop a piece
* Always try to reshape your clay to expose a fresh, clean piece of clay
* When storing your clay bar, mist some of your clay lube in the bag or container to keep is soft and flexible
* It's good practice to re-wash your vehicle after using a clay bar to remove any loosened contamination and to remove excess clay bar residue
* Clay not only works well on your paint, but also your glass, wheels, plastics and other surfaces

For more clay information, check out this how-to properly clay article as well.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks George, your guides are where i learn most of the stuff about detailing from. Really appreciate the inputs, its generous people like you that sets the standards higher for everyone.

 

I love claying the car. One thing to note is you don't look at your car in special UV lights so why worry what it looks like in un-natural conditions. I know as a detail company it shows you did it right, but honestly 2 days later its' going to have dirty, and get scratched.

I'm not trying to bum people out but sometimes we worry about stuff that is really never going to stay "perfect".

 

You are depressing....
I guess it comes from owning a black car...

I'm sure it will be my turn soon

 

Haha, my BMW is black and I kick myself for it. That's what I get for wanting 1 of 3 335 MTs in the state in 2007.