How many uses should one expect out of the Clay kit? The one time I've used it I used up all the clay and most of the Detailer. Is this normal?

Using all the detailer is common, they don't give you that much to start with. I generally get three or more cars from one bar of clay but it certainly depends on how bad they are. Did you cut the clay in thirds or just wad up the whole bar and use it?

Is it better to cut it up into pieces or wad the whole thing up. I got 2 little bricks of clay and used only one. The one brick/piece I used is still good, I think. But I didn't break it up, I just wadded it over and over. Is that good or bad?

Most people cut it up into pieces just incase they drop one then they have back up. If you drop a piece its garbage. Its just good practice for a just in case senerio.

Is it better to cut it up into pieces or wad the whole thing up. I got 2 little bricks of clay and used only one. The one brick/piece I used is still good, I think. But I didn't break it up, I just wadded it over and over. Is that good or bad?



Cut it
clay panel
inspect clay
pick out contaminants
knead clay so exposed surface of clay is clean
Clay some more

How many uses should one expect out of the Clay kit? The one time I've used it I used up all the clay and most of the Detailer. Is this normal?

Depends on how much contamination is on vehicle.. I have gotten many uses from one bar and I have also gotten one use from a bar.. When the clay is dirty and when you knead it you cannot expose clean clay, you are at risk of inducing damage to your clear coat and it is time to trash the bar

As for the lube, I use TONS of lube... The lube that comes with the clay bar kit you pruchased is not even enough for me to do 1 vehicle

Thanks MCH. I think I will just stick with one bar, one use. I know it's probably a waste if the car isn't bad, but I guess I will just be over cautious.

Thanks MCH. I think I will just stick with one bar, one use. I know it's probably a waste if the car isn't bad, but I guess I will just be over cautious.

Let me clarify, the car I only got one use out of was in HORRIBLE SHAPE.. MAJOR contamination as it was parked next to a rail yard.

99.99% of the time I get multiple uses of one bar. I always cut my bars into thirds... If you can't see contamination in the bar you are good.. BUT if you are only doing this once a year and dont mind dropping the coin and want to be overly cautios I understand, especially considering that I am more than likely going to polish out any marring I may cause and that is not an option for most

I sometimes cut the bar up. Just depends on how bad the surface is.

I almost never use the detailer spray stuff that comes in a kit. I use a strong mix of car wash soap in a wash bucket. Works great for me. Then I can use the detailer for spot clean ups on the waxed car.

And in the oldin days we used modeling clays bought at art stores to clay cars out. Clay seems to go up about 1000% when you put automotive on the package.

I always cut the bar in 3 pieces......no matter how often you use clay you're going to drop it on occasion, it happens. When I was introduced to clay in 1996 a bar weighed a pound and was $20! To my recollection only once have I had to use an entire bar. I had written about that car here before. A white Cavalier that hadn't been washed in two years, it also required dish soap so I could see what color it was supposed to be :lmao:

Alright thanks for the info everyone. I was tearing the Meguiar's bar into sixths and found I was picking up a lot of very small contaminants that would have been impossible to pick out. I doubt the car had ever been clay barred in its life so it is possible that next time around It'll require less.

And in the oldin days we used modeling clays bought at art stores to clay cars out. Clay seems to go up about 1000% when you put automotive on the package.

Thats a good idea. Paying $20 for a little bar seems like alot. Do all the detail guru's agree that the art store clay is ok to use on a car?

i'm a little confused but, if the bar bcomes dirty and you've been mixing it it around alot, it is bad and you'll have to throw it away?

i'm a little confused but, if the bar bcomes dirty and you've been mixing it it around alot, it is bad and you'll have to throw it away?
Yup, if you can't get a clean surface by kneading it, it's done.

How malleable is clay? I cut a 6oz bar into tenths and had a tough time kneading, rolling, stretching the clay .. it might have been because it was 40 degrees out .. would microwaving the clay for a few seconds help or hurt?

i'm a little confused but, if the bar bcomes dirty and you've been mixing it it around alot, it is bad and you'll have to throw it away?

You can still use it on glass but it's done for paint.

Can clay be used on any surface?

Like what? It wouldn't do much good on roofing shingles so narrow it down for us.

Like what? It wouldn't do much good on roofing shingles so narrow it down for us.

I'm thinking plastic wheel covers, glass, dare I say chrome?

Yes, it will do well on those surfaces.

Any special procedures with regards to claying the chrome or should I just treat it like I would the paint?

Would my 08 benefit from the claybar or would it be more hurt than help?

I've read on a few sites on the benefits of clay. I'm just concerned that it will be a waste of time or damaging to newer paint.

You should clay a new car, alot of cars come off the lot needing to be clayed.

Would my 08 benefit from the claybar or would it be more hurt than help?

I've read on a few sites on the benefits of clay. I'm just concerned that it will be a waste of time or damaging to newer paint.


After you wash your car, put your hand in a platic sandwich baf. Gently glide your plastic wrapped hand over your paint. If it feels smooth, clay is NOT needed. If you feel rough, raised areas, you could benefit from using a clay bar

Anybody know if clay is sold separately? (And how much??) I just got a Mother's kit and it came with a little bottle of wax. I don't want to have to pay for the wax each time I just need more clay. I believe the Meguiar's kit didn't come with the wax, but it was more expensive at this particular auto store (Advanced Auto).

Autogeek sells clay "individually." I picked up 200 grams of Wolfgang's clay when they had it buy-one-get-one-free a few months ago.

I use the Clay Magic it comes with the clay and detailer and I pay $9.00 at Autozone.