How to Clay Bar Your Car (And Why It’s a Game Changer)
You’ve washed your car and it looks clean—but run your hand across the paint and you’ll still feel roughness. That’s contamination your wash couldn’t remove.
This is where claying comes in—and it’s a total game changer for shine, protection, and smoothness.
What Does a Clay Bar (or Mitt) Do?
Claying removes embedded contaminants like:
- ✅ Brake dust
- ✅ Tree sap and pollen
- ✅ Industrial fallout and road grime
- ✅ Water spots and overspray
These particles bond to the clear coat—and if left alone, they can cause paint damage or interfere with polishing and protection.
What You’ll Need
- The Super Soaper – High-foaming soap to prep the surface (Amazon)
- Clay bar or clay mitt (mitts are faster and easier)
- Clay lubricant or soap solution
- Everyday Microfiber Towels – For drying and wipe-down
How to Clay Bar Your Car (Step-by-Step)
- Wash Thoroughly: Use The Super Soaper to lift as much dirt as possible
- Rinse But Leave the Surface Wet: You’ll use this moisture as lubrication
- Apply Clay Lubricant: Mist a clay lube or soapy water onto a 2' x 2' section
- Glide the Clay Mitt/Bar Gently: Back and forth—no pressure needed
- Wipe with a Microfiber Towel: After claying each section, dry with a clean towel
How Do You Know It’s Working?
- Paint goes from rough to glass-smooth when you glide your hand over it
- The towel glides more easily when drying
- Your polish and protection apply easier and last longer
How Often Should You Clay Bar?
Every 3–6 months for daily drivers, or whenever the paint feels rough after washing. Avoid overuse—claying is mildly abrasive, so only do it when needed.
Pro Tip:
Follow claying with Picture Perfect Polish (Coming Soon) for defect removal, then lock it in with Tough As Shell.
Related Blog Posts
Watch our youtube video:
Washing alone won’t give you that glass-smooth feel or deep shine. Claying is the secret step most people skip—but once you do it, you’ll never go back.
Prep with The Super Soaper, clay the surface, and follow with polish or ceramic protection for paint that looks—and feels—perfect.
