Clay Mitt vs Clay Bar – Which One Should You Use and Why?
Not sure whether to use a clay mitt or a clay bar when detailing your car? Here’s everything you need to know—plus my personal recommendation.
Claying your car is one of the most important steps in achieving smooth, clean, and contaminant-free paint. But what’s the best way to do it? Should you stick with the traditional clay bar or upgrade to a modern clay mitt?
In this video, I break down the pros and cons of each method, what I personally use today, and how to get the best results no matter which one you choose:
Why Claying Matters
Even after a good wash, your paint can still feel rough. That’s because it’s holding on to bonded contaminants—things like overspray, rail dust, tree sap, and fallout.
Claying is the only way to safely remove those particles and get your paint feeling like glass again. It also sets the stage for polishing and protection.
Clay Bar: The Traditional Option
- Great for small areas and spot work
- More aggressive depending on grade
- Single-use—if dropped, you have to throw it away
Clay Mitt: The Faster, Safer Upgrade
- Reusable and much faster to work with
- Less risk of marring when used correctly
- Easier for large vehicles or full-body claying
Pro tip: The clay mitt shines when paired with a high-lubricity pre-wash foam like The Super Soaper. That combo makes the mitt glide effortlessly without scratching the surface.
My Exact Claying Process
- Pre-rinse the car
- Foam with The Super Soaper
- Let it dwell, then use a clay mitt to gently glide over panels
- Rinse and dry with a clean microfiber towel
- Follow up with Picture Perfect Polish if needed
- Seal the surface with Tough As Shell or Gloss Boss
When a Clay Bar Still Makes Sense
Clay bars still have their place—especially for:
- Heavily contaminated areas
- Small spot cleanups
- Situations where you need more precise control
But for 95% of jobs, I reach for the mitt. It saves time, lasts longer, and gets me where I need to go faster.
Ready to Clay the Right Way?
Pair a quality clay mitt with the right prep soap and ceramic protection for a smooth, glossy finish every time.
