Can claybar hurt clearcoat?

mfstout · 04-04-2008, 11:44 AM

Guys, I know this is somewhere in here, but if I hire a pro detailer to do a first claybar on my new black Bimmer, is it safe to assume that this will not harm the clearcoat? Sorry to ask, but the car is about to be delivered and I'm paranoid about the clearcoat. Thanks for the amazing advice here.

m

L~R~G nor cal · 04-04-2008, 11:51 AM

I would not worry about it. Clay baring is one of the easiest parts of detailing a car. The only thing I would watch for is the type of clay he is using. If you are not going to polish you need to have him use light duty clay, for heavy duty clays can mar the paint and need polishing to correct. Also make sure he is a reputable detailer and has some expensive cars under his sleeves.

mfstout · 04-04-2008, 02:59 PM

Got it. Thanks much! Car will be here Monday!!!

pander5 · 04-04-2008, 03:10 PM

It isn't as much clay hurting the clearcoat as it is the debris it picks up and remaining in the surface of the clay and being rubbed across your paint. A "pro" should know how to use clay and to keep a clean side on the paint as much as possible.

LRG offers a good point also i.e. if you are NOT going to buff and polish after the clay it may be better to ask them to use a milder clay to avoid any problems that could be encountered due to agressive clay and friction.

E nine T · 04-04-2008, 04:47 PM

Use a massive amount of quik detailer/clay lube and you shouldnt have a problem, and make sure that you continually monitor the clay so you can flip it over when it becomes contaminated. I really like the method that cuts the clay bar into many small pieces so you can have a piece or two per panel.

orionredwing · 04-04-2008, 06:23 PM

<post moved to new thread> sorry, realized I went off-topic as soon as i posted.

BYAW · 04-05-2008, 06:01 PM

shouldn't hurt your clear coat at all unless your clay bar is filled with contaminants. just be sure to always fold over the clay after a panel you are working on and use a quick detailer or provide "clay lube" that came with the kit. I often clay after washing the car as its already very wet.

04-04-2008, 11:44 AM	#1
mfstout Lieutenant 22 Rep 429 Posts Drives: e92 328i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Can claybar hurt clearcoat? Guys, I know this is somewhere in here, but if I hire a pro detailer to do a first claybar on my new black Bimmer, is it safe to assume that this will not harm the clearcoat? Sorry to ask, but the car is about to be delivered and I'm paranoid about the clearcoat. Thanks for the amazing advice here. m Last edited by mfstout; 04-04-2008 at 11:44 AM.. Reason: spelling
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04-04-2008, 11:51 AM	#2
L~R~G nor cal Perfection Is In The Details 70 Rep 1,044 Posts Drives: 06 E90 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I would not worry about it. Clay baring is one of the easiest parts of detailing a car. The only thing I would watch for is the type of clay he is using. If you are not going to polish you need to have him use light duty clay, for heavy duty clays can mar the paint and need polishing to correct. Also make sure he is a reputable detailer and has some expensive cars under his sleeves. __________________ 2006 E90 SG-Dinan Ram Air Intake-Dinan Throttle Body-Dinan Exhaust-19' Hyperblack CSL's-15/5 tint-Matte Black Grills-M3 Spoiler Lip-Amber Delete-Smoke Side Signals
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04-04-2008, 02:59 PM	#3
mfstout Lieutenant 22 Rep 429 Posts Drives: e92 328i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Got it. Thanks much! Car will be here Monday!!!
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04-04-2008, 03:10 PM	#4
pander5 Special Forces - Discretion is superior 32 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Sapphire Black Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	It isn't as much clay hurting the clearcoat as it is the debris it picks up and remaining in the surface of the clay and being rubbed across your paint. A "pro" should know how to use clay and to keep a clean side on the paint as much as possible. LRG offers a good point also i.e. if you are NOT going to buff and polish after the clay it may be better to ask them to use a milder clay to avoid any problems that could be encountered due to agressive clay and friction. __________________ M3 + trailer hitch = oxymoron
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04-04-2008, 04:47 PM	#5
E nine T Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 231 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Use a massive amount of quik detailer/clay lube and you shouldnt have a problem, and make sure that you continually monitor the clay so you can flip it over when it becomes contaminated. I really like the method that cuts the clay bar into many small pieces so you can have a piece or two per panel.
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04-04-2008, 06:23 PM	#6
orionredwing Captain 111 Rep 728 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan, 135i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [10.00]	<post moved to new thread> sorry, realized I went off-topic as soon as i posted. __________________ PROcede \| AMS FMIC \| AR Catless DPs \| AR Oil Cooler \| BMS DCI Wavetrac LSD \| KW V3 w/ Swift Springs \| M3 Front Suspension Last edited by orionredwing; 04-04-2008 at 07:07 PM..
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04-05-2008, 06:01 PM	#7
BYAW Enlisted Member 0 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 330ci, soon to drive 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	shouldn't hurt your clear coat at all unless your clay bar is filled with contaminants. just be sure to always fold over the clay after a panel you are working on and use a quick detailer or provide "clay lube" that came with the kit. I often clay after washing the car as its already very wet.
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