Or should that be "claybar anyone?"

In theory it all seems smoke, mirrors and witchcraft, but it works!

Just wondered how many others out there claybar their x308 from time to time?


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Part of standard detailing kit, really. I try to do it at least a few times a year, just to get rid of any extra contaminants that stick. It's a great feeling to be able to run your hand over a glass-smooth surface.

 

Used to do it once a month as I drove a basically new car. With the shabuar, I doubt I'll ever do it

 

Bump ,

Does it come in different grits and is it a short term solution to small area clearcoat flaking with a different form of edge feathering ? Already stripped all the wax off with harsh soap and will be soon taking care of parking lot discrepancies .

 

Hi,
just did it for the first time when I polished and sealed the lacquer. Was impressed how much more fine dirt the claybar removed even if the clearcoat was already washed very thoroughly.
From now on I'll claybar on a regular basis (1-2 times/year) as pre-treatment to the detailing process.

 

No. It's not an abrasive, it is a soft "putty" to be used after washing the car, that when rubbed gently over good paint surface with the help of the provided lubricant (a little window cleaner or just lightly soapy water works fine), it removes fine grit and dirt that is "embedded" in the paint and not apparent to the eye. This give the paint a smooth glass-like finish, and when wax is then applied the results are quite amazing.


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I've used the clay bar for years, albeit only on an annual basis. It deep cleans the paint of built-up contaminants, like tree sap, tar, water spots and the everyday industrial particles that stick to the paint.
It's time-consuming, but not heavy work. I always apply a good grade of wax when I'm done claying.

They make fancy kits, but I just bought this kit off Amazon. The clay bars last for years.

 

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Baxter, I use the same Meguiars kit, from Walmart. As you say, the claybars last for years, especially when only used two or three times a year.




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Hi Carnival Kid,

I claybar too, and am remiss in not having done our X308 yet - the claybar kit is in the trunk just waiting. Your outstanding results have inspired me to try to get it done soon now that nice weather is here again.

I love deep reds on Jaguars and yours is drop-dead gorgeous!

Cheers,

Don

 

Yes, once a year, usually about this time, just before the annual local British Car show which is as good an excuse as any to do a serious detail. Afraid I'm going to miss it this year tho.

 

Don B, thank you for your compliment, and I am more than pleased to have inspired you to get that claybar kit out of the trunk and put to use!



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For those who aren't sure about claybaring...

I did a few years back, as I was still driving my Volvo C30, a video of before and after claybaring... The roof and little spoiler have been claybared. The side panel hadn't yet been done. You can hear the difference! Then of course feel it...

 

You're all making me feel bad for not having done this on my Jag yet too!
I've had a Mothers clay bar kit for a couple of years now, and have done my partners Audi a couple of times, as it lives outside and needs a thorough clean more often, followed obviously by a good coat of Autoglym polish.

I actually did all of the windows of the Jag the other weekend, but haven't got around to doing the paint yet.

 

Its a lot of work.........BUT ITS UNREAL WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DONE!
If you have a bad paint job, you will know very fast, once clay barred and waxed, the car is a mirror.
Great great product.
GTJOEY1314

 

Yes I too use the Mother's or Meguiar's clay kit before I hit it w/ a good polish or carnauba wax. Really important now as I recently had paintwork done & I want everything on an even keel w/ the same protection regardless of it's age.

Mine's due now actually.

 

Did a thorough wash/claybar/wax a week or so ago. Works pretty damn well, helps the wax stick a little better and longer. And the glassy smooth feeling even before the waxing is great. Too bad most of the visible damage to my clear coat is below the surface

I also managed to drop one of my clay bars on the ground while doing that. They'll last a long time otherwise but that's straight to the trash for that one...

 

This looks like a good deal.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-38070-Cl...-/162240461139

 

It does compared to the price of the stuff I use. I'll try it as I'm running low.

Took my Mum to a farm auction a couple of summers ago, and parked under a Sycamore tree. Didn't notice the tree sap droppings from aphids until a few days later. Roof, bonnet and trunk lid covered with amber glass like dots.

I tried washing and it didn't budge, so nipped round to the local motorfactors and asked what they use. Claybar....I bought their Autoglym clay kit which is a bottle of rapid detailer and the bar itself. It's another step in a full detail and lifts stuff like tar and bugs, along with sharp stuff stuck in the paint, it's not required every wash but certainly a couple of times a year if the car is used regularly.

After washing and rinsing, a test to see if the paint needs claying - throw a microfibre cloth along the panels, if it catches, it needs it.

 

It does work ... I use rejex after.

Also like to use the spray detail and wax products -- they really work ..

The spray wax w/ some water will film all the areas of a car not easy to get to .

 

Yes, I use clay bar on all my cars. Usually 2-3 times a year max. That and keeping you car waxed and in a garage make a world of difference on how the paints looks after many years.

Actually, I started with clay bar when we lived in Kansas City. I had bought my XJR and it was my daily drive. Joined the Hear of America Jaguar Club. Great bunch of people and we organised a Concours d’elegance every year. So getting my car ready for the Concour got me clay-barring and have done so on my other (classic) cars too.

Jeroen