Clay Bar / Claying
Quick answer: Claying is a mechanical decontamination step that uses a clay bar, mitt or pad with lubricant to lift bonded contamination from paint, so the surface is smooth and ready for polishing or protection.
What it means
A synthetic clay material is glided over well-lubricated paint to shear off contaminants that washing and chemicals leave behind, such as rail dust, overspray and tar specks. It improves surface smoothness but can induce light marring, so it is always followed by machine polishing before ceramic coatings or wax.
The tools for claying can come in the form of a malleable bar, similar to Blu-tack, or a rubberized pad or mitt.
Why it matters
- Adhesion: creates a clean, high-energy surface so coatings and films bond properly.
- Finish quality: reduces pad drag and random scratches during polishing.
- Consistency: evens water behaviour panel to panel once protected.
- Risk control: correct grade and lubrication minimise claying marring.
Where you’ll see it
Before paint correction and ceramic coating, during overspray removal, and as a follow-up to chemical decontamination on neglected finishes.
Context
Car Paint Protection; Prep & decontamination; Paint correction
Common mistakes
- Claying a dirty or dry panel, or using too much pressure that induces marring.
- Failing to keep the surface well lubricated or using the wrong lube.
- Not folding and exposing a clean face frequently, so grit is dragged across paint.
- Reusing a bar after it has been dropped on the floor.
- Using an aggressive clay on soft or delicate finishes when a fine grade would do.
- Claying matte or satin finishes, which can burnish the surface.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 07/11/2025 16:20