Top 10 Best Clay Bars [2021]
Many motorists firmly believe that a clean car performs better than a dirty one. While there is only anecdotal evidence from which to draw a conclusion on this, there is no denying that a clean car is worth more at the time of trade-in or when you pull up to the curb for your Tinder date.
If washing and waxing are the basics, then using a clay bar detailing can be considered extra credit. These rectangular sticks of joy are designed to glide across your car’s paint, picking up all the small particles that have built up on its surface over time. Airborne particles, pollution, tree sap – all of these things conspire to ruin the paint and make your car look like something from Mad Max.
Maintaining the appearance of your car properly means that you have to do a little more than your typical washing and waxing job. If you want to take your car’s shine to another level, or if you just want to restore your old car’s paint, a clay bar detailing treatment is a good step to do so. But what is a car clay treatment and is it true that it can remove scratches from your car paint?
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Best
Value
Mothers 07240 California Gold Clay Bar System
4.610,675 reviews
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Editors
Choice
Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit
4.61,250 reviews
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Chemical Guys Light Duty Clay Bar
4.79,527 reviews
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Senrokes Clay Bar
4.5934 reviews
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Griots Garage Paint Cleaning Clay
4.71,059 reviews
| Mothers 07240 California Gold Clay Bar System | Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit | Chemical Guys Light Duty Clay Bar | Senrokes Clay Bar | Griot’s Garage Paint Cleaning Clay |
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Best |
Editors
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4.6
10,675 reviews |
4.6
1,250 reviews |
4.7
9,527 reviews |
4.5
934 reviews |
4.7
1,059 reviews |
 Check price |
Check price |
Check price |
Check price |
Check price |
Top 10 Best Clay Bars
Mothers 07240 California Gold Clay Bar System
Check the current price-
PROS
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Removes embedded grains of metal, tree saps, and paint overspray
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More pliable and not as stiff as other clays
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Safe to use on all types of paint, including clearcoats
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CONS
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Lubricant is sold separately
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10,675 reviews
Mothers California Gold Value Suit is one of the most popular suits today. You will get quality items, including two clay bars, a lubricator for instant parts, and a microfiber cloth. The system is designed to remove sap and stubborn metal particles. Excess paint and other environmental debris in the air.
One of the advantages of this system is that the paint is not dangerous, and you will like that the rod is strong enough to hold any dirt without corroding your vehicle. Two of them, 100 grams each, that’s a lot.
You have heard of professional beauticians, bodybuilders, and car enthusiasts talking about their working conditions. Now use the clay block that everyone needs. This unique clay bar detailing system is designed to remove particles and dirt that cannot be cleaned or polished. It can remove embedded metal particles, tree sap, air debris, and excess paint. In addition, the clay block is not dangerous to paint, it is difficult to collect bad things, but it is not too aggressive. Use Mothers Clay Bar to remove paint dirt and prepare for adequate waxing.
Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit
Quick car claying
Smooth glass finish
Better wax protection
Safe to use and no toxic chemicals or additives
Chemical Guys Light Duty Clay Bar
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PROS
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Leaves the surface silky smooth with a mirror-like smooth finish
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Capable of removing contaminants, such as bugs, tar, rail dust, and overspray
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Very popular and highly-respected brand
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CONS
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Could leave scratches if instructions are not followed properly
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9,527 reviews
The Chemical Guys premium clay bars and lubricant kits can easily and safely remove stubborn stains that are difficult to remove. The light blue bar from Chemical Guys can safely and effectively remove dirt without wiping the surface hard. Strong friction often leads to scratches and surface damage.
Luber Hi-Lubricity lubricant is specially formulated to increase lubricity and reduce friction. Luber lubricates the varnish and provides a smooth, non-stick surface to make the clay glide easily and smoothly. Clay lubrication. Combine real clay bar detailing with your daily cleaning for optimal performance and durability.
Senrokes Clay Bar
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PROS
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Clay bar made of high quality and unique clay material
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Easy and convenient to use
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Powerful function and wide range of application
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CONS
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Be careful not to be stored below zero and away from children.
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934 reviews
The clay block kit has a unique function. It can remove volatile paint from the car’s surface, quickly remove stains, fine scratches, etc. on the surface of the car body, as well as restore smoothness and gloss. Remove stains on the window glass, such as glue. Bring a new look and experience to your car.
Wax is usually used as a protective measure to seal the painted surface. The secret is to use clay bars, no matter how hard you work if you don’t use clay to deep-clean your car, you may not be able to make the car shine like new.
Griots Garage Paint Cleaning Clay
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PROS
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Removes sap, bird droppings, and other contaminants
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Leaves paint completely smooth
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Regular use helps prevent oxidation
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Allows for more effective polishing and waxing
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CONS
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Kind of expensive for such a small content
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1,059 reviews
No matter how clean you think the paint is, dirt will still remain on it. What many enthusiasts don’t realize is that polishing can repair blemishes, while clay can remove the roughness that can be felt on the fingertips. Check for defects and see if polishing or waxing is required in the next step. Glows so that the clay slides evenly on the surface. When the bar gets dirty, knead it a bit and turn it into another fresh burger.
The spraying speed is to apply gloss on the surface of the clay block. Without applying pressure, carefully mark a clean tone of paint on the painted surface. After several passes, check the clay surface for dirt and wipe off the excess Speed Shine.
Adams Medium Grade Clay Bar Jar Kit
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PROS
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Super soft material for car detailing
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Removes moderate contamination with ease
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Flexible for a tight spot
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CONS
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Not recommended for heavy-duty car detailing
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497 reviews
Ultra-soft and medium-soft materials for automotive parts: There are two 100-gram bars in the jar, designed to handle the smallest particles. Adam’s medium-weight clay material will keep your paintings always soft, smooth, and ready to paint. Your choice of protection.
Easily remove medium dirt and grime before using Adam’s clay parting tool, make sure to machine wash or keep a clean exterior. Medium-weight clay is ideal for quick and easy disinfection before waxing, sealing, or polishing. Before finishing the ceramic coating.
WildAuto Car Detailing Clay Bar
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PROS
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Extensive and flexible
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Soft and smooth when wet
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Reusable
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CONS
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The clay hardens as temperature drops
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1,089 reviews
WildAuto Magic Clean Clay Bar detailing is made of microfiber, which is tough hard gelatin with many small pores. It can be kneaded in many ways, but it cannot be loosened. Will not damage the paint. Effectively clean and absorb dirt on painted surfaces; adapt to different surfaces, such as paint, glass, and chrome.
Each clay stick weighs 100 grams (2 packs). It can be used to clean all kinds of vehicles, windows, floors, mirrors, etc., dry naturally after use, and wrap it in clean plastic wrap or plastic bags. Don’t throw it on the floor to collect dust. When the temperature drops, the clay blocks will harden. Please soften the clay block with warm water before use. Before using clean clay, please clean the sand and sprinkle bleach and water while cleaning your body.
Chemical Guys Medium Clay Bar
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PROS
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Flex-Clay Technology
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Removes contamination, overspray, and pollution
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Works on paintwork, glass, plastic, and metal surfaces
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CONS
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May not be reusable
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9,527 reviews
Chemical Guys Medium Clay Bar is the safest and most effective way to remove vehicle paint stains. Flex-Clay technology can easily remove light overspray, track dust, brake dust, dirt, and debris to get a smooth glass feel. The elastic gray detailed clay removes medium to coarse dirt like a magnet. Advanced Medium Clay Bar detailing is designed to clean vehicles with years of dirt and heavy dirt. Medium Clay Bar is ideal for coloring, glass and other surfaces, plastics, and metals. The stick safely removes excess spatter and dirt without damaging the surface.
Perfect for removing stains before applying your favorite carnauba wax or paint layer. Chemical Guys medium-sized clay rods are non-abrasive and can be safely used on aluminum, chromium, fiberglass, and all painted surfaces. Use the Chemical Guys medium-sized clay bar detailing to bring an elegant feeling to any car, truck, motorcycle, house, or boat.
Newruiheng Car Clay Bar
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PROS
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Value for money
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Easy to use and non-toxic
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Makes car shine
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CONS
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Improper use may lead to scratches
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203 reviews
The Newruiheng clay cleaner is made of high-quality ultra-fine fibers and unique clay materials, which are made through repeated processing. With stickiness and decontamination properties, as well as a smooth and smooth texture, your car paint will feel smooth and sleek without damaging the paint on the surface of the car body. Contains 3 packs of 100 grams of magical personalized car clay cleaning sticks, making cleaning easier and more effective. It is the best choice for personal use and gifts.
After using the car clay stick, dry it naturally, and then wrap it in a clean plastic wrap or plastic bag to keep it fresh. You can use them next time. If it gets dirty, be careful not to drop it on the floor.
Swpeet Detailing Car Clay Bar
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PROS
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High-quality and cheap
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Easy to use and handy
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CONS
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Improper use may lead to scratches on the car’s surface
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976 reviews
The Swpeet can remove various types of foreign materials, such as rust, grease, dead insect pollution, excessive spraying, etc. It can be used on many parts of the body, such as mirrors, bumpers, etc. Make cleaning easier, more effective, and safer.
Store in a cool, dry place. If the clay block gets dirty or drips the clay on the floor, please replace it. To avoid scratching the car, use it correctly.
Guide to buying the best car clay bar
Despite being a relatively simple product, there is a wide variety of options, and also prices.
For this reason, we have prepared this buying guide to review some of the characteristics to take into account when choosing the product. Looking for the best clay bar kit for cars or are you more interested in finding the best clay bar kit for detailing?
In any case, we are going to review some of the characteristics that must be taken into account when buying one of these products. We’ll also look at the best way to use your new clay bar and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these useful little tools.
Things to consider when buying clay bars for cars
As we have said, these products are charming and simple and that is part of their appeal. But as with any product, each one is going to have a slightly different design, and each design will bring – or omit – different features. So when you go shopping, keep in mind:
- The color
It may just be one thing that bothers us since no one else seems to care much (this is not the first time this has happened), but we believe that the color of the bar is something you should take into account. It stands to reason that a lighter colored bar, whether white or gray, shows dirt better, allowing you to see when a part of the bodywork is completely clean. But most manufacturers make them blue, so it probably doesn’t matter too much.
- Lubrication
Never use a clay bar on a dry surface, it has to be lubricated with something, otherwise, it could damage the paint. High-quality products often specify a lubricant or detail spray to be used, and the best bar kits come with a high-quality spray. However, some other clay car bars, usually the most basic ones, work well with plain water or soap.
- Size
Don’t worry about the size or shape of the bar in terms of how it will feel in your hand, you will be ripping pieces off the bar anyway. You just have to take into account the size of the bar in terms of global value. 100g is the medium size and gives enough clay to thoroughly clean an average car a few times.
What does a clay bar treatment do?
A clay bar treatment is when a lump of clay is used to remove contaminants from the surface of your car’s paint. Although you may not be able to see all contaminants with the naked eye, there is a lot of dirt and dust that have a handy way of sticking to your car’s paint while driving.
Although you can wash and wax your car regularly, many of those pollutants can stay there and even build up over time. In that case, a clay bar treatment can remove all that buildup and keep the paint looking much cleaner afterward.
How does the clay bar process work?
There are many clay bar treatments on the market today, however, they all follow the same basic process when it comes to their application. Most clay bar kits come with a clay bar and some type of synthetic lubricant to move the bar around the paint on your car.
As for the actual clay bar process, here are the basic steps you need to follow:
- Wash and dry your car thoroughly.
- Remove the clay bar and separate it into halves or quarters (you won’t need all of it).
- Work the clay with your fingers and make a small, flat disk out of it.
- Pick a small section of your car to work on first (hood, fenders, etc.).
- Spray the section generously with a quick detailer or clay lubricant.
- Lightly slide the clay over the lubricated surface in a back and forth motion.
- Wipe off excess spray detailing with a microfiber towel.
- Fold the clay over itself and work with your hand to flatten it and reveal a cleaner part.
- Continue the same process until the rest of the car is covered.
- Be sure to wax, polish, or ceramic coat your car paint afterward for added protection
Just remember that if you end up dumping the clay on the ground or placing it in a dirty area, you will have to throw it away and use a new, clean piece. Dirt that can stick to the clay could end up scratching your car.
Why choose clay bars for cleaning your car?
You should choose a clay bar for one of the best reasons out there – it works! As we mentioned in our introduction at the beginning of this article, clay car bars have been part of the arsenal of professional car detailing shops for a long, long time. Professionals use them because they know they are very effective, and now you know it too.
An automotive clay bar will address all surface restraints that remain even after a thorough cleaning and washing of the body. So we are talking about
- Overspray
- Brake dust
- Industrial contamination
- Tree sap
- Oil and tar stains
A normal car cleaning will not touch these restraints, not even with something powerful like a foam cannon. A clay bar can address these imperfections without causing any damage to the paint surface, making it an extremely effective cleaning aid – which is why you should choose a clay bar for detailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a clay bar?
It is a resin composite bar, specially designed to be effective in lifting the surface content of the car paint.
It is almost always a synthetic clay, although there are some natural products available (and they are incredibly expensive. Is using a clay bar needed in your car? No, it’s not).
Can clay bars scratch my car?
They can, but if used correctly they won’t. Just remember to throw away any clay that falls to the ground. Also, avoid hard clay car bars. They are especially abrasive, and should only be used by professionals. All of the car clay bars on this list are medium grain or softer, so don’t worry about that.
Can they be used on car windows?
Yes, but only if the product specifies it. As we have said before, some car clay bars are more abrasive and should not be used on glass. But the bar should indicate, either in the instructions or in the details of the product when you buy it, the surfaces on which it can be used safely.
How can I clean my clay bar?
It doesn’t. A piece is torn off and shaped into a cake, cleaned until dirty, and folded over on itself as if a piece of dough were being kneaded. In this way, a fresh and clean surface is obtained. Once you’ve folded the cake in on itself several times and it starts to get dirty each time, toss it and tear a new piece of the bar.
Do I need a clay bar if I have Ibex protection?
Since Ibex is essentially a paint sealer, it should be safe to use a clay bar as the clay only seeks to pick up the restraints on the surface. However, you should check with your dealer or workshop before proceeding to make sure.
Can a clay bar treatment remove scratches from your car paint?
While using a clay bar treatment can remove contaminants such as bird droppings, tree sap, excess paint, and brake dust, it cannot remove actual paint scratches because it does not contain abrasives. To remove scratches, you would need to use a scratch remover or some type of rubbing compound.
Are there any alternatives to clay bars
While there are many professional clay bar detailing treatments to choose from online or at your local auto parts store, there is also the option of using a clay bar detailing alternative. A specific alternative is Mothers Speed Clay 2.0 , which uses a special polymer blend that can be used with a fast-detail lubricant or even soapy water. Mothers Speed Clay It is also more ergonomic and larger than the clay pieces you would normally use, making your car clay much easier and faster. There are many clay bar your car can get but this is the best alternative so far.
Conclusion
Clay bars are some of the most important things needed to keep the vehicle clean and error-free, and choosing the right stop for your vehicle does not require much work. All you have to do is check out the highlights in our buying guide above, including the surface finish, lubricity, and ease of use in the vehicle. And according to our summary of recommendations, it won’t take long to find the best clay bars, because now you should have an idea of the brand and model you want to buy.
