Car decontamination clay is used to remove dust, dirt, industrial residues, acid rain and other contaminants from the exterior surface of your car. Also known as "decontamination," this process involves removing particles that stick to the clay that is rubbed into the car's surface. The clay bar is generally used on paint, but good results are also obtained on glass, fiberglass and metal. If done correctly, "decontamination" is not an abrasive action and will not damage your car.
Steps
Step 1. Wash and dry your car thoroughly to remove as much dust, debris and other contaminants as possible from its surface
Step 2. Cut the clay bar into three parts to make the best use of it
Step 3. Manipulate the clay in your hand until it becomes malleable
Ball it up and crush it in the shape of a circular disk with a thickness of about 2 centimeters.
Step 4. Sprinkle a generous amount of clay lubricant on an area of approximately 60cm by 60cm
Step 5. Gently slide the clay over the lubricated area in one continuous motion using as little pressure as possible
Add some lube if the clay tends to stick to the surface of the car as you try to slide it over it.
You should be able to feel and sense contaminants sticking to the clay as you slide it over the bodywork
Step 6. Fold the clay in half once it gets dirty, and shuffle it back on itself until you expose a clean area
Be sure to examine the clay periodically to avoid scrubbing any large particles, which may have stuck to the clay, thus scratching your car's paint as you slide the clay over it.
Step 7. Remove the clay lubricant with a soft microfiber cloth
The paint should now be as smooth as a sheet of glass. If not, repeat the operation again.
Step 8. Repeat the “decontamination” process, one area at a time, until the entire surface of the car has been treated
Lightly overlap the areas you are working on to make sure the entire surface has been cleaned.
Step 9. Apply a layer of wax or sealant, following the instructions on the package, to protect the paint from corrosion that could form inside the small crevices previously filled by contaminants before using the clay
Advice
- The decontaminating clay removes debris from the car surface, but will not remove any blemishes or scratches on your car's paint.
- Be careful not to drop the clay on the ground. If this happens, don't use that piece of clay, but get a new one instead, so that you don't run the risk of scrubbing the clay, contaminated by any debris from the ground, onto your car's bodywork.
- The use of a fine-grained clay bar is recommended. Other types of grit have a greater chance of damaging your car's paint.
- Treat cars that are parked outdoors more than 4 times a year with decontaminating clay. Cars that are generally stored in a garage can be treated once or twice a year.
