CLAY BAR

These products lift contaminants to leave a perfect surface for wax

“To find the best clay bar we tackled a neglected bonnet twice, with limited wiping”

REMOVING grime you can’t see may not appeal to every driver, but if you are to make the most of a wax or paint sealant it’s an essential job. Clay bars lift away the particles and contaminants embedded in paint even after the most thorough of washes. You may not be able to see them, but you can certainly feel them. Put a finger inside a plastic bag and run it over the paintwork. If it feels like sandpaper, it needs claying.

There is a wide range of clay bars on sale, from mainstream brands to detailing specialists. To find the best we tackled a neglected bonnet twice using any supplied lubricant, with limited wiping, assessing the finish after each go. We also considered whether water could be used as a lubricant and if there was storage for unused clay.

“Clay bars lift away particles embedded in paint even after the most thorough of washes”