How long does clay last?
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From: San Diego, CA
How long does clay last?
How long is it safe to use the same bar of clay? I have a bar of Sonus Ultra Fine that I got back in April and have used it I think three, maybe four times. I have kept it in a ziplock bag the entire time and it has not hit the ground yet. Is there any way of telling when I should toss it?
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From: New York
Normal people with proper maintenance? Probably about 2-3 uses and/or a few months. With me, i spend 10 bucks everytime and get a new one...peace of mind. I refuse to rub down my car with a used claybar...
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From: Stockbridge, Georgia
If it is dirty or you are afraid that it has something in it that may scratch the paint, toss it and get a new one. I would expect to do a half dozen cars with one bar, of course I wash the car and then go over it with Ford Clearcoat Polish to get most of the dirt off before I start with the clay.
(no, im not kidding)
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From: Stockbridge, Georgia
Originally Posted by MikeyC,Aug 29 2006, 01:55 PM
Actually . . . all clay is JDM. One company holds the patent for detailing clay and they have licensed one factory to make clay. The factory happens to be in Japan. All the clay you buy is made there, but not all clay is 100% the same. The clay distributor can request how much abrasives to put in the clay, what color, etc.
Personally, I shop for clay by price because most clay is virtually the same thing. I can barely tell the difference between any of the brands of clay I've used. Also, I have tons of QD and car wash soap. So, I don't feel the need to buy a clay kit. IMO you get more clay per $$ when you buy just the clay. Some auto body supply shops sell just clay in packages, but the one local to me is a total rip off. So, I buy my clay on-line.
Personally, I shop for clay by price because most clay is virtually the same thing. I can barely tell the difference between any of the brands of clay I've used. Also, I have tons of QD and car wash soap. So, I don't feel the need to buy a clay kit. IMO you get more clay per $$ when you buy just the clay. Some auto body supply shops sell just clay in packages, but the one local to me is a total rip off. So, I buy my clay on-line.
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From: Oxford, AL
Originally Posted by Ubetit,Aug 29 2006, 10:03 AM
I don't re-use clay. I cut a bar into 4-6 pieces and use one piece on 1 or 2 panels then throw it away. Clay magic is $10 a bar. Why risk it.