Detailing clay is the safest way to deep clean automotive paint. Meguiars Professional Detailing Clay removes contaminants that are stuck in the top coat of paint. Washing can't remove them and polishing may aggravate the situation. Trust detailing clay to clean the paint safely and completely.

Every day, vehicle paint finishes are bombarded with a wide variety of airborne contaminants.

Here are just a few of those that can cause a dull, rough surface:

• Tree sap mist

• Paint overspray

• Industrial fallout

• Hard water deposits

• Diesel fuel exhausts

• Rubber particles from other cars

• Insect droppings

• Bug remains

• And much more!

WHY CLAY?
Maybe you’re familiar with clay bar regimens and swear by them. Perhaps you’ve never used a clay bar but are interested in learning about the benefits of claying and are ready to try it for the first time. Whatever your level of experience, Meguiar’s Professional Detailing Clay is the ideal tool for restoring a mirror smooth texture to your car’s finish. Claying is not difficult. In fact, with Meguiar’s, it’s easy and fun to work with. And nothing, nothing, pulls contaminants out of your paint like clay.

First, begin by checking to see if your finish is a candidate for claying. We recommend the ‘bag test.’ Wash your car and thoroughly dry it. Then, take a plastic sandwich bag or freezer bag and place it over your hand (like a glove) and slowly stroke your painted surface. Hmmm.... Feel some grit there? Maybe a little bumpy, sandy, or rough texture? Unless the paint feels utterly smooth through the bag, your paint should be clayed. Clay bars actually absorb the contaminants and pull them up and safely away from your paint. These are the tiniest of particles that won’t budge with soap and water, because they are virtually stuck in your paint. That is, stuck, until you use Meguiar’s Professional Detailing Clay.

You may be wondering where such particals come from. Valid question. Our cars are attacked by contaminants everyday. From bug residues, highway grime, dust, pollution, overspray of cleaners, paints, sprinkler systems... you name it! It all finds a way to attach itself to your finish. We’ve all dealt with bug residues that seem so cemented on you'd think you’d need a chisel to remove them! Finally, through much effort (and hopefully without the chisel) you manage to get it off your car--or so you think. Usually tiny amounts of residue that you cannot see remain etched into the surface of the paint. It doesn’t seem problematic, for a time anyway, because you can’t see it. But, if left to fester, such contaminants can worsen and cause real damage--like rust spots. The easiest (and least expensive) way to remove these particles and save your paint, is claying.

Meguiar’s Professional Detailing Clay is among the best on the market. It’s easy to use, reliable, inexpensive and made from high quality clays.

HOW TO CLAY YOUR CAR:
To begin you will need to make sure you have a high quality lubricant or a quick detailing spray. We recommend Pinnacle Clay Lubricant for a slick and easy work surface or Meguiar’s #34 Final Inspection for low friction cleaning. You’ll want to work one section at a time in approximately a two square foot area. Spray the surface with the lubricating spray and manipulate the clay bar to a shape that is comfortable to grasp in your hand (I prefer roughly the shape of a hockey puck). Work the surface, rubbing in a back and forth motion. The clay will feel like it is grabbing at the surface. This is normal and a key indicator that the clay is doing the job properly. When you no longer feel the drag and the clay glides fluidly across the area, the surface is clean. Wipe off any residues with a lint free cloth.

PROTECTING YOUR NEW FINISH:
The smooth as glass surface you’ve achieved with Meguiar’s Professional Detailing Clay is the optimal base for a coat (or two) of your favorite sealant or wax. Don’t skip this crucial step—the clay removed EVERYTHING from the surface, including old protection. Meguiar’s Hi-Tech Paste Wax, Pinnacle Souveran™ Paste Wax or Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 are all excellent choices for long-lasting protection and high resolution shine. (For the ultimate appearance of your finish, clay, polish then protect!)

Remember, claying is easy and fun! What’s more, you simply can’t beat the results! So whether your a die-hard car care fanatic or have never tried your hand at clay applications before, you’ll find Meguiar’s Professional Detailing Clay easy to work with and highly effective.

CARING FOR THE CLAY:
Remember, if you drop the clay to the floor, discontinue use. Ground contamination can scratch your paint, so it is vital to work with clean clay. If your car was badly contaminated, pay attention to the surface of the clay; should you see sizable particles that could scratch your finish, shave off the used portion and continue. After use (if the clay is still acceptably clean), spray it with clay lube to keep it moist and store your opened clay in a plastic bag. When you are ready to clay again, simply knead the clay to expose a fresh surface.