The Ultimate Guide to Clay Bar Decontamination

In Australian summer conditions, you must never clay a hot surface. Park the vehicle in a fully shaded area (garage or carport) and allow the panels to cool until they are cool to the touch (ideally below 30°C). If the panel is hot, the lubricant will flash (evaporate) instantly, causing the clay to stick and smear onto the paint, which is difficult to remove.

Perform a thorough two-bucket wash using a high-lubricity shampoo. Pay special attention to the lower sills and rear bumper where red dust and road tar accumulate. Rinse thoroughly with high-pressure water to ensure no loose grit remains, as any remaining sand or dirt will be picked up by the clay and dragged across the paint, causing deep scratches.

Spray a dedicated Iron Remover over the dry paintwork. Let it dwell for 3-5 minutes (do not let it dry). In Australia, brake dust and rail dust are common; the spray will turn purple as it reacts with iron. This chemical step does 70% of the work, meaning you have to use less physical force with the clay bar, preserving your clear coat thickness.

Take your 100g clay bar and cut it into 3 or 4 smaller pieces. Knead one piece into a flat disc roughly the size of three fingers. Work the clay in your hands to warm it up; this makes it more pliable and less likely to mar the paint. Keep the unused pieces in a sealed container with a splash of lubricant to keep them moist.

Apply a generous amount of clay lubricant to a 40cm x 40cm section of the panel. You cannot over-lubricate, but you can under-lubricate. Ensure the surface is dripping wet. The lubricant creates a thin film that allows the clay to glide over the paint while only grabbing the protruding contaminants.

Place the clay disc on the lubricated surface. Using only the weight of your fingertips, glide the clay in short, straight-line overlapping passes (horizontal or vertical, never circular). You should hear a 'hissing' or 'scratchy' sound—this is the clay bar hitting the contaminants. Do not press down; let the clay do the work.

As you move the clay back and forth, you will notice the resistance decreasing and the 'scratching' sound fading. When the clay glides silently and effortlessly over the area, the contaminants have been successfully removed. This usually takes 4-6 passes per section.

After every small section, flip the clay over and inspect it. You will see brown, red, or grey streaks. This is the 'trash' pulled from your paint. If the clay looks significantly soiled, it is time to fold it over to reveal a fresh, clean surface.

Fold the clay in half, trapping the dirt inside, and knead it back into a flat disc. This ensures that you are always presented with a clean abrasive surface. In Australia’s dusty conditions, you may need to fold the clay more frequently than in other climates.

Once a section is smooth, wipe away the excess lubricant with a clean, damp microfibre towel. Inspect the area under a high-intensity light (or the sun if you are working in a garage) to ensure no clay residue or marring has occurred. Move to the next 40cm x 40cm section, overlapping slightly with the previous one.

Clay bars are highly effective on glass. Use the same technique on the windscreen to remove stubborn water spots and 'wiper chatter' caused by sap. Be cautious around textured plastic trim; clay can get stuck in the pores of unpainted plastics and leave white marks.

For baked-on bird droppings or tree sap common in the Australian 'bush capital' or suburban areas, do not scrub. Re-apply lubricant, hold the clay over the spot for 10 seconds to soften it, then gently move the clay. If it persists, use a dedicated tar and glue remover before continuing with the clay.

Once the entire vehicle is completed, perform a final rinse with free-flowing water (the 'sheeting' method) to remove any residual lubricant. Dry the car thoroughly using a dedicated large drying towel or a cordless blower to prevent water spotting in the high-heat Australian air.

Spray a 15% Isopropyl Alcohol solution or a dedicated 'Prep' spray onto a clean microfibre and wipe down the panels. This removes any remaining oils from the clay lubricant, leaving the paint 'squeaky clean' and ready for a wax, sealant, or ceramic coating.