What's a Good Clay Bar?

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Actually, the Meguiar's product is not too bad, IMHO...the key is not really in the name on the packaging, but rather in how you use the clay bar...you don't press it into the car, you don't rub with it, you knead it constantly, and you never ever ever let it get dry...

You can pretty easily get 4 cars out of one of those little 3.5 ounce bars if you pick out the big contaminants as soon as they are picked up (you can normally feel those pretty easily with your fingers) and make sure you constantly work the clay with your fingers...keep in mind that when it is used up, it does a great job on glass...

That being said, if you are really serious about picking up quality car care products, check these guys out:

Car Care, Detail Supplies, Garage Organization, Car Accessories - Griot's Garage 800-345-5789

Paint Clay & Speed Shine® Kit - Griot's Garage

That is all completely subjective, of course...
 
IMO there's little difference between the clay bars, but I don't have much experience with other brands. The Meguiar's bar wasn't bad, but I use the Zaino bar now. Didn't notice any difference between the two, both pull off contaminants off the paint easily.

Have you had trouble with other clay bars? The only troubles I've ever had is when I clay bar without enough lubricant on the paint. Clay bars have to be used on a lubricated surface or they stick and streak the paint. I use the Zaino finishing spray sometimes, but any sort of a top spray or final gloss spray would work. Sometimes I'll clay bar while washing the car; soap up a panel, clay bar it, then soap it again to make extra sure it's clean.
 
Maguire's can be bought in auto part stores. Zaino is either online-only or you might have a salesman local who sells it. I have someone about 15 minutes away from me who has good stock. I was only aware of one clay bar from Zaino, the Z-18. I have never heard of different kinds of clay bars either. Just different brands, and a lot of them are likely the same bar with a different logo on the box.