Will clay bars scratch?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I have a black 1990 240sx that I wash and wax regularly, but there is still crap on the car that I cant get off/out of the clearcoat or whatever. Will the Mothers clay bar package get the stuff out? Will it scratch the black paint?

[GimmeTorq]

It shouldn't if used as directed (in small well lubricated areas at the time). If you drop the clay bar on the floor, discard it. Don't use it. Some good info here (http://www.autopia-carport.com/forums/showthread.php?s=fb98f6d454a10a70454453c729fec03a& threadid=8593) .

[Rcs476]

Just make sure you clean the car well before use, you shouldn't scratch it then, just make sure to fold the clay frequently.

[O2BS13T]

Keep in mind the purpose of the clay is to remove things that are attached ABOVE the surface of the paint. So if that's what you have and you use the clay, it would also be possible to load the clay up with whatever it is that's coming off your paint and going into the clay bar like it's supposed to and if the clay gets too full of the stuff, it can start to scratch. So yea, like the guy above said, turn it frequently and watch it close. Get a new piece of clay if you even think it might be scratching. Keep an eye on your paint as you go too. Dry it off behind you and check it for scratches as you go.
Now also, some manufactures make clay that does have grit in it so it's more aggressive and some of those will scratch. They aren't meant to be used on finished paint, they are for use like in a body shop where the painter got a lot of overspray somewhere he didn't want it etc.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

The mother's clay is crap, don't use it. Get some other brand, any brand. Pinnace, Zaino, the ones I find in Japan Town are all much better.

You also need to use a lot of lubricant to prevent scratching. You can make your own by getting a 16oz spray bottle and mixing in about 2 teaspoons of car wash with 16oz. of water.

To your question about scratching, yes, it will scrach if you are not careful. When using the clay bar, make sure you first wach your car THROUGHLY, then use the clay ouf of the sun. Spray on plenty of lubricant (don't hold back, the more the merrier) and keep it from getting dry. Just hold the bar with three fingers with just enough weight to hold it down and run it back and forth over a small area slowly until it feels smooth. Every once in a while, when you see the clay bar getting a little dirty, strech and fold the bar like taffy until it's gone.

Claying an entire car properly is very labor intensive.

However, the impending result is worth it if you're a detail fanatic. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smirk.gif