How do you know when clay bar is done

[Shawn1112]

What determines when you guys stop using a clay bar besides if you drop it? I did my daughters Jeep Compass a few weeks ago and was wondering if I could use it on my wife's Cherokee or should I use a new one?

[FUNX650]

I cut Clay/Clay bars into smaller, more workable pieces.

That way:
-if I drop one small piece, I'm not out a whole bar.
-it's easier to knead and keep a clean working surface
-it's easier to detect build-up, grit, color-change/(graying):
Time, then, to throw that smaller piece of clay away!


Bob

[af90]

I usually tear a clay bar into thirds or fourths and use it once. I can't see it worth the risk. Did you tear it or use the entire bar?

[Mike lambert]

If you cannot get a clean surface after you fold and kneed it is done.

[Shawn1112]

I used the whole bar on my daughters Compass

[Klasse Act]

...when you try a Opti clay towel (or Speedy prep towel):dblthumb2:



In all seriousity though, I've always pitched my pieces of clay when either the color change is noticeable or it just doesn't feel right anymore, hard to elaborate on the last comment, you just kinda know by feel.

[Texchappy]

The old text book answer is when you can't knead to a fresh face - ie no grit/color change.

[jcb27]

I picked up some Blackfire Clay Cleaner/Extender. It really is amazing. I use it as I'm claying once the clay starts getting dirty. Spray it on the clay, work it with my fingers then I run the clay under warm water to soften it up.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2268_494379726
BLACKFIRE Clay Cleaner & Extender, detailing clay bar cleaner, extend clay bar (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-clay-cleaner.html)

[DBAILEY]

That clay cleaner has made every type of clay I've used it on to crumble and made it un-kneadable. Its been sitting on the shelf for a few years now.

[forrest@mothers]

My experience has been when a couple of these happen:

It changes to a darker color compared to new
It doesn't want to stick to your hand
despite flaying an area, contaminants still remain

There is no hard and fast rule - it's really a combination of all factors.

[conman1395]

I picked up some Blackfire Clay Cleaner/Extender. It really is amazing. I use it as I'm claying once the clay starts getting dirty. Spray it on the clay, work it with my fingers then I run the clay under warm water to soften it up.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2268_494379726
BLACKFIRE Clay Cleaner & Extender, detailing clay bar cleaner, extend clay bar (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-clay-cleaner.html)
This is good stuff for Nanoskin and similar products. That's about it from my experience. Don't like it with clay.

[Ragas]

From my experience, the clay starts to grab the surface even with sufficient lube when it's reached the end of its life. Also starts leaving clay residue on the surface which is a PITA to remove.

[Shawn1112]

Appreciate all the answers. Pretty sure I will figure it out now.

[RichElliott]

My experience has been when a couple of these happen:

It changes to a darker color compared to new
It doesn't want to stick to your hand
despite flaying an area, contaminants still remain

There is no hard and fast rule - it's really a combination of all factors.

Ditto.

This is pretty much the criteria I use too.

[KMdef9]

Ontop of everyones elses advice, keep in mind...

If your unsure, just replace it.