Claybar vs. Iron Remover 50/50 Test

[Eldorado2k]

Ok so here I’ll be testing claybar vs. iron remover to see if the claybar can do everything the iron remover can do. Lets begin.

1st I get the panel prepped by giving it a quick wash. Tape it off, now I’m ready to begin claying the left side of the hood.



I want to point out that this was a very easy claying. So much so that I thought it would render this test a dud. This is what the claybar looked like afterwards.




Ok, so I remove the tape and spray down the entire hood with Meguiars Ultimate Wheel Cleaner.




After 1 min.




After 4 min.






After 5 min.






Just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke, I washed the entire rear of the vehicle, and clayed only the left side. This time there was a significant amount of contaminants on the claybar.




Sprayed the entire panel with iron remover.



5min. later.










Notice the difference in the left side of the emblem where I had clayed.




Conclusion: Are iron removers overrated? I’d say they are. It could be argued that they’re pointless if the claybar is going to do what it does and more.. It’s not as if an iron remover can do what the claybar can do.

Btw, this test cost me $14 dollars. I feel like I could’ve just saved the money and simply used my claybar.

[noorth]

So are we to assume this is absolute proof that iron removers are a waste of money? Its a big statement. That would make over 90% of car care companies crooks.

[opie]

But....iron removers are used to breakdown/remove iron deposits. Thus making the claying process much easier and minimizing the risk of furthur marring

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[Eldorado2k]

So are we to assume this is absolute proof that iron removers are a waste of money? Its a big statement. That would make over 90% of car care companies crooks.

I wouldn’t go as far as calling them crooks.. But if they can get people to buy things, then what’s the harm?
Do you really need Grit Guards? Those things that go around your tires to prevent cords for getting stuck? Panel wipe when you can make it yourself?

Do I really need a quick detailer for chrome? No, but I choose to buy it anyways because I like to use it.




The list goes on and on…

Ultimately it’s up to you whether you want to buy it or not. I’ve seen some of the best detailers in the world and their setups are unbelievably simple.

[Eldorado2k]

But....iron removers are used to breakdown/remove iron deposits. Thus making the claying process much easier and minimizing the risk of furthur marring

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That claying was among the easiest claying I’ve ever done. I initially wasn’t even going to take a picture of the claybar because there was nothing on it. I didn’t decide to take a pic of it until the right side of the hood turned purple. Hence why I took a picture of the claybar in my backyard.



There’s so many things in the detailing world that are overblown. Iron deposits causing marring during claying can officially be added to that list as far as I’m concerned. If there wasn’t anything of note on that claybar, then how much marring could it have possibly caused?

Also keep in mind that the detailing world survived for years and years without the use of iron removers. It’s not until recent years that dedicated iron removers have been introduced. Paint seemed to survive just fine before they came along.

[JustJesus]

Thanks El Dorado!

Now I feel better. I sometimes don't use iron remover prior to paint correction. There are times when I do rinseless washing, and I'd rather have a hose and running water to rinse off the iron remover.

[PaulMys]

Thanks El Dorado!

Now I feel better. I sometimes don't use iron remover prior to paint correction. There are times when I do rinseless washing, and I'd rather have a hose and running water to rinse off the iron remover.

Same here.

I never wanted to start WWIII, but I just do not use it on paint any longer. Wheels? Yes.

[JustJesus]

Same here.

I never wanted to start WWIII, but I just do not use it on paint any longer. Wheels? Yes.

And still get great results, right?



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[PaulMys]

And still get great results, right?



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IMO, yes. No doubt.

As a newbie, I was spraying the IR over the paint, and seeing zero reaction. Made me think I was an idiot, or using it wrong.

Years later, my opinion is that IR is for wheels and extreme lower (rocker) panels.

[luckydawg]

Same here- I don't use it on paint anymore, tends to dry out very fast-- and per the instructions , dont let it dry on the paint!!

I only use it on my wheels also