[OzBloke]

I use traditional clay bars. Here are some notes from the detailing forum I belong to:

Clay will remove the build up of sap, road grime, bug residue, bird droppings, tar and just about anything else that gets stuck to your paint, including wax and sealants, leaving your paint feeling like glass, ready for a polish and wax to bring it to life.

Using detailing clay is really very simple and also very safe provided you follow some simple instructions.

1.Work in the shade

2.Wash and dry your car

3.Put your hand inside a plastic shopping bag and then run your hand over your paint and notice how it feels like sandpaper.

4.If you have chosen one of the larger clay bars, cut it into 4 pieces and shape one of these into a flat round disk shape.

5.Spray the area you wish to clean with Clay Lubricant and then rub the clay back and forth until you feel the roughness diminish, wipe off the residual spray with a Microfibre towel and move onto the next area. I typically divide a roof or bonnet into 4. Put your plastic bag back on and feel the difference, simply amazing.

Tips: Make you sure you use enough lubricant, do not scrimp as you could scratch your car.

Check the surface of the clay bar for contaminants constantly and knead it back into itself so your are always using a clean part of the clay.

If you drop the clay, throw it away, one small piece of dirt could scratch your paint very badly.

You can usually get 4 cars to one bar, however using an entire clay bar on one car due to it being very badly covered in industrial fallout is not unheard of.

Wash the car to remove any clay or lubricant residue.

When you have done the entire car it should feel like glass. One point to remember though, a clay bar will not remove scratches or swirl marks for these paint imperfections you will need a dedicated swirl remover.

Just a few quick notes. Always cut your clay into 2, 3 or 4 pieces. If it drops on the ground you will need to throw it away. Use plenty of lubricant. Once finished you will not believe what a great result you will get.

Cheers