Claying a Car: How Do You Clay a Car and What Are the Differences Between the Different Types of Clay?
A smooth, clean paintwork is the foundation for a perfect shine. Yet, the paintwork often still feels rough after washing. This is due to stubborn dirt like tar, rust, tree sap, and industrial dust—contaminations that a regular wash can't remove.
The solution? Clay the car.
In this blog you will read:
- What clay car is
- When car claying is needed
- How to Clay a Car Step by Step
- The differences between the clay bar, clay glove and perforated clay cloth
- My personal approach with Swippy Premium Shampoo & Snow Foam
What is clay bar?
Car clay baring is a technique in which you rub a clay-like material over the paint to remove microscopic contaminants. This leaves the paint feeling soft and smooth again—perfect for polishing , waxing , or applying a ceramic coating such as Swippy Smart Coat or Swippy Ceramic Carnauba Wax .
🔍 When is car claying necessary?
You'll know it's time to start claying when:
- The paint feels rough after washing
- You hear a scraping sound when you rub the paint with your hand (or a plastic bag)
- There is still visible rust, tar or tree resin
On average, once or twice a year is sufficient — for example, after winter and summer, when pollution is highest.
⚠️ Common mistakes when claying a car
❌ Using too little lubricant
❌ Reusing clay after a fall on the ground
❌ Pressing too hard or working on dry paint
❌ Do not apply protection afterwards
Always use plenty of lubricant and work slowly, panel by panel. This prevents scratches or marring.
How to Clay a Car – My Method
When I clay a car, I first ensure a perfectly clean surface . Loose dirt must be removed before the clay touches the paint, otherwise you risk scratching.
Step 1. Prewash – loosen dirt
I start with a pre-wash with Swippy Premium Shampoo & Snow Foam .
- The car is completely foamed so that the foam can loosen the dirt.
- Let the foam work for 3 to 5 minutes (do not allow to dry).
- Then rinse thoroughly with a pressure washer.
Step 2. Hand wash – clean and safe surface
Then follows a hand wash using the two-bucket method , again using Swippy Premium Shampoo & Snow Foam as your car shampoo. This powerful formula safely removes any remaining dirt.
Step 3. Clay with shampoo as a lubricant
Instead of a separate clay lubricant, I also use S wippy Shampoo & Snow Foam as a lubricant when claying:
- Apply another thin layer of foam (foamen).
- While the car is still covered in foam, I use the Swippy Clay Towel , Chemicalworkz Clay Mitt , or Chemicalworkz Clay Bar to clay panel by panel.
- The foam provides optimal lubrication, so that the clay slides smoothly and safely absorbs all dirt.
Step 4. Rinse and dry
After claying, I rinse the car completely and dry it with a towel .
Step 5. Polish or protect
After claying, the paint is spotless but a little more sensitive. That's why I polish the car shortly afterwards (especially when using a traditional clay bar) or immediately apply a protective layer, such as Swippy Dura Coat or Swippy Ceramic Carnauba Wax .
The different types of clay: which is right for you?
1. Traditional Clay Bar
👉 Recommended product: Chemicalworkz Clay Bar
The classic clay method has been used by professionals for years.
The Chemicalworkz Clay Bar effectively removes tar, flash rust and industrial deposits.
Ideal if you:
- You have a very dirty paint
- Deep cleans the car for the first time
- Then you want to polish the paint
Advantages:
- Very thorough cleaning
- Precise control over pressure and coverage
- Perfect preparation for polishing
Please note: After using a traditional clay bar you should always polish , as the stiff clay can leave light marks.
2. Clay glove
👉 Recommended product: Chemicalworkz Clay Mitt
The clay glove is the modern, reusable version of the classic clay.
The microfiber glove with rubber-like clay layer is ideal for quick and safe cleaning.
Advantages:
- Fast and user-friendly
- Lasts up to 50 cars
- Safe on paint, glass and plastic
- Less chance of marring
Perfect when you regularly want to remove light soiling and save time.
3. Perforated Clay Cloth
👉 Recommended product: Swippy 3D Clay Towel
The latest innovation is the perforated clay cloth , such as the Swippy Clay Towel .
This combines the cleaning power of clay with the flexibility of a microfiber cloth.
Advantages:
- Extra flexible, ideal for all surfaces
- Perforated structure retains dirt better
- Safe on paint, glass and plastic
- Easy to rinse and quick to dry
Perfect for those who want a fast, safe and efficient claying process without risks.
| Type of clay | Best for | Advantages | Aftertreatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay Bar (Chemicalworkz) | Heavily soiled paint | Thorough cleaning | Polishing required |
| Clay Mitt (Chemicalworkz) | Regular maintenance | Reusable, fast, user-friendly | Polishing recommended |
| Clay Towel (Swippy) | Light to medium soiling | Safe, flexible, easy to clean |
Ready for wax |
Conclusion: smooth paint = perfect base
Whether you choose a Chemicalworkz Clay Bar , Clay Mitt , or the Swippy Clay Towel — car claying is essential for anyone striving for a perfectly smooth, glossy paint job .
Apply plenty of lubricant (such as Swippy Shampoo & Snow Foam ), work panel by panel, and polish afterward for the best result. This optimally prepares the surface for your preferred protection, such as Swippy Glass Coat or Swippy Premium Wax .