Claybar Prep Explained! Steps to take when polishing your car

What’s a Clay Bar Treatment — and Why Is It So Important?

A clay bar is a key part of the prep process before we polish your paint. Even after a good wash, your car’s surface can still hold onto embedded contaminants — things like brake dust, road grime, sap, and industrial fallout. These aren't always visible, but you can feel them when you run your hand across the paint.

Using a clay bar safely pulls those contaminants out of the clear coat, leaving the surface smooth and clean. But here’s the important part — a clay bar is a bit abrasive. Think of it like a very fine sandpaper. It can leave behind light marring, which is why we always polish afterward. That polish removes the haze, revives the shine, and makes sure the finish looks its best.

Skipping clay before polishing is like buffing over dirt — not only is it ineffective, it can actually cause more damage. So when we say clay is essential, we mean it. It’s the foundation for a proper polish.