To all of you car enthusiasts, driveway detailers, professional detailers, and especially those looking to start a business, I strongly recommend you watch as many of Darren's videos as possible and....LISTEN CAREFULLY to what he is saying. " LISTENING in damn hard work...that's why there's so little of it done." Anytime you have someone with the decades of knowledge, skills, and a positive attitude that's willing to share that all with you in great detail, you should listen. I've watched most of his videos now, and having been CEO & owner of 3 corporations at once from 1982 to 1997, all I can say is he's sharing a wealth of knowledge with everyone, that's spot on accurate. Time is money, and I've asked a lot of questions to Darren and he's always been responsive and helpful. I have no affiliation at all with Auto Fetish Detail & don't know Darren at all. What I know to be 100% true is that if you're looking to start and run your business, everything I've heard him say is accurate. I'll keep my questions to the bare minimum from now on, but I just thought I'd chime in on those future detailers going into business for themselves. Best of luck and good fortune to all of you. Once again, thanks Darren for all the time spent making real quality KZfaq video content vs. many of the others. William ~

Let's simplify this. If your paint is rough it means you have contaminants of some kind on it. Order or buy a piece of clay and lube and remove it. It's that simple folks. Doesn't matter what caused it but it must be removed before you wax it or do any type of polishing.

These videos are opening up a whole world of car care for me. Thanks!

This is the second time I've watched this video. I watched it the first time about a year ago when I was first interested to clay my car but I had no idea how to do it or what a clay bay even looked like let alone how to use it. Using this video's information I went out and bought a clay bar kit, clayed my car, it turned out awesome (after a polish) and was extremely satisfied. Since then I've watched a lot of hours of all your other videos plus heaps of hours from Larry and all the other guys. This is not a competition and there are no time limits or need to go fast or slow. To me they aren't too long because I don't watch them when I'm in a hurry. I watch them instead of watching TV and if we were having a personal chat it could easily go this long and I wouldn't be rude enough to tell you to hurry up and get to some point. I'd be fascinated and listen with interest. Everything you say is either it's own point or reinforcing something important. Long or short; all your videos are awesome. I know this was recorded 4 years ago but it's still relevant and still useful. Thanks!

I recently acquired a 3 year old Honda. The surface just felt gritty and your vids show me how to improve this with clay. It made a huge difference. Thank you Darren for the great info.

Thanks for your real world talk... advice and experience.. your efforts by many viewers are appreciated...

Very informative. Darren you are one of the best detailers in the world!

I am just starting to get into the detailing business and have been watching most of your videos...and just want to say...YOU'RE AWESOME. The best thing about your videos is how you well you go in detail about the topic (no wonder you're a detailer, lol). I think it's important in getting behind the science to understand the mechanics and also better application. Keep up the good work!

I'm happy to see that a professional don't change the clay bar when it falls down. I do the same thing despite what they say on the forum. The reason is : the clay bar is very expensive in my country. Before I use it, I rince the ground around the car a maximum. So if the clay bar falls down, it will have less dirt on it. 22:33 the best moment of this video. Game over ! LOL

I know this is a much older video that was recorded unrehearsed but your information from my experience in the car business is more then spot on. This is why professional experience matters. Also, your simplicity philosophy is the best approach to speeding up the detail workflow process. When you know time and money is in short supply you definitely want to work on speed and technique when approaching detailing to knocking out even the most difficult vehicle with relative ease in the shortest amount of time. Personally, I would only recommend using a clay bar made in Japan because of the high quality of the material an the number of the patents. Along with a regular non-perforated chamois soaked in water that is very worn from multiple usage an avoid messy lubricants. The only downside I have ever experience with claying a vehicle is one that has been painted with a recondition clear coat found on a number of pre-driven vehicles at car dealerships. Where the clear coat is so rough it can’t be clayed to the point of feeling smooth. It’s usually a sign of poor work by a mobile paint repair business working onsite allowed to cut down on cost to mask or hide the rear and front end bumper scratches because the vehicle will be sold as pre-driven. The spraying of clear coat on a windy will usually blow all over the place an some vehicles parked on the lot that are closer will end up getting a cake job. A quick rub on the front and rear bumper can easily explain some of the history of the vehicle.

Great video and incredible insight. I had the pleasure of clay bar-ing my 4runner the other day after watching the tutorial. I followed that up with a wax last night. The 4runner looks AMAZING. Truly no feeling like auto paint after clay bar and wax. Thanks a ton!

Thanks again. Your videos really help the driveway guy striving to get to the next level like myself. Great page on what to use for polishing. I will be investing in the near future.

I'm glad you mentioned glass at the end. I had a mind block where I never used it on glass before. My neighbor's sprinkler system sprays a hard water mist on the driver side and roof of my car, so the glass was getting pretty bad. Clay wasn't enough for my panoramic sun roof, but you planted a seed in my mind to try other things. After using some compound, it looks brand new.

I really learn a lotttt out of your videos!!! You always explain step by step and to be honest instarted my business just with ur videos studying them over and over again!!! Thank you for your videos!!!

Thanks for making this, I was going to watch it all before using clay for the first time but didn't have the time. I came to the same conclusion as you on "dropping the bar" thing. I also used a much smaller bit of clay and found it worked ok. Now I've watched the video (and others of yours) the paintwork in the car seems pretty smooth so happy enough. There were a load of black spots on the top of the car that I think was tree sap that I tackled with bug and tar remover previously, then the clay. I'm learning a lot so keep it up.

Thanks so much Darren! I'm about 10 hours into your videos and I've learned a ton! I kinda feel like I should get a certificate after graduating the Darren Auto Fetish School! Hahaha

Ive watched just about every video you have posted and you have made me go from being Insecure to confident eneough to play , I would container ship my car to you just to have It detailed bye one of the very best out there!

lol don't stress man! you're doing great and the info is great. I just learned something today about claying from you and will get one ASAP.. I never knew that sandpaper sound when you run your hand over the paint was just the pollutants! so bravo amigo! keep em coming :) Canada.

Great videos with lots of info and tips. You're inspiring. Cheers

I really do admire ur advice and ur video. Thanks alot.

You definitely have the gift of gab, but, in your case, its a wonderful gift. I'll be subscribing and watching all your videos.

I just clayed my car today for the first time and wow. I've always had it professionally detail last few years but I can honestly say it's the best my car has ever looked. For a 2008 it looks showroom quality! Clayed it than polished than wax. Amazing

GREAT SHOW !!!

Notice his service vehicle and the way it is parked. Very hard to miss as the neighborhood cars go by. Excellent marketing that cost a small amount one time when it was first applied that continues to work for him day in day out. True Contractorpreneur.

Thank you for your reply I learned a lot

Thanks for the tips great video!

I love your videos!!!

Keep up the good work!

i had to stop midway and comment, actually chuckle and applaud your vid here. #1 I am so glad I found your vid chnl an 2 websites before sinkng serious cash when im just starting off on this crazy train. I laughed when u demonstrated dropping the bar and stating what the forum junkies/manufctrs say to "stop!! replace!!". I cant agree more with you when you said you wish there was more common sense among the uninformed, I've always said this about our global culture. "..detailing the car in a sand pit"! lol... that's why these vids are priceless.. great info.. comic relief.. you r a great educator to keep those of us with "some" common sense on the right track. thanks so much, keep up the vids. I for one appreciate the time/effort u put in on these. - mike

Hi Darren! Konstantin here ... First, Thank you so much for your videos and all that time you putting in them. I had my first clay bar cleaning and wax this weekend... Followed every step you showed in this video - rezuts were very amazing and most important my customer was very happy to see his car in new light! Second, I wanted to do something nice in return for you and buy some products from links in your web page and what a nice surprise! I usually buy stuff on Amazon with prime (free shipping) but AutoGeek has it ALL and to my surprise way cheaper!! So I got stuff in my cart for $259 on Amazon, got it all from "your guys" on AutoGeek for $171!!!! Got 20% off and free shipping! Thanks you twice! Keep it up man!

I will be tackling the hood of a my 96 red bronco, the paint is in pretty good condition due to my weekly washing it, however water spots have appeared over the years on the horizontal surfaces, so would i clay the hood 1st followed by a polish and finally a waxing. This video does not mention a polish in the procedure probably because you're wife's car doesn't need it by the looks of it. For now i will be doing this all by hand until i figure out what buffer or polisher to buy can you suggest a reasonable priced electric buffer and polisher for that purpose. Thanks so much you're videos are detailed and incredibly helpful.

Always enjoy your informative video. As a person who likes keeping his car clean, ur videos helped me "simplify" my tools and methods. Regarding cleaning impurity on surface, you've mentioned case of applying chemical instead of clay bar, and it got me thinking. I wash/wax my car once a week, and we minimal dirt, thought it might make sense to use APC with damp MF cloth on regular basis while cleaning off water. Do u thing weekly maintenance like that would b able to eliminate occasional claying ? Or would APC be too strong? Ur opinion would b appreciated. (Mcguire APC 10:1)

Do you get old wax off first before clay bar? If so how do you do that. Thanks for being so detailed in your videos!

When I started using clay bars years ago and dropped one, I did what Darren says and picked out any dirt or took a razor blade to it to cut away any dirt. It wasn't till this past year that I started watching detailing videos and was mad at myself for doing it wrong all that time. I'm glad to see that my original instincts were correct and verified, that it is just an excuse to get people to buy more clay.

You are so good Thanks !!!

I really like your videos because you fill that void between marketing and tutorial. Your vids are like going to a class rather than reading a forum or a big box detail company vid. Nice job. I really like the common sense approach you take.

Hi Darren, I have just always used Meguiar's cleaner wax and it always has left ever paint surface I've done silky smooth. I'm no pro I just do my own car and friends and family. Will the clay really make a big difference over the cleaner wax?

What type of camera are you using? The clarity is right on.

I find my self only using water, as I use the clay bar just after finishing washing the vehicle, and before drying it, I clay it (if needed). Sometimes, I just clay locally, like waterless cleaning and then use clay lube, else I just use water.

Awesome video. I've NEVER bought the "throw it away when you drop it" thing. In my opinion clay is MEANT to pick up dirt and "safely" slide dirt across the paint, It shouldn't make much of a different as long as you get the huge bits out. Also, Instead of using a lot of pricey lubricants I use the soap from my wash(a new bucket of soap not the dirty soap) to clay areas, going in small sections to avoid sunspots. Again, awesome video.

I don't know if still monitor this video but I was curious how long it takes to use a clay bar on a car the size of the Benz you used in this demo? I mean after a day of detailing just one car one would be exhausted. With the washing, cleaning polishing and maybe scratch removal if it was required.

After you clay do you always have to wax or seal afterwards ? I assume the claying process removes sealants and waxes , am I wrong ? Would like to quickly clay my car every one to 2 months but only want to seal or wax every 4 - 6 months .

What did you use to wet the chamois you use over the clay bar? More spray detailer?

Hi Darren would you recommend wiping down the vehicle after claying with a prep solution before waxing the vehicle? Is their a right clay bar for black vehicles? Thanks

Never mentioned how often you fold over or change the clay bar's surface. I'm assuming as soon as you see it get dirty and/or turn brown and black...

What do think about the clay mitt?

I've used both the $7 clay bars on ebay and the "Kit" from Mothers for $24.00. I've found that the $7 detail clay works much better and lasts longer than the mothers clay. I've always just used soapy water lots of it when claying. A spray lubricant works good for body lines as it will stay still longer than soapy water which just runs.

thx for that vid, i think theres lots of good points in there... would have liked to have heard a bit on the chemical construction of the various types of clay and the patent situation... would have definitely put some big empathsis there that the most important thing when claying is how well the car has been cleaned because the easiest and most common mistake when claying will be poor prep and the damage that will cause if you clay over dirt/grit particles (this is the biggest danger for anyone doing this for the first time... worth warning people about that and ramming that point home, really important) I think people "get" the whole background of what is being embedded into the clearcoat, so prolly not worth talking about that for like 10 minutes... liked the way you describe how to check if it needs claying, if you understand that then thats good enough (dont need to start working through all the possiblities about how long a cars been on a forecourt etc etc just check it)... I think the reason people say bin clay when you drop is, is because as a general rule if you follow that you wont be using clay with grit in it... if you drop it yer theres some risk of doing some nasty stuff, would be a brave manufacturer who actually recommends you try and pick all the bits out (but yer apply commen sense)... I also personally feel if you use clay thats really dirty (or full of contaminant) its not as effective as cleaner fresher clay (yer it will still work)... so you could break your clay off the main bar and use smaller bars to keep the main piece fresher... (I personally like working with big bars as well though)... Id try and bullet point the main things... a 45 minute video on claying is a lot for anyone to watch, when really there are a handfull of key points to understand (bullet points will help get the info out there)... I also wouldnt also keep repeatably mentioning internet forums and people voicing opinions, driveway detailers etc versus your 25 years of experience... most of your audience will be people without experience and most of those people do this as a hobby because to be honest doing it as a profession is damn hard work for not much money (for most), and after a 2-3 months of doing this conceptually your understanding should be there (even if your technique is not). EG this isnt rocket science, most average human beings will be doing a job with higher levels of complexity involved... .. so I would drop that clear kind of chip you have on your shoulder because it will make a lot of people stop watching, and you might even be explaining something to someone that "gets it" more than you, and got there quicker than you, and is almost desperately waiting for you to move on and get to the point... make the videos more fun and less intimidating to people starting out...

You remind me a lot of larry kosilla. Nice Video!

Great tip with putting the chamois over the clay amazing idea! I looked at your links for the chamois and there are two of them and there each a different size. Can you tell me the size of the one you where using in this video it seemed to be the perfect size for that application thanks agin buddy have a great rest of the week.

What lubricant you use almost anytime? Soap and water, waterless or detail spray?

Looks like all the experts on clay bars have entered the room....

I bought it at Auto Zone and have watched many How-to videos.They all say to knead it, use it and knead the picked-up contaminants back into the clay. Will they scratch my paint?? Only one video saidNOT to knead it, just spray lubricant on the bar and the car, then when the bar gets filled with stuff, use a vegetable peeler to scrap off the junk and throw it out,other wise the junk will work it's way to the surface and scratch the paint job. I was wondering what you might think.

so to do the whole process step by step: 1.wash car 2.clay bar 3.apply sealant 4.apply wax? or just 1. 2 and 4? or 1.2.4 and 3?

great video, very informative. Quick question- You mentioned how you can't over clay you're paint and also to feel free to do it monthly..however, is it ever too late to clay you're vehicles paint? What if you're vehicle has never been clayed before and its 10+ years old with many miles. Will you do more harm than good? Thanks Darren for the great videos.

Do you need to dry the car after a wash to clay it? Or can I clay with it wet from the rinse?

Hiya Darren, I'm down under here in Sydney Australia, love your vids mate, and running a Limousine and Premium Car Detailing business here, your tips are GOLD :-) thank you very much ! What do you think of Chemical Guys' products BTW?

Hey Darren, I'm gonna clay bar my Toyota Sienna XLE Minivan for its first time. In addition to which abrasive to use, my second question is of the polishing nature. I used some green metallic Toyota brand touch up paint using the little brush & tube. The match is excellent and I did it very carefully vs. just globbing it on. Looks quite good, but can I do something to polish or smooth out the slight "bump" like speck it makes? It's truly hard to see unless your up real close. Up close, look like tiny little bumps or very tiny pimples at the most. Can I do anything by hand with some elbow grease or use a orbital buffer? Appreciate any tips on clay abrasives, nano skin lube, and finishing off touch paint? Overall paint is a 6/7 on 10 scale. No oxidation of any significance. Thanks in advance. William ~

1st thanks for putting this info out here. Quick question as to c laying a black car. I own a 15 black ram and hashing over if I should clay it at some point. Do u think it will abrade the paint enough to the point it will be visually noticeable? If so would u recommend once a year in a 4 season environment like milwaukee Wisconsin?

If you're clay barring a Black car what things should you be mindful of and cautious of??

Is it optional to rinse the whole car after claying and before waxing or no?

Darren Do you think is it necessary use Iron-X if I just use paste wax in my car? I clay my car, sometimes i use Sonax Tar remover to help me do the job fast. But what you think about iron-x? Is a must have? hugs ! GOOD JOB bro! You go far, to sucess.

So how do you wash , clean etc...... a car when you don't have a garage I live in the city and and most drive ways are on home further away from center city

Awesome

will clay baring the car remove the wax ?

Thanks for your tips. I run them at speed 1.5 works well

Hey Darren, really liked the video. I have a somewhat clay related question; can the polution on a new car can be that much taht it can cause a drying towel to lint? Maybe it sounds silly but that's the answer I got from the sotre where I bought a drying towel that is still linting ater five washes. Appreciate your expert opinion on this and keep up the good and informative work.

Can you use clay bars (with success) on chrome plastic trim and wheels?

what liquid do you use to lubricate?

For Tree sap i use hand sanitizer & rubber gloves, 1-just put a little on the sap 2-if the sap is dry the hand sanitizer will turn it back to a goo like substance that it originally was before it dried. 3-so wait like 30s-1min then take your finger with light lubricant and a microfibre and wipe it off)

How do I remove a rubber as / or plastic scuff from my paint ? A car grazed my fender and left a mark that I can feel is like plastic or hard rubber. How can I get it off safely ?

Thanks

Dear Derraain I have been following your videos & taking a lot of your tips in mainting my Vintage Classic Motorcyles- first of all I want to know the LUBRICANT that you used for handing the clay bar for cleaning the surface did you make your own ? pls brief me about the Lubricant part for claybars its making or availibility...I am here in india & an honest invitation to come here up for a holiday allowing me to be your host !

Would it make a difference if you flayed the car after the wash or after the wash used a compound ( i.e. Ultimate compound) then polish etc... Would that remove the pollutants? Thanks in advance

Sorry for typo Just Amazing )))))

DARREN YOU SON OF A BITCH!!! I was about to repaint my goddam VW Amarok pick up, because after 5 years with it, nor the car wash or the waxing got back the body to that silky smooth state, so i figured out the clear coat along with the paint were worn and/or gone, but after 45 min on this educational video I tried the clay and FREAKING MAGIC HAPPENED: THE BODY IS SIKLY SMOOTH AGAIN (after 2 and a half hours). DARREN YOU ARE THE MAN, thank you so very much, you make my ignorance go away.

Darren Priest hi sir, do you think a car needs a iron decon product before claying? the purple turning stuff or is that overkill because you are claying anyway thanks in advance

Clay is the greatest invention for our business ever. 35 years ago, I had to compound cars to get rid of all that goo on paint. Now, I clay every car and I do 10 jobs a week. Darren is great, but does get long winded and I told him so. Otherwise, his info is great.

Love the videos but maybe edit or list the times you actually get to the point. Like 'why use a clay bar starting at 10min'

Thank you for the informative video. I have a question. Sorry if I missed it or if it has been covered. The lubricant. At the beginning say can be water. Will I be successful if I use clay bar and use a mild soap and water mixture for the lubricant? Also is it 100 percent important to wax immediately or can that wait a day or a week. My assumption is it is very important to wax immediately after because you will immediately begin picking up new impurities and do not want to wax over them. I am considering clay barring my car soon, but I wonder if I should wait until spring. Winter is starting so I'm not sure if I should wait or go for it now. I'm assuming you might recommend to do it now and then again in spring. Thanks for the info about dropping the bar. I found it odd there was so much emphasis on throw it away. Your explanation makes a lot of sense. One more thing. I want to clay bar my windshield. Can u use the same bar, or do you recommend a bar made specifically for glass? I would rather just use one bar for everything. Thanks again.

If i use a car wax as a clay lube. Do i still need to re wax it???

3m clay bar is the best on the market, hands down...

You can use any type of wax, not what they give you in the kit, I use muguires quick detail wax I get better results

So is it the pollutants that scratch the car while claying or is it the clay?

I know you posted about claying with water etc... but what meguiars lubricant did you use?

How often would you say the average car would need to be clay bar as I am going to do my car. I have never used this product be for !!!!

I washed and cleaned my 2005 Suzuki today, I cleaned my car with the mothers clay bar kit, that I bought from the link on your website along with $300+ worth of equipment, and I ran out of lubricant. When I realized i was running out of lubricant I added water with some of the original lube left, but I am wondering if I used to much lubricant since I ran out on the first use? FYI it's my first time using a clay bar and it took me 4 hours to wash the outside of my car, including tires using your technique , I added shine to tires plus clay bar my car and outside windows.

Starts at 8:00.

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Do you have to Wax after using the clay bar? Is it possible to just clay bar the car?

NICE TO SEE OLD C CLASSE DRIVERS THERE.

How often should I clay bar my car 1 time a year or what

Damn, I have never detailed a car, but 45m is a bit long. I have no idea what a clay bar is. So TLDR, yes, I need a clay bar.

But very knowledgable

LMAO i agree with you on the dropped clay part, use some common sense really. In my opinion i think the "oh you dropped your clay you HAVE TO throw it away" became like a trend of something, monkey see monkey do.

You might have a lot of knowledge when it comes to detailing cars, but to me you sound really condescending towards the 'driveway detailers' or the 'enthousiasts'. I started out as an enthousiast myself about 4 years ago, gradually taking care of other cars and trying to perfect my techniques. While i'm far from perfect, I'm pretty confident in saying I can do what you do. But without acting like the almighty guru of detailing. Honestly, you're probably a great guy and these video's are here to inform your viewers, but judging by some of your statements you don't sound like a guy I would trust my car to. Knowledge isn't everything, being humble and having respect for people with 'lesser' knowledge is equally important. Greetings from Belgium

I clayed my single stage painted car and the clay actually took paint off my car. Nothing I researched said anything about being cautious with single stage paint.

What happened with the lady and her love child porsche? Does she still think that a clay bar will not scratch her car and is she still a regular client?

Aww Just call it Bufunkis!!! ;)