How do I know when my clay is shot?

I searched back a few pages and I could not find anything. How do I know when it is time to throw it away and start with a new piece?

Also, what is ONR? I see it referenced as a lube, but I cannot find it on detailedimage or detailersdomain.

Thanks,

Corey

 

ONR is Optimum No Rinse wash n shine. Great stuff. I use it for winter washes, as a QD for cleaning bird bombs (I use FK425 for dust), and as a clay lube. Very versatile product.

Your clay is shot when it becomes saturated with contamination, and you can't remold it to a clean surface to start claying again.

 

http://www.detailersdomain.com/optimum-carcare-PolymerTechnologiesInc-norinse.aspx

Optimum (OPT) No Rinse (ONR) - 32 oz - Free Shipping Available | Detailed Image

Both places also have it in 16oz and gallon size as well. I recommend just going ahead and getting a gallon of it. It works so well and is so versatile for so many things, it will just save you from a future purchase in the long run. :thumb:

 

Your clay is done with when you can no longer "turn" the clay and get a clean spot. Or, when the shampoo stars breaking down the clay and it starts crumbling.

 

Surprised this wasn't mentioned, but in case the OP doesn't know.

You clay is also no good if you drop it on the ground. If dropped, throw away. The clay will pick up stuff off the ground, and scratch your paint.

 

Yes, that much I know. I dont let my pads touch the ground either.

 

I didn't mean to offend you, i wasn't sure if you knew. Not everyone knows that. :sorry:

 

I can see a "detail shop" from my office at work -- and I've seen them drop the clay, blow and brush it off, shrug... then keep claying with it.

 

Nice!

 

I've seen people at a dealership place their clay on the ground between jobs only to pick it up again to clay a new car.

 

I use my clay as it begins to crumble a tiny bit... clay magic tends to do that...

 

That will depend on your lube. What are you using?

 

How often can detailer’s clay be reused?

Inspect the clay surface often and fold (knead) clay to present a clean surface to the paint to avoid scratching; when the clay surface becomes really soiled (it becomes more difficult to find a clean surface by kneading, relegate to wheel or glass surfaces and use fresh clay. Do not over use a clay bar; your clay is done when the lubricant starts breaking down the clay and it begins to break up.

Take a 100 gm bar and divide it into 6-8 pieces (this allows you to drop a piece and not have to throw away the whole bar) A mid size car usually takes around 20-30 grams Once the clay becomes too soiled for paintwork, relegate to glass surfaces, and from there to wheel surfaces and finally discard.