In this series, I am going to take some time to highlight some of the most popular detailing questions I encounter on a daily basis as a customer service representative here at DI. These questions can range from washing, drying, polishing, to almost any other step in the detailing process. With the help of Ask-a-Pro Author James Melfi, check out our answers and some helpful detailing resources covering the topic at hand.

Question:

I was looking at the Nanoskin Autoscrub Sponge and other clay bar alternatives. Would you recommend these over a regular clay bar?

Reece:

The Nanoskin Autoscrub Sponge is a great clay bar alternative item that will help you remove embedded contamination from the paint safely and easily. Once finished your paint will be prepped and ready to polish away imperfections, or apply a layer of protection after you are finished. I personally like having the Nanoskin Autoscrub Sponge on hand with some regular clay to tackle this step. Just be sure to have a good lube (i.e. Nanoskin Glide) on hand to help this item glide across the surface and reduce any marring as well. I use the sponge for larger surface areas and the regular clay for tight or hard to reach areas.

James:

Products like the NanoSkin Autoscrub Sponge offer some great benefits over traditional clay. They can be easily reused after cleaning, last far longer, and feel natural in your hand. I do still love traditional clay as I enjoy the visual of the contamination being removed from the paint. I also feel that with a traditional piece of clay I can get into tighter areas. If I had a choice, I’m still kicking it old school with traditional clay.

The main difference in both of these answers is that James is using a traditional clay bar, while I am using a combination of clay alternatives and traditional clay. The great thing about detailing is that there are many right ways to get to the end goal and you need to find what works best for you and your setup. James is a fantastic detailer and one of the best around and he leans towards a traditional clay bar for feel, getting into tight areas and the visual representation of removing contamination. With me being more of a weekend warrior, I tend to lean towards ease of use so I normally reach for a clay alternative. The Nanoskin Sponge is easy to hold, comes at a great value, and best yet, rinse and reuse. With proper care, you will be able to get many uses out of these clay alternative items but James is correct. They do make it hard to get into tight areas. If you strive for protection, I would use just a traditional clay bar, or a combination of a clay alternative and clay bar as using just a clay alternative can leave certain areas of your vehicle untouched. For more information and resources on claying see below and check out James’ How-To Clay Bar video!

Source: YouTube

Grade Differences

• Fine Grade – This grade clay bar or alternative is great for cleaning light to average soiled vehicles.
• Medium Grade – This grade is heavier than fine and designed to tackle heavy cleaning situations. Fine grade is generally used for most situations, but if you have a heavily soiled vehicle a medium grade bar or alternative is great to have on hand.

Popular Clay Alternatives

• NanoSkin AutoScrub Sponge
• NanoSkin AutoScrub Towel Fine Grade
• The Rag Company Ultra Clay Towel
• NanoSkin AutoScrub Fine Wash Mitt

Popular Clay Bars

• Clay Magic Fine Grade Clay Bar
• DI Accessories Fine Grade Clay Bar
• Clay Magic Medium Grade Clay Bar

Popular Clay Lubes

• NanoSkin Glide
• CarPro Immolube
• Chemical Guys Luber
• Poorboy’s World Spray & Wipe (S&W)

Bonus Articles

• Product Review: Clay Magic Fine Grade Clay Bar
• What Grade Clay Bar Should I Use?
• How To Properly Use a Clay Bar
• R.I.P. Clay Bars?
• NanoSkin AutoScrub Foam Pad
• Product Review: NanoSkin AutoScrub Wash Mitt
• Product Review: NanoSkin AutoScrub Sponges
• Product Review: NanoSkin Glide

Click here to check out all of our clay bar options!

Related Detailing Guide Section(s)

• Clay Bar

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