This Is Better Than A Clay Bar And Only Costs $2
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.พ. 2025
- This Is Better Than A Clay Bar And Only Costs $2
In this video I explore whether or not plumbers putty is a viable replacement for a clay bar. I bought a Mother's Clay Bar kit that came with 2 100oz clay bars as well as Mother's Instant Detailer and a micro fiber rag. All in all I think the Mother's clay bar kit is a good value but being the cheapskate I am I was curious if something like this plumbers putty could do the same job while costing much less.
Mother's Clay Bar Kit: amzn.to/2y5QRO0
Oatey Plumbers Putty: amzn.to/2YjOllM
McGuires Wash and Wax: amzn.to/2YihkGN
Micro Fiber Towels: amzn.to/2JUgbvM
www.1roadgarage...
Instagram: @1roadgarage
Could Plumbers Putty Replace Clay Bar?
Is Plumbers Putty As Good As Clay Bar?
The truck featured in this video is a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban. The Suburban is the same(ish) vehicle as the Tahoe, Yukon, Sierra and Silverado.
**This channel is for entertainment purposes only! Do not do what I do. Do not take my advice. I am not a professional. The methods I use may be completely wrong and/or dangerous. Please seek professional help with anything and everything and do your own due diligence (research). Working on cars is extremely dangerous. I am not responsible for any loss of life or limb or property. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. THIS CHANNEL IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!**
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OK, now I'm old school and have done things to my vehicles that new kids might cringe at, but I know one thing...if you have an older car with original paint baked under the sun or softer paint that big deal clay bar will take off a layer after layer, right down to the original primer. But, not so with Plumber's putty which I have been using for over forty years. Will never use a clay bar on my rods when I've gotten the same results.
Okay so you've been using plumbers putty as clay bar replacement for 40 years? No negative side effects? That's great!
My '89 Supra and '85 El Camino like the sound of that...I'll have to give it a try!
They have not used single stage paint on cars for a very long time. Unless you own a classic, using clay really is not an issue.
@@Des420 I'm learning as much as I can here. What do you consider to be a classic and when did they stop using single stage paint?
@@r.kirkwood1635 Good questions. I was thinking it was in the late 60's, early 70's, and those are what I consider classics... But decided to check. It seems as American manufacturers stopped in the mid to late 80's, and a couple of foreign models (not entire makes, like all Honda's, just a certain model/color of Honda Accord, black Lexus S300, etc.), still used them up until the 2000's. So I think pretty much anything after 1987/1988 should be two stage.
I was a auto painter for 42 year.s and if I was going to do a comparison on two different ways to test a product, I would have used the clay bar on one half of the hood and plumbers putty on the other half of the hood.That way you would have equal light distribution on the paint surface.
and preferably on a dark color such as black. white hides a ton of imperfections. also looks like you take pretty good care of your car as is.
@@dee1089 And don't compare one surface that has been waxed with one that hasn't.
It’s a shame you went through all that trouble. Nu Finish is the star of the show. That stuff works miracles.
@@Bo-hb3eo yeah, when I had body work done on my sebring years ago I asked the body shop owner about various waxes. They swore by nu finish for a once a year wax if that's all you do. I like Maguire's gold glass for the shine it leaves, but doesn't have the lasting power of nu finish as far as protection.
I like the idea of a cheap alternative putty. If you drop either putty you’re advised to toss it. That gets pricey!
Thanks for the tip. In Canada the Mother's Clay Bar Kit sells for $38.99 and the Plumber's Putty is $7.19 which is a saving of $31.80
We are clearly robbed in Canada. Costs are way out of control
All noted complaints aside... I just appreciate being informed of an alternative solution (that many of us may already have in our own garage) to a costlier name brand item. I can always do a comparison test on my own vehicle to determine which one works best for me.
If the hood was divided into two sections and there was a straight side by side comparison on a similar surface, this might have some credibility. Those surfaces are not only different and how they contact debris coming from driving, but also the level of temperatures that those surfaces are exposed to.
This is why I love the Project Farm Channel so much, the guy thinks about that type of stuff and always tries to give a uniform testing protocol on whatever he does.
And have it done on black paint so you can see
You should try playdough as a substitute clay bar since it was originally designed to be a clay bar intended to remove coal soot from walls after a winter of burning coal and wood.
That's very interesting. Never knew that's how playdo was invented.
@@AtEboli That's where playdo got it's start then of course electric and gas heat swept the country and the inventors kids was playing with it and the idea to market playdo as a children's toy was born.
lol, that assumes it’s still the original formulation. (Which probably had asbestos and lead!)
@@dunnkirke If the original formula had asbestos and lead do you really think China would reformulate the recipe for the well being of our children today? I seriously doubt it.
@@notchagrandpa8875 that’s very interesting.
You have a gift for narrating videos. Pleasing voice, and no stammering and time wasting comments. I've subscribed!
what did you expect a genie to materialise
@@petermarygold5476 What are you talking about?
Thank you so much for the video review of the plumbers putty vs. the kit clay bar package I did not even know you could use putty to restore and shine my car paint . ( 60 years old , and still learning ) . Thank you for the time you took to teach me this .
I've used claybars for years and have often wondered about plumbers putty or if there was something else out there. Now we know and I will try it. Also, keep in mind there's different grades of claybars from fine to heavy, I usually use the fine so I feel the putty will be good. Thanks!!!
i used it, with the plumbers putty - i no longer have any leaks in my car!
TOM D just laughed my ass off . That was funny
That was a good one.
TOM D, that makes me MAD! Get it??? 😂
That was spontaneity at its best… very funny
hahahahahah
When you hear "soapy water" and think of Chrisfix's "soapy wooder"
Chris fix is pretty cool!⚙️🔧🔑👋
Chris fix subhere
Yea. I can never hear or say those two words the same again🤣
Hey guys !!!! 😁😁
Chris fix is awesome
I thought of joy dish detergent
Most paint contaminants will settle onto the horizontal surfaces of your car, less so on the vertical. Clay bars are made to be sticky in order to grab the contaminants off the paint without using excessive pressure to remove it reducing the amount of abrasion on the paint. You can use car shampoo mixed with water as shown in this video with a spray bottle. It keeps the clay lubricated and moving easily reducing paint abrasion. You will see the clay bar surface becoming dirty, that's what was stuck to the paint surface, when you see that take the clay and knead it so you have a clean clay surface for the next panel.
I have never used plumbers putty on a car so I can only offer my professional opinion on it, but not by experience in using it. I wouldn't do it. Plumbers putty is not as sticky as clay and it's much softer, which translates to using more pressure and more back and forth motions to get the same results as the clay. Using more pressure is likely to scratch your paint. Make no mistake, any time you touch your paint with any product, or wipe it with even the softest micro fiber towel you are indeed scratching it. Your goal is to minimize the amount and severity of scratching.
Once you clay your car it is vulnerable to the elements. You have removed paint contaminants, but you also removed any protection previously applied to the paint. It will remove any glazes, waxes, or other surface applied product. So it would be wise to plan enough time when claying your car to apply a coat of polish and wax, or wax alone. This should be done in a shaded area not in direct sun light.
And yes, I do this professionally.
Thank you for explaining! I do appreciate videos like these, it's very interesting to see, even if only to help us understand why specific products are made for specific uses.
He is correct
Thanks!
Well I'm still thinking for myself and maybe cleaning and waxing my car a couple times a year, for a few dollars I think I'll be okay with the putty. Of course you could do these side by side for a couple years, the left side of the hood and the right side. And then publish the results LOL. Soft putty versus sticky clay!
100%
In my experience when you here the clay bar picking up dirt you should stop and fold over the clay to give it a new surface. If you want extremely clean windows use a separate piece of clay bar with window cleaner. I keep it marked in a ziplock bar so I don't mix it up.
I'm 70 years old and have been using Nu Finish since I was 20 . Great product .
I used to use Nu Finish. I agree it is a great product and it lasts a really long time. The only thing I don't like about it is that if you accidentally hit any black trim with it, it doesn't come off. It stays on it for years to come!
@@mranalogman3525 Great point. Place masking tape (or blue painters tape), over the trim areas to help avoid or reduce this from happening.
@@mranalogman3525very carefully remove it with lacquer thinner.
I followed your video on this particular subject. I also got plumbers putty and attempted to do my entire SUV. My paint job is relatively old on my SUV so I did not expect great thing, but nevertheless I attempted it and it came out great. Plumbers putty did start to disintegrate after a while, to be expected I recommend anybody with a vehicle that has paint that is relatively old and get great results
I've been a detailer for 25 years and never heard I've always used a clay bar and a wash mitt with a clay substitute in it for all my work. And it really works but I have to say that seems like a good idea. I like to save some money
Did you switch from clay bars to plumbers putty?
So what happened?
Inquiring minds want to know. Have some brain candy for us?
@@ProleDaddy o
After one year, have you tried the clay?
I just tried using plumber's putty yesterday and then spraying a ceramic coating, and my car's paint feels like glass. Oh and I have less noticeable swirl marks too! Thanks for the video!
What ceramic coating do you reccomend?
@@thecrazeecow1682 i saw u didnt get a response so i thought i might help. I do ceramic coatings professionally and i would recommend several good ones such as Wizards ceramic or Tec580. Just make sure it is a "nano" ceramic. Im happy to help if u have any other questions
Watching it I was immediately thinking "Why aren't you doing a TRUE comparison?" If the goal was to compare the plumbers putty to clay bars then you should have done half the hood (and horizontal surface that catches a lot more debris than vertical ones) and also use the same Mother's detailing spray. Now you did use the soap / water on the clay bar after, but really could have done half the hood and half the vertical with the same sprays. THAT would have been a true comparison. Otherwise, good video and good point at the end about what the putty may have in it that could affect the paint later.
The soapy water (or wooder - hi Chrisfix) works great as clay lubricant. In fact, I clayed a car in a light rain shower, so the stuff wouldn't dry and it worked great. Bought some cheapo clay and it is really soft, but seems to work as good as the name brand stuff. Can't wait to try the plumber's putty.
LOL.... I love Chrisfix's videos but it always annoys me the way he says water !
@@johnepperson8867 lol it is one of ChrisFix's things and he prints it on the bottle. Soapy Wooder.
@@johnepperson8867 worter
@@EnLasCallesKustomRC Yep !
If you're from NY that is the correct way to pronounce it. Same idea as flaw [floor].@@EnLasCallesKustomRC 😃
Awesome. Tried on my 18 year old for explorer. Worked fantastic! Used several cans of plumbers putty though as the paint was in pretty bad shape.
Thank you! I’ve picked up a box 📦 of clay bar 74 times and put it back cause I didn’t want to spend that much for a clay bar 😂😂 I never bought it until I found it on sale in the clearance aisle .. Plummer’s putty seems like an awesome alternative for us cheap guys
You sound like a Yorkshireman at heart. You would be welcome here in UK North Yorkshire where we are famously careful with our money.
Great video and comparison! The reason you hear the sound with the clay bar is that it is in fact abrasive. It's not meant as part of a wash and wax routine, it's meant to be used as part of a paint correction process. You remove contaminants and follow up by buffing and polishing to remove swirls and micro scratches on distressed paint.
Adam Placker couldn’t of said it any better!
He wasn't using the detail spray. He was using a car wash solution diluted with water (and who knows what contaminates where in it, too). Clay bars are meant to be used with a lubricant not a soap.
Would have been interesting to see the results of running the plumbers putty first, then a new clay bar over the same area to see if it picks up anything else.
27
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Plumbers putty picks up chicks
I kept waiting for that or at least split the panel to see a real side by side.
Of course you would have to run this test verse verca vise to see results as well. Then of course a control using neither.
Just gonna say at 7:05 ish you have to keep checking the clay for it picking up contamination and folding so you get a fresh bit of clay.
I had a severe reaction to the putty..... I am now suffering from plumbers crack...
Stick the putty in the hole of the crack.
Hahahaha lmao🤣
Kent Little lol 🤣🤣
hillarious
LMAO!!!
So I just started working an rv dealership. The techs use something called putty tape the same thing Essentially I think and I have been researching for the longest time. Couldn’t find anything but this video finally gave me confirmation.. thank you sir.
Ive used Plumer putty for years.
I add a couple of drop of virgin olive oil to it before use. Works great to clean window also.
Lol
Why the oil?
Plumbers putty is very fine clay mixed with linseed oil, same as old fashioned window putty used on wooden window frames.
if your going to do something like this don't use something that is already good find an everyday driver that has not been touched spilt the hood then do it
I used to have a detailing business a few years ago. One way I would prove to customers that their paint could use a clay bar would be the plastic bag test. Aka just get a sandwich bag, put your hand in it and lighty go over your cars paint with your hand in the bag. You will feel EVERY bump on your paint. Would definitely help you with the before and after. Try it out.
I do the same with clients. Plastic bag works everytime. 👍
I like how you verbally described what was going on and your thoughts as you clay barred the car. Interesting idea and well presented.
This☝
I would always put the Magic Clay bar in the microwave in a bowl of water for 30 seconds to make it more pliable . I will try the plumbers putty as it seems much easier to use. By the way, I always use NuFinish polish, it buffs off easy and protects for almost a year.
Thanks for the tip.
Update ?
To Eliseo Mireles from 3 days ago I say this:
His video was still helpful in at least getting the conversation started and making us think twice. I, for one, really appreciate the time and effort he put into this! We need more people like him. That being said, I agree, your idea would be excellent. But starting your comment off with “this doesn’t help at all” is rude and disrespectful to not just him, but to anyone who’s ever tried to help their fellow man. If you just would’ve started the sentence off with, “thanks for the tips, could you make a video down the road showing a side by side comparison blah blah blah” You get the point. Eliseo, let’s leave the dry hostility for people who deserve it. Hey, shoot it my way if u want, I don’t care, or better yet MAKE YOUR OWN COMPARISON VIDEO!!
I would worry about the additives in the plumbers putty if you have a car with PPF (clear protective vinyl wrap). Might damage the material. Also....the correct way to do this is to wash the car well than use an Iron out product which will remove much of the microscopic iron fillings that are from your brakes. Those hot particles attach to your clear coat and are the prime grit you feel when running your sandwich bag covered hand over the paint. The iron particles will be obvious as they will turn the iron out solution purple. Rinse that off and now you use the clay bar, plumbers putty possibly, or clay mitt (my preferred) along with detailing spray or soapy water. This will pull out the last of the iron particles, tree sap, and road grit. Now you can select the LEAST aggressive polish for your cars paint condition to remove any swirls and finish up with a polish glaze. At this point you can use a good wax or ceramic coat. There are lots of TH-cam videos about the process. Skipping steps will result in piss poor results. If you don't use the iron out step you will leave that imbedded iron in your clear coat which will rust. If you have a white car the rust will be very evident after a while as tiny rust spot. The clay bar step pulls those out of the clear coat. Polishing or waxing without removing them will just trap those particle and result in future rust spots that can attack the clear coat.
Thank you so much for your explanation
Spot on explanation!
A huge thanks for taking the time to share your experience. VERY nicely done, sir. I've also used plumber's putty and white play doh (good cuz you can see the crud that comes off your paint, plus it comes with a handy storage can). I suppose anything that is super clean, pliable and has very fine abrasive aggregate will do -- BUT I agree that there's no need to drop $15-$25 on big name products when household good work just fine.
I agree but the ones you get from the big name auto stores are much more expensive than online. I got a pack of 5 clay bars for 10 bucks off scamazon
Biff takes care of mine, but often he tries to skimp on the third coat of wax.
Hahahahahahahaha. Anyone home in there mcfly?
Mcflyyy
Oh now biff! Don’t con me!
😁
I’m sorry Mr.McFly, I meant I was just starting the third coat. Your book came in!!
Thanks for the video. I have plumbers putty on hand, since I have a 120 year old house & had to do a lot of plumbing repairs on this old house.
I think the mothers clay bars firmness may be helping it pick up contaminants...i think jimmy you as a comparison to these two products repeat this on a vehicle who's paint isn't in as fantastic shape as yours is... that said the plumbers putty is a good alternative for those of us with older trucks who's paint is ok and just want it better but for cheaper... great job
Chris Browne I do not reccoment plumbers putty, left me residue for multiple washes. Its to thin and rolls of fragments of putty on paint
Shouldn’t use the wash n wax when clay barring....idea of doing this prep. for duco, is to strip waxes & containment’s before polish & rewaxing!
Good point. What would you use instead to lubricate the clay bar?
@@DaveRynk water.
@@DaveRynk water and soap will do don't buy what they have with clay bars it's their soap and water recipy
@@DaveRynk Water is okay, its not very slick and you want the clay to be pretty slick as you're running it across your panels. The professional way is to have a "detail spray" which is just a rinseless soap wash mixed with distilled water. In a pinch, you can use dish soap and water since claying is already going to remove any existing waxes/sealants. Professional detail advice.
I believe that clay bars are known as micro abrasive, they always recommend polishing after using a clay bar. Probably why you feel like it's scratching a bit, frequently reforming the clay helps to reduce the scratching. Good to know that there is a cheap alternative.
Should also do a thorough decontamination/cleaning of the paint prior.
I subscribed to your channel as soon as I saw this video, but haven't seen one since. But I digress. I have to thank you. I'm getting up in years (70), and I've been terrified to touch a Volvo S40t5 that I bought in April. It's a beautiful red, but really needed paint correction. With the exception of the plumbers(not THAT brave) putty, I followed your lead and jumped into it. First, clay bar....I actually used a mitt. Then i used 3M rubbing compound, then maguires polish, then turtle wax sealant, THEN Collinite #845 wax. I used a 6inch Bauer DA polisher for paint correction, with the appropriate pads.....my ride looks G O O D!!!!
Also, you want to slightly knead and fold over the bar, continually putting the "clean" side down. If you just flip it, after both sides are contaminated, you have no where to go. By kneading, and folding it over, you can use a single bar to do multiple cars.
Should try it on black paint. That would show everything.
Good Point
Pure genius, thinking out the box!! Ty for experimenting with your truck!
I just told the grandkids to take their Silly putty and wash my car with it.
Damn, that might work also.
Never thought of using plumbers putty but I’ve used it to clean up the hole where the pop-up or sink basket goes when I’m replacing them and it’s all gunky and needs a good cleaning.
I always have plumbers putty around where clay bars, I don’t. Lol
Nice video and I’ll try it next time I do a clay clean.
GREETINGS !!!! Great Video !!! Thank You !!! I must say, it was "Chris Fix" YT channel that enlightened me about detailing windows and car with a "CLAY BAR"... I never even heard of that in my entire life and I'm almost 50 years old !!! Thus, I did get that Mothers Clay Bar Kit that you have shown here..... I'm definitely going to try out the Plumbers Putty... asap !!! Thank You !!!!
Cool. The last time I needed plumber's putty for a drain, it was dried out. Now I can have some fresher stuff on hand again. The soapy water is a good idea too.
Great Video! I've used NuFinish for years. So many detailors call me crazy. I have a Jungle Green Wrangler 11 Years old Always kept outside, coat it twice a year. It still looks amazing!
Check out the ratings. NuFinish has been #1 rated for years. I like it. Easy on, easy off.
A clay bar is an abrasive. It does have potential to scratch your paint. That is one of the reasons why lubrication is needed to reduce the risk of scratching. Using a clay bar will lift the contaminants that a wash and dry cannot lift out of the paint. The contaminants stick to the clay bar and rest on the paint. This is why some professionals will re wash and dry the car after clay barring the car. To reduce scratching as they apply paint correction and or finishing product after the wash
Thank you! I just bought the Mother’s kit for $25 at Advance Auto. Works very well, but way expensive. I will definitely try plumber’s putty and the Wash/Wax.
I love it when people think out side of the box. And achieve the same results as a more expensive product in a fancy package. I'll be trying this hack, and saving a few dollars in the process. Thanks for the great idea. GF1 👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁😁
Would love to see this with black car, great vid!
Cool finding! With it being as soft as it is, I can see it being a solution for very mild contamination. Some of the heavier contamination would probably require a traditional clay bar (that's why some companies sell different "aggressions" of clay bars). As the contamination was described as light in the video, I can see why it would be effective in your case. My only concerns with this are that the material makeup of the plumbers putty is unknown (whether it is safe for all clearcoats, especially softer variants), and without a really good clay lubricant, it seems that it is more likely to mar the surface if it gets caught (by means of some of the putty getting stuck to the clearcoat, again, with softer clearcoat).
put you hand into a plastic bag and lightly rub your paint that will allow you to feel the rough stuff better then just doing it with your bare hand. Also don't use the auto parts store cheap micro fiber towels they will actually scratch the clear coat. A good test is get an old CD and rub it with the micro fiber cloth. You need really good microfiber for the paint you can buy any of the premium ones from like Adams (I use these) but you can use the ones from any of the major companies. I use the cheapies for the areas around the doors or the bottom of the vehicle or around the hood and engine area. As you use the clay bar you will see the contaminants in the bar just need to fold them over and knead the clay bar, it shouldn't be scratching the paint. But if you drop the clay bar throw it away it will pick up the large dirt and such off the floor. I have used clay bay for years and never had an issue with it scratching the surface , then you follow up with a polish and wax it will look great.
Totally agree with you. Putting your hand in a plastic bag and very lightly rubbing it over the paint is a real eye-opener. If you do it before you clay bar, you would swear that you're rubbing your hand over sandpaper. After clay barring the car it will feel very smooth.
Just like the instructions say.
Also the edge of a credit card works great for checking the paint for contaminants
Exactly! If you think that you feel it pick up something, stop and fold and knead the clay bar. That will keep it from possibly scratching the paint. The clay is designed to hold the particles inside, and keep them from scratching the paint. Not sure about the plumbers putty, as it is softer and not as sticky. It should do a presentable job. You get what you pay for.
The real savings is in the soap solution because that lubricant can get expensive. Appreciating this vid for that suggestion. For me, the extra 'stickiness' of the clay bar is worth the extra cost and it's really not that much more money.
I’ve used griots for years. Works great but if used on white paint. If u hit any dry spots, it will stain and u gottta rub off the putty. So I’ll try your plumbers. Great info
And now Plumbers putty tripples it's price and advertises it's multipurpose use as well as announce it's gluten free, no trans fat and low carb. 😂😂😂
sugar free....* toothpick not included
And vegan don't forget about vegan ;-)
Plumber's putty, natural no-carb sweetener, and essential oils, instead of chewing gum.
Keto friendly...
Will the putty let people on diuretics stop leaks?
A couple of sprays of any clay lube right onto the clay before you start is a good idea also
It seems to me an important part of the unfortunately more expensive clay bars is there stickiness, it seems the stickiness pulls stuff of the paint and using a lubricant, soapy water, clay bar works with very little pressure. I would like to see on a horizontal surface a section done with a clay bar and then a section done with plumbers putty and see if they both pulled up similar amounts of crud.
I have the mother's clay bar kit and have it still after 10 years. I used it to get over spray on one of my car years ago and still works great. Kind of not worth saving a few bucks when something is tried and true.
After using the clay bar, look at the bar to see what contaminants were picked up. Then you can re-need the clay to get a fresh surface. Same would go for the plummer's putty.
Automotive clay bars are designed to be abrasive and sticky. The lubrication from the detailer, soap, or even water mitigates that. Some more abrasive clay bars are designed for removing over spray, heavily bonded contaminants and films. Although plumbers puddy is a great experiment, it has its own properties that make it hydrophobic and may leave a residue on your vehicle and not remove the contaminants that clay can with no residue. Also, after claying it is always good practice to polish the paint with a dedicated polish. This further removes contaminants and removes scratches left by the clay, but also swirl marks and fine scratches from washing. The polish also preps for the last step, which would be a great wax or sealant. Using the clay along with the right polish and wax or sealant with in a product line also ensures a good bond to the paint and will help your finish look good and last for a longer period of time even after multiple washes. If there is a film left behind from the plumbers puddy or if it fails to remove the paint contaminants, then the protection the wax or sealant won't bond or last. This in the end would be a huge loss of effort, time, and money.
I would be interested to see what the clay bar would look like after going over a plumber's putty panel.
Me, too. Hadn't thought of that.
Well, make your own video.
SCIENCE !
I've always worked in small sections, like 12"by 12", always working the clay and kneading it. Will definitely try the putty though. Thanks !
Hey,thanks for the trick. Got a big detail coming up and I'm giving the plumbers putty a go.
The way you tell if its working is not how it feels, but whether it's picking up any dirt from the panel. If the clay becomes dirty, you're supposed to knead it so that you have a clean surface again.
I have used what we call in the UK Blutack. Its the putty used to put on the back of paper to stick it to the wall/board etc. Similar theory to plummer putty, but is very reminiscent of clay. It's got a little adhesive in it and you get a sheet of it for less than $1. Lasts as long as clay and is so cheap you can use it once and throw it away after each car
I just looked this up on Amazon. Do you do the same application for it as you would a claybar or plumber's puddy? Which is using a lubricant first?
@@firephoenix3951 yes, exactly the same. Quick detailer or even snow foam to lubricate the surface, then use Blutack as clay
No friggen' way, I actually have that same plumbers putty collecting dust in the garage.
Not anymore.
I'm with you. If I can save a buck or two and have the same results, thats what I'd pick.
All in the name of spending less.
You could instead just stand there and stare at your vehicle for free and get similar results...that is??? NO RESULTS!
I agree with a lot of the comments you do need to do smaller sections and kneed the clay bar throughout the process it is supposed to be sticky I've been professionally detailing for over 25 years. I will try the plumber's putty next time. Thank you for making this video I'll consider subscribing.
A clay bar kit in the uk is about £25.plumbers putty,micro cloth,and spray £5.👍so the super shiny black and gold box the kit comes in costs £20.👍great tips,thanks.
As far as scratches go, it is very possible for the claybar to induce some scratches as it pulls debris from you paint. The purpose of a claybar is to remove this debris from your paint before you buff as so the polisher does not pick it up and cause scratching/swirling in the paint
Here’s a tip few people know, put your hand into a clean sandwich bag and test the same area as you did without it, you’ll be amazed at how much imperfections you’ll find, simply clay again!!! 👀👌👁
I DONT know about this tip, so thank you.
If you use clay, the secret is to continually keep working a new surface up in the clay. Manipulate it in your hand so as to get the grit away from the paint. Every so often, not every second.
For those thinking that the clay-bar results should be visible ... please ignore the fact that one uses detailing-spray ... because it is not a paint cleaner, the clay - it is simply something that removes particulate (small and large, both; industrial 'fall out' including sand for example) lodged onto / into the paint; that way, when you start to put a cleaner or a cleaner/wax onto the paint, you are not 'sanding' your car with swirl-marks and scratches as all of those contaminates contaminate your cleaner or cleaner/wax. Clay-bar results is something you can 'feel' with your fingers but cannot see with the naked eye; you can see the clean results with a low-power microscope of course; good video 1ROAD, keep up the good work.
I used New Finish for years; worked great on black clear coated paint; issue i had was that it didn't last long; needed more application's / year than any other wax; good for car shows. Just finished clay baring my Fold edge and waxed it. Was very happy; won't name the product as I don't want to sound like an advertiser
Buy silver cars. They always look clean
Agree just wash 1 every 3 months 😂😂😂
Buy German cars they have too much paint on them.
But they attract dirt like a magnet
Gold. You can barely see dust on them.
@@erniefernandez598 Wash your car then.
i have used clay bar in my plumbing applications and up to date have flooded 3 houses!
yes but the water drains away faster!
*your local hardware store has just sold out of plumbers putty*
price of plumber putty just shot up to $15
And so has the price of my 1 step correction!🤔
All the plumbers are cussing because the price of plumbers pudgy it going up. I had an old lady 45 years ago give me a hard time for using Arm and Hammer baking soda
It feels like butter????
So I've bought it now how do I used it
Going over paint with your fingers feels real smooth, even before you do much cleaning. Now try a piece of celophane on your finger and go over that paint again at the same spot. It will be a totally different feeling!
The best way I "feel" the paint... I use the cellophane wrapper from a cigarrette pack. Magnifies the impurities in the paint..that you feel it with your fingertips. Lightly run your fingertips with cellophane across it. What a world of diifference in determining the "before/after" effects.
Lmao! As soon as I saw you holding the plumbers putty I knew what it was.
Keep in mind what's in them. I'm sure the mother's stuff is formulated and has stuff bujld it meant for car paint vs plumbers putty which is, well we don't know what it is.
Now time for the high speed buffer to wrap it up with a protectant twice a year and the paint lasts for a really long time while looking great.
I'm looking into a dual action polisher. Maybe the harbor freight one...
Don't waste your money Jimmy. Its a horrible product.
Porter Cable DA or the rebadged PC w a longer cord Griot's DA are great affordable starter options for a polisher option
A good objective test. A boon to car ownership on a budget. Gratitude from Blighty.
AMMO NYC just started crying when he heard you were doing this.
Wisconsin Eagles-Fan beat me to it lol
Every time a Mother's product is sold he sheds a tear (AMMO NYC)....
Props to Ammo for his whole hustle he’s got going but man is he annoying.
Somewhere I read the petroleum distillates in the putty can affect the paint and shouldn't use it for this. I'm thinking clay once or twice a year isn't so expensive I can't invest the $17. Just sayin'. I'm no expert, definitely not a pro, so I tend to err of the side of caution. My luck being what it is, I'd use plumbers putty on my car and have a bigger problem when I got done, like turning my paint into a hypercolor tee shirt (young guys going, "Huh?")
Good he's crying....his superior ass gets in my nerves.
This my favorite clip from Nathan on Your Side. Good show Nathan. Keep up the good work.
haha i love this part of that show
Thanks for a thought-provoking comparison. You've done nice work preparing and recording this comparison! Nevertheless, my conclusion is I will use the tried and true methods that countless thousands of detailers and car buffs have used. I'm not trying to save $15, I'm trying to get the best results possible. I know clay bars have a super-fine abrasive. I know the tried and true procedure for using them. I'll stick with that until I read articles that the best auto enthusiasts now use plumbers' putty.
i don't want abrasives in my clay bar. that's what polish is for.
A clay bar treatment is always a good thing and it does make a difference, but you should of done smaller sections and knead your clay more often. But the plumbers putty is a smart idea! Thanks for sharing, cuz sharing is caring!
Put your hand in a plastic sandwich bag and feel your paint surface. You'll be amazed at all the stuff you will feel on the surface that the bars will remove. I'll try it with pp this summer!
Exactly, I'd like to see the results when the plastic bag method of checking for contaminants is done after using the putty over a clay bar
I rubbed real hard...my Dodge is still a Dodge....dammit.
Not a lamp it's a dodge!
Be careful, if you continue rubbing it too hard, it may become a Plymouth. 😂
@@tardis9905 Nooo!....not like a PT Cruiser or Neon? I'll never touch it again :)
Did the genie appear?
If its still Hellcat or a Demon you're damn lucky it didn't turn into a Ford.
You should have gone over the plumbers putty area you did with the claybar to see if you could pick up any additional trash (scratching sounds..lol)
I'm no chemist or car detailer but what I would say about putty is it contains oils and solvents that add to it's hydrophobic qualities and aid transition from its soft state to a hardened state , I can't see that this is great for paint?
Nice video and potential substitution for using a clay bar but they now have the synthetic speed clay devices from Mother's that last for years for around $20.
I have one. That is also supposed to be used 3 to 5 times.
You did it wrong. You're only supposed to do small sections and frequently knead the clay. The scratching sound that you heard was you actually scratching your paint.
Screwball
Claybar costs way more for me. Almost $20 I'd say for either the mothers or meguiars but hey I might give it a try.
Check WalMart for Mother's products. The plumbers putty is really cheap at Lowes or Home Depot.
I have always used Meguiar's and this is the way I'll go, especially since money isn't a factor!
Update?
meguire in my country costs 37$ 200 grams...
After doing a lot of research and depending on the putty ingredients, i have found that putty could damage your paintwork as it can contain limestone powder, which is alkali, also the putty may not be contaminant free, so may have particles that can damage paint, clearcoat. I personally wouldn't use putty as a clay bar.
Been doing plumbing since the 90s we never used the putty it dries then cracks. The old guys I trained with didn't allow it. This is interesting trying it as a clay substitute
The car repair videos on Facebook always remind me of still photography magazines before everyone went digital... "What's the Best Slide FIlm" or "Nikon versus Canon Lenses - Which is the Best." It seems like no two sides agree, and everybody says if you do it like the other guy, you'll kill your engine... even if you're just removing carpet stains.
The timing of this video couldn't be better. I'm just getting ready to use a clay bar or putty on my old silver Saturn Vue and follow it with the Nufinish. It seems logical that the putty would work well, so I'm going with it rather than the Mother's Kit. Don't get me wrong, Mother's makes super fantastic products, but after watching this video, I'm just going to try the putty. It'll be interesting, and I'll try to post the results.
I really enjoy the 1Road videos, and you've earned my trust. I look forward to watching more!
Before you clay bar your supposed to treat the paint with an iron remover. The iron might scratch.
Shoulda done 1/ 2 of a panel with each one - too may variables now
Thanks for the video, as tomorrow is Saturday for me I'll be trying out the plumber's putty.