What does Clay Bar do?

So, I hear "Clay Bar" every now and then. Could you please tell me what it is? And is it necessary to use on details?

Thanks,

The clay bar is a really easy-to-use tool for removing overspray and fallout that is deposited on the surface of a vehicle; It's so simple that a monkey can be trained to use it.

It is sold in the shape of a small bar of soap... and has the consistency of clay. It actually has detergents and abrasives imbedded in it to clean the above-surface debris. It is used in conjunction with a spray lubricant to enhance its performance, sort of like a shaving gel does on your face.

It can be used on a paint finish, glass, plastic and shiny trim... without fear of damage. It's mild, most popular version is non-invasive, so it won't risk paint damage. But it will not cure acid rain damage. Yes, there is a more aggressive version of clay that can actually scour a finish, but most vendors simply market the same, consumer version.

Surface-care clay has virtually eliminated the need for harsh, volatile chemicals or abrasive compound buffing to remove oversprays or above-surface fallout, saving a tremendous amount of time for detailers. Every detailer should have it in their arsenal of paint tools.

Hope this helps.

-Steve

Steve summed it up pretty well. Claying is pretty hard to go wrong with. The only negatives I have ever seen someone experience with clay include 1)dropping the clay on the ground to contaminate it and then proceeding to use it and scratching a car 2) light marring by using too heavy of a clay on surface that didn't need it 3) loading up a light bar with surface contaminants when a heavier bar was needed. These are all EASILY avoidable with common sense. Clay should be a part of every details available tools.