ANSWER: A light clay bar treatment is a car detailing technique used to remove contaminants and impurities from the surface of the vehicle's paint. A clay bar is a soft, pliable material gently rubbed across the paint, picking up and pulling away contaminants that have bonded to the surface. Here's how the process typically works: Assessment: The detailer assesses the condition of the paint to determine if a clay bar treatment is necessary. Surface Lubrication: A lubricant, often a detailing spray or soapy water, is applied to the surface of the paint. This lubrication is crucial to prevent scratching during the clay bar process. Clay Bar Application: The clay bar is gently rubbed across the lubricated surface. The clay bar grabs onto contaminants, pulling them away from the paint. Regular Inspection: The detailer regularly inspects the clay bar to see the contaminants it has picked up. When one side of the clay bar becomes too soiled, it is folded or kneaded to expose a clean surface. Final Wipe Down: After the clay bar treatment, the vehicle is often given a final wipe down to remove any residue left by the clay. The contaminants that a clay bar can remove include road grime, brake dust, industrial fallout, tree sap, tar, and other pollutants that can adhere to the paint over time. This process helps create a smoother and cleaner surface, preparing the paint for further detailing steps like polishing and waxing. Light clay bar treatment is generally suitable for mildly contaminated paint, while more intensive clay bar treatments may be needed for heavily contaminated surfaces.