
Clay Towel vs Clay Bar: Understanding the Differences and Advantages
What is a Clay Bar?:
some poeple talk about the clay bar, clay towel and mitt. we try to list here clearly about what different and what the advantages and disadvantages.
What is a Clay Towel?
Clay towels are a modern innovation in car detailing, combining a layer of synthetic clay material bonded onto a microfiber towel. They serve the same purpose as traditional clay bars—to remove bonded contaminants from paint, glass, and metal—but offer a more convenient, reusable, and larger surface area.


What is a Clay Bar?
A clay bar is a synthetic resin compound used to remove contaminants from the surface of automotive paint, glass, and metal. These contaminants—such as industrial fallout, brake dust, tree sap, and overspray—are often invisible but can damage and dull the finish of a vehicle. Clay bars are an essential part of the car detailing process and help achieve a smooth, clean, and glossy surface.
Remarks: If you need to further understand the ingredients of the product, please refer to our MSDS report. If you are not aware of shipping by sea, air freight may require an IDCRT report. Please contact our email or download from our website.
What is a Clay Mitt?
Clay mitts are a glove-style version of synthetic clay, designed for comfort and control. A quality clay mitt has a three-layer structure: 1) The surface microfiber layer, 2) a 3-5mm sponge middle layer, and 3) a velvet cloth bottom layer. This layered design holds water for lubrication, improves user grip, and enhances the efficiency of decontamination.
The ergonomic format allows users to clean large surface areas quickly while providing a comfortable tactile feel.


Differences Between Clay Towel, Clay Mitt, and Clay Bar
While all three are used for surface decontamination, their structure and user experience vary significantly:
- Clay Bar: Softest and smoothest. Requires manual shaping and more detailing knowledge. Best for precision.
- Clay Mitt: Features three layers for comfort, lubrication, and cleaning. Ideal for enthusiasts and professional detailers.
- Clay Towel: Simpler construction with one layer of microfiber cloth and a clay surface. Can be folded to simulate multiple layers and improve water retention, but still less comfortable than mitts.
Clay towels have a larger clay surface area, making them suitable for professional car washes and high-volume detailers. When folded, a clay towel can match the cleaning performance of 3–4 clay mitts.
Why Professionals Use Clay Towels
Because of their larger size and efficient cleaning area, clay towels are frequently used in professional car washes and detailing shops. They are economical, easy to rinse, and can be reused many times. Folding the towel during use increases thickness and moisture retention, aiding lubrication and rinsing of the clay surface.
Brilliatech – The Leading Manufacturer Behind the Scene
Brilliatech is a specialized OEM/ODM manufacturer for clay bar-related products. With a focus on clay bar, clay block, clay mitt, clay towel, clay pad, clay ball, and industrial clay, Brilliatech supplies many of the products seen in global markets.
In fact, for every 10 clay-based detailing products seen on the market, around 6 may originate from Brilliatech’s factories. Their production is certified by ISO-9001, BSCI, and SGS audits. Their products meet transportation safety standards like TVOC, MSDS, and IDCRT, making them compliant for both air and sea freight.


Summary – Which Clay Product Should You Choose?
For DIY users: Clay mitts offer a perfect balance of comfort, effectiveness, and ease of use.
For professionals: Clay towels provide speed and surface area for multiple car cleanings in one go.
For detailers needing precision: Clay bars remain the most precise but require more skill.
Brilliatech offers full customization services and wholesale support for global distributors, platforms, and detailers seeking the best quality clay decontamination tools.