Do I need to use Clay?

AMPowerJ · 08-01-2009, 09:09 AM

Hi Guys -

My car is almost 3 months old and I think it is about time to put on a coat of sealent/wax. My question is do I need to use a clay bar process first? The car doesn't have any noticeable swirls and the finish feels smooth to the touch. I wouldn't mind using clay but I have heard that you need to polish afterwards and frankly that process scares the crap out of me. I don't have a buffer, etc. and I am afraid I would do more harm than good with it anyway. So if I could just put a coat of jet seal on it followed by some wax that is what I would prefer to do but I want to do it right.

M3ltdown · 08-01-2009, 09:13 AM

I wouldn't clay the car without following it with a good polish... claying will leave very fine lines on the car. Plus you said the paint feels smooth to the touch anyways. I vote for just doing a good wash and wax... then do a clay and polish next year.

IFX · 08-01-2009, 09:50 AM

Your car is an 08' you shouldn't need to clay so early...
A fine wash, wax like darwin said should be fine.

Innovative Detailing · 08-01-2009, 10:23 AM

I always recommend a light clay of all surface areas, regardless..........

1)Wash
2)Clay
3)Polish
4)Wax/Seal

SpecC · 08-01-2009, 11:22 AM

clay bar is not from the devil. you will be fine

M3FOR4 · 08-01-2009, 01:10 PM

take a ziploc bag (empty) and stick your hand inside and lightly rub on surface of paint... If it is not smooth feeling then you should clay. Make sure to use correct lubricant for clay and if you drop on ground throw it away and use a new piece.

Dascamel · 08-01-2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innovative Detailing

I always recommend a light clay of all surface areas, regardless..........

1)Wash
2)Clay
3)Polish
4)Wax/Seal

+1

Claying allows the sealer/wax to adhere better also.

AMPowerJ · 08-01-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpecC

clay bar is not from the devil. you will be fine

I am not worried about the clay more the polish afterwards.

SpecC · 08-01-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMPowerJ

I am not worried about the clay more the polish afterwards.

i think the main reason a lot of people suggest something like this is because clay bar has a chance to marr the paint. it's not a HUGE deal with some less aggressive clay, but polish fixes the marring. otherwise, i've clayed and sealed my car more than i've polished mostly because i'm lazy. polishing is... so very time consuming

bigjae1976 · 08-01-2009, 06:53 PM

It is important to use a lubricant when claying. I've never noticed any additional swirls from claying.

I do have question, does claying remove any previously applied wax or sealant?

NewM3driver · 08-03-2009, 08:51 AM

Yes you need to clay... do the plastic bag thing and you will see.

I use the blue "Uber" clay bar from detailers domain with the Adams detail spray as clay lube. Super fine clay, super slippery lube. Wash your car thoroughly and put a small piece of clay in HOT water... this softens it up and makes it very pliable.

Spray the car with a LOT of lube and very lightly run the clay back and forth over the panel. Look at the clay.... all that super fine black stuff in it was in your paint. Wipe the panel dry with a soft towel.

Keep folding the clay to always expose a clean surface, and put it back into the hot water between panels. Sounds like a pain, but in reality is very easy. I fine the hood, trunk and roof need it the most.

I follow up with Zymol HD Cleans (not sure it is aggressive enough to be considered a polish) and then the Zymol Concours wax.

My car is Jerez black and I have done the process 3 times since getting the car last November. My paint is impeccable with not a swirl of fine scratch on it.

Remember...

Very lightly with the clay, LOTS of lube, soften the clay in HOT water.

Firm pressure with the HD Cleans in a back and forth motion, not circular.

Apply the Concours wax with your bare hands. The warmth melts it perfectly, and you will feel how smooth your paint is.

Good luck.

bobbyd1961 · 08-03-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMPowerJ

Hi Guys -

My car is almost 3 months old and I think it is about time to put on a coat of sealent/wax. My question is do I need to use a clay bar process first? The car doesn't have any noticeable swirls and the finish feels smooth to the touch. I wouldn't mind using clay but I have heard that you need to polish afterwards and frankly that process scares the crap out of me. I don't have a buffer, etc. and I am afraid I would do more harm than good with it anyway. So if I could just put a coat of jet seal on it followed by some wax that is what I would prefer to do but I want to do it right.

how about getting a professional to do this especially the first time

SpecC · 08-03-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

Yes you need to clay... do the plastic bag thing and you will see.

I use the blue "Uber" clay bar from detailers domain with the Adams detail spray as clay lube. Super fine clay, super slippery lube. Wash your car thoroughly and put a small piece of clay in HOT water... this softens it up and makes it very pliable.

Spray the car with a LOT of lube and very lightly run the clay back and forth over the panel. Look at the clay.... all that super fine black stuff in it was in your paint. Wipe the panel dry with a soft towel.

Keep folding the clay to always expose a clean surface, and put it back into the hot water between panels. Sounds like a pain, but in reality is very easy. I fine the hood, trunk and roof need it the most.

I follow up with Zymol HD Cleans (not sure it is aggressive enough to be considered a polish) and then the Zymol Concours wax.

My car is Jerez black and I have done the process 3 times since getting the car last November. My paint is impeccable with not a swirl of fine scratch on it.

Remember...

Very lightly with the clay, LOTS of lube, soften the clay in HOT water.

Firm pressure with the HD Cleans in a back and forth motion, not circular.

Apply the Concours wax with your bare hands. The warmth melts it perfectly, and you will feel how smooth your paint is.

Good luck.

HD Cleanse is a paint cleanser and not a polish. You don't really even need it for the Zymol waxes, but they aggressively market it that way to you. If your paint has never been polished by abrasives since you've gotten it, I can almost certainly guarantee that you WILL have swirls on it.. I'm not saying you are doing anything wrong in any way, so please, don't taking what I'm saying the wrong way.

anthony @ eas · 08-03-2009, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innovative Detailing

I always recommend a light clay of all surface areas, regardless..........

1)Wash
2)Clay
3)Polish
4)Wax/Seal

+1

AMPowerJ · 08-06-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbyd1961

how about getting a professional to do this especially the first time

Would love to but unfortunately in SC there aren't really any detailers I know of that I would trust like the ones on this forum. Do you guys ever travel or do you happen to know of someone fairly local that I could use that would know how to do this well?

Innovative Detailing · 08-07-2009, 03:06 AM

Here are a couple that I came across in my network. Please do your own research on them such as citysearch or BBB.

Detail Magic Mobile Detailing (704)668-1747 Email Website

Shine On Custom Mobile Automotive Detailing LLC (803)831-0082 Email Website

JCtx · 08-07-2009, 01:18 PM

I combine the polish and waxing steps with a good cleaner carnauba wax after claying. Is that a big problem doing that on a relatively light paint color like SSII? I'd HATE having to do 3 steps

. Thx.

AMPowerJ · 08-07-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innovative Detailing

Here are a couple that I came across in my network. Please do your own research on them such as citysearch or BBB.

Detail Magic Mobile Detailing (704)668-1747 Email Website

Shine On Custom Mobile Automotive Detailing LLC (803)831-0082 Email Website

Thanks!

AMPowerJ · 08-07-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innovative Detailing

Here are a couple that I came across in my network. Please do your own research on them such as citysearch or BBB.

Detail Magic Mobile Detailing (704)668-1747 Email Website

Shine On Custom Mobile Automotive Detailing LLC (803)831-0082 Email Website

Thanks!

Innovative Detailing · 08-08-2009, 12:26 PM

Your very welcome!

rzm3 · 08-10-2009, 10:12 PM

Don't over use clay, it is slightly abbrasive so only use when needed.

Use a clay bar when you feel a lot of imperfections on the paint. i.e. rough spots on the surface of paint.

I usually wash the car with a mit. When most of the dirt are gone, use a clean mit with soap and water as lubricant. This has worked very well for me, but make sure that there is no sand, etc trapped under the clay. Inspect the clay often and remove debris. Feel the paint with your hands (smooth paint should feel like a mirror) and clay where needed.

You should always wax after claying to form a protective layer.

NetBoy · 08-11-2009, 03:54 PM

I clayed my car with only 400 miles and the clay was dirty when I was done.

08-01-2009, 09:09 AM	#1
AMPowerJ One mod leads to another ... 416 Rep 2,900 Posts Drives: 2014 F10 M5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Blythewood, SC iTrader: (10)	Do I need to use Clay? Hi Guys - My car is almost 3 months old and I think it is about time to put on a coat of sealent/wax. My question is do I need to use a clay bar process first? The car doesn't have any noticeable swirls and the finish feels smooth to the touch. I wouldn't mind using clay but I have heard that you need to polish afterwards and frankly that process scares the crap out of me. I don't have a buffer, etc. and I am afraid I would do more harm than good with it anyway. So if I could just put a coat of jet seal on it followed by some wax that is what I would prefer to do but I want to do it right. __________________ Current: 2014 F10 M5 Previous: 2015 F80 M3, 2013 E92 M3, 2013 F10 M5, 2009 E90 M3, 1998 E36 M3
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08-01-2009, 09:13 AM	#2
M3ltdown Master Chief 19 Rep 641 Posts Drives: 09 e90 M3 JzB Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0)	I wouldn't clay the car without following it with a good polish... claying will leave very fine lines on the car. Plus you said the paint feels smooth to the touch anyways. I vote for just doing a good wash and wax... then do a clay and polish next year.
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08-01-2009, 09:50 AM	#3
IFX Banned 67 Rep 2,536 Posts Drives: AW e46M/N54 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Fla. iTrader: (1)	Your car is an 08' you shouldn't need to clay so early... A fine wash, wax like darwin said should be fine.
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08-01-2009, 10:23 AM	#4
Innovative Detailing Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 236 Posts Drives: 08 M3, 06 Denali, 53Ford F100 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	I always recommend a light clay of all surface areas, regardless.......... 1)Wash 2)Clay 3)Polish 4)Wax/Seal
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08-01-2009, 11:22 AM	#5
SpecC Completely obsessed with detailing 299 Rep 15,442 Posts Drives: E90 SG 330i, white Scion tC Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Francisco and Davis iTrader: (4)	clay bar is not from the devil. you will be fine
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08-01-2009, 01:10 PM	#6
M3FOR4 Private 2 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	take a ziploc bag (empty) and stick your hand inside and lightly rub on surface of paint... If it is not smooth feeling then you should clay. Make sure to use correct lubricant for clay and if you drop on ground throw it away and use a new piece.
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08-01-2009, 06:53 PM	#10
bigjae1976 Major General 1571 Rep 8,076 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW M3 [4.50] 2011 BMW E90 M3 [5.25] 2013 BMW 328i [5.00]	It is important to use a lubricant when claying. I've never noticed any additional swirls from claying. I do have question, does claying remove any previously applied wax or sealant? __________________ 2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red 2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue 2004 E46 M3 Imola Red 2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
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08-03-2009, 08:51 AM	#11
NewM3driver Colonel 1110 Rep 2,007 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Yes you need to clay... do the plastic bag thing and you will see. I use the blue "Uber" clay bar from detailers domain with the Adams detail spray as clay lube. Super fine clay, super slippery lube. Wash your car thoroughly and put a small piece of clay in HOT water... this softens it up and makes it very pliable. Spray the car with a LOT of lube and very lightly run the clay back and forth over the panel. Look at the clay.... all that super fine black stuff in it was in your paint. Wipe the panel dry with a soft towel. Keep folding the clay to always expose a clean surface, and put it back into the hot water between panels. Sounds like a pain, but in reality is very easy. I fine the hood, trunk and roof need it the most. I follow up with Zymol HD Cleans (not sure it is aggressive enough to be considered a polish) and then the Zymol Concours wax. My car is Jerez black and I have done the process 3 times since getting the car last November. My paint is impeccable with not a swirl of fine scratch on it. Remember... Very lightly with the clay, LOTS of lube, soften the clay in HOT water. Firm pressure with the HD Cleans in a back and forth motion, not circular. Apply the Concours wax with your bare hands. The warmth melts it perfectly, and you will feel how smooth your paint is. Good luck.
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08-07-2009, 03:06 AM	#16
Innovative Detailing Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 236 Posts Drives: 08 M3, 06 Denali, 53Ford F100 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	Here are a couple that I came across in my network. Please do your own research on them such as citysearch or BBB. Detail Magic Mobile Detailing (704)668-1747 Email Website Shine On Custom Mobile Automotive Detailing LLC (803)831-0082 Email Website
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08-07-2009, 01:18 PM	#17
JCtx Major General 258 Rep 5,012 Posts Drives: No BMW yet Join Date: May 2008 Location: El Paso TX iTrader: (0)	I combine the polish and waxing steps with a good cleaner carnauba wax after claying. Is that a big problem doing that on a relatively light paint color like SSII? I'd HATE having to do 3 steps . Thx.
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08-08-2009, 12:26 PM	#20
Innovative Detailing Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 236 Posts Drives: 08 M3, 06 Denali, 53Ford F100 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	Your very welcome!
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08-10-2009, 10:12 PM	#21
rzm3 Moderator 673 Rep 4,737 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (18)	Don't over use clay, it is slightly abbrasive so only use when needed. Use a clay bar when you feel a lot of imperfections on the paint. i.e. rough spots on the surface of paint. I usually wash the car with a mit. When most of the dirt are gone, use a clean mit with soap and water as lubricant. This has worked very well for me, but make sure that there is no sand, etc trapped under the clay. Inspect the clay often and remove debris. Feel the paint with your hands (smooth paint should feel like a mirror) and clay where needed. You should always wax after claying to form a protective layer.
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08-11-2009, 03:54 PM	#22
NetBoy Private First Class 29 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2015 F80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Southeast iTrader: (0)	I clayed my car with only 400 miles and the clay was dirty when I was done.
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