should i include a clay bar step?

[auto_addict]

i am reletively new to detailing a car to this extent, but it is something i really enjoy doing soo..
i have a 2000 midnight blue gloss chrysler intredpid. it has minor oxidization, lots of swirls, some minor scratches and some paint defectss..
i went and picked up everything i would need to to this job right.
-gold class car wash
-ultimate compound
-ultimate polish
-ulimate liquid polymer wax
-ultimate trim and dash protectant
-and some meguiar's tire spray.
i have also chosen the g110v2 dual action polisher as my choice tool.
should i add a step before my compound for a complete clay bar ... i have a few spots where there is minor paint trades, as well as a spot where the previous idiot owner used a black sharpie, also some bug marks ? will it help?

[ChevyNick]

Yea you should clay. You might as well if your going to do all those other steps. It will maximize your results.

[Murr1525]

Yeah, the clay works differently than the paint cleaners, so can grab different dirt.

[auto_addict]

thanks alot i have had some confusion as to if compound and clay do the same job.

[BillE]

You can probably think of claying as part of the washing step. It (clay) comes right after washing and before compounding/polish etc.

Make sense?

Bill