Should I clay

[canoebuck]

I have a black 01 Dakota. On the weekend I used #9 swirl remover ,Deep Crystal #2 polish, followed by nxt paste. Iwas absolutely amazed at the depth of shine that the polish added. Would it have been beneficial to clay 1st or would it be redundant since I used the swirl remover with random orbit polisher. Thanks.

[Jeff Smith]

Re: Should I clay

Originally posted by canoebuck
I have a black 01 Dakota. On the weekend I used #9 swirl remover ,Deep Crystal #2 polish, followed by nxt paste. Iwas absolutely amazed at the depth of shine that the polish added. Would it have been beneficial to clay 1st or would it be redundant since I used the swirl remover with random orbit polisher. Thanks.

As it was a '01, I would have clayed. But it all depends on the surface when all is said and done though. Claying will remove bonded suface contaminates thus insuring that you have a properly prepared surface.

If this truck is kept outside, I bet a good claying wold have been a good idea. Even if it were garaged, I think most of the forum members here would have clayed if it had never been done before,

Claying is easy, and safe if done properly. I recommend you looking though the forum here and research claying and I think you'll find that most folks are surprised after they clay. The surface feels very clean and smooth.

I would not strip what you have already done, But I would look into the Smooth Surface Clay Kit and pick one up and have it ready for the next time you decide to work up your finish. For a Dakota, as it is probably similar in surface area to my Honda Ridgeline, You are likely looking at an hour to an hour and a half of work. It is worth it.