Clay Before Polish?

[gary2232]

I use PC buffer with # 7 Glaze and # 26 wax. Do I need to always clay before using # 7. Also with new car is # 7 the best glaze or polish. My older car I use # 9 for some swirls.

[sneek]

i would recommend claying the car even if it is new. You will be supprised at how much stuff you pick up! When you are done you can seal the un used clay in a zip lock bag, just give it a quick shot of qd before you put it in.

[Murr1525]

You dont need to clay for sure every time, but throwing in a paint cleaner like #80 once in a while wouldnt be a bad idea.

[gary2232]

Thanks for the info. I was worried that over use of clay can cause a problem. I will try # 80

[the other pc]

You can’t over clay. Claying with mild won’t remove paint or install scratches so you can do it as often as you want.

It’s possible to clay needlessly. If the finish is completely free from bonded contaminants claying won’t buy you anything. IMHO that can only happen if you clay, store the care in a clean garage and then clay before the car is taken outside again. If the car spends any time outdoors or on the road you’ll get some contaminants. In that case claying will do some good.


PC.

[gary2232]

I was told that you should never polish without clay first. But I see if car is in a good clean condition it is ok. Thanks. Also I do not clean my applacation pads used on my porter cable buffer. Is that ok?? I keep them in a open plastic bag.