Question about claying frequency

[Auxo]

Hi all,

I'm in a bit of a conundrum about claying and waxing. I'm afraid I didn't read the instructions about claying carefully enough (namely, that it's not necessary to do it too often). The previous three times I've waxed my car, I've also given it a light claying all over with the Mild Professional Clay and a whole lot of Quik Detailer. Every time I've clayed I've picked up some embedded particles that washing didn't get off, but I'm a little concerned I might have harmed the paint by claying as many times as I have.

I recently ordered some of Meguiar's white clay, which I understand is slightly more mild than the Mild Professional type. I'm assuming now, however, after having read some threads on claying, that I likely won't need to clay this next time I wax? I've waited a longer time than usual to re-wax the car, but I drive her daily (in rain, through wet muddy Vancouver streets, whatever) and I suspect that a new coat of wax wouldn’t be a bad idea at this point.

Here's a picture of my car, a 2009 Honda S2000 (last model year!) She's pearl white in colour.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Question about claying frequency

If the vehicle is properly prepped with a thorough wash, claying should not harm your paint (with fine or mild). Even aggressive clay rarely leaves "damage," and if it does it amounts to something similar to light washing induced haze.

To test if you need to clay, after washing the vehicle, (and during the final rinse phase)place your hand inside a plastic ziploc bag and run it over the wet paint. If you feel bumps- it needs clay. If it is smooth, you need to relax and enjoy your beautiful paint

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Question about claying frequency

As long as you're working clean and using good technique then it's pretty hard to do any harm using our Consumer Line clay kit. Over claying won't hurt anything either as claying only removes contaminants off the surface, it doesn't remove paint and if there's no contaminants on the surface you're basically just having fun with your time.

Check out this thread,

How often do I need to clay my car's finish?

[akimel]

Re: Question about claying frequency

Nice Stewie, Auxo. Ain't it fun to drive!!!



If you haven't already discovered it, check out MikeyC's S2000 Detailing Handbook.

[Auxo]

Re: Question about claying frequency

Thanks very much for the advice! Washed the car today, decided that she didn't need claying, so just re-applied M26.

Your S2K is beautiful, Akimel! You're much braver than I in owning a black one! (I had the choice between white and black, and, knowing firsthand the effort needed to maintain dark coloured cars, I chickened out and got white. )

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Question about claying frequency

I clay every time before polishing, compounding or waxing.