Claying a New Car

[PCC]

I've never clayed a car before, but after getting the new Honda and roaming through the forum, I'm wondering more if I should clay this new Accord before giving it the first wax. FWIW, after more reading I've decided to try NXT over my previous favorite, Gold Class paste.

The finish looks and feels pretty nice to me, the car isn't being driven that much and is garaged. After washing it the first time (Gold Class Wash), I did try some quick detailer that I was quite pleased with.

So should I clay or not, and if I don't, will I have lost much if I just give it a good wash and then wax with the NXT?

Thanks.

Patrick

[Mike Pennington]

Re: Claying a New Car

Hi Patrick,

Great question ! No matter the age of a car, in many cases it can benefit from claying.

The best way to tell if it does need to be clayed is to wash and dry the car thoroughly. Then simply run the face (flat palm) of your hand across the surfaces. If it doesn't feel as smooth as glass, clay is definitely needed before polishing or waxing. if the surface is totally smooth, then you can proceed to the next step

The question is then, how often do you need to clay ? Simple answer is, as often as needed This may be monthly or quarterly, but the rule is the same. Evaluate the finish using the face of your hand, and if it is not smooth, time to clay again.

Mike

[Murr1525]

Re: Claying a New Car

The one thing I'll add is that I thought I knew what a smooth car was (and what smooth glass was) before I clayed.

Then I clayed and actually found out.

So, I would tend to err on side of claying. And if it doesnt really need it, it will go pretty quick and easy.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Claying a New Car

I like to begin a new car at the beginning so to speak. I always clay. Then there are no surprises. lol

I just look at it as starting at a base line. It is hard to explain. I just clay it.

[Mike Pennington]

Re: Claying a New Car

The one thing I'll add is that I thought I knew what a smooth car was (and what smooth glass was) before I clayed. Then I clayed and actually found out.

So true...

[CieraSL]

Re: Claying a New Car

Go ahead and clay it. You'll probably be shocked at the amount of stuff that can be found even in a brand new car's paint.

[Andy M.]

Re: Claying a New Car

I would also tend to lean toward claying the car, no matter what the age, new or old. A newer car has been exposed to the elements, don't forget it may have been on a rail car, and then it was at one time on a tractor trailer. Think about it like this, when you try to pass a rig in the rain, how much stuff are they kicking up from the road, water etc. All of that has already gotten to the surface of your "new" vehicle. It has also been sitting on the dealers lot for how long????

Personal opinion, clay.

Andy M.

[PCC]

Re: Claying a New Car

Thanks guys. I must admit, even though I've watched the youtube video (thanks Bob "RGP"), I'm still a little gun-shy about claying this new car. I think I'll first try it out on the older Mazda (the Gold Class wax has kept it looking pretty nice) and then give it a go with the Honda.

Thanks again.

Patrick

http://www.youtube.com/v/yfEfLGL59GI&hl=en&fs=1

[Justin A]

Re: Claying a New Car

Like everyone else said already, clay it. Stuff is CONSTANTLY falling on your car, and assuming that you don't QD your car every couple hours, is bonding to the paint (if unprotected) due to the magic that is the postindustrial United States.
If it doesn't really need the claying, it won't take long at all, and if it does need it, then you've taken another step towards perfection

[Tuck91]

Re: Claying a New Car

a smooth surface also increases gloss.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Claying a New Car

Yes.Do your mazda first,so you at least see how it works.

Just remember and use plenty of quik detailer.That's really important.

With a small hatch,you can go through about 3/4's of a bottle.

You've already said that you watched the vids,so I suppose you know about handling the clay,etc..

[davey g-force]

Re: Claying a New Car

If you're stuck for time, clay the horizontal panels first. If the clay is staying clean after you're done (which I doubt) then it's likely the vertical panels wont need it. Bonded contaminants tend to be worse on horizontal panels.

[ceyko]

Re: Claying a New Car

Thanks guys. I must admit, even though I've watched the youtube video (thanks Bob "RGP"), I'm still a little gun-shy about claying this new car. I think I'll first try it out on the older Mazda (the Gold Class wax has kept it looking pretty nice) and then give it a go with the Honda.

Thanks again.

Patrick

http://www.youtube.com/v/yfEfLGL59GI&hl=en&fs=1

Definetly try it out first there, but you'll see it is much easier/safer then you think. I was amazed personally and now look forward to do it.

Good luck.