Hi first post and question

[Belinda3]

Hope this isn't a dumb question, but I got a new car 2 months ago and I haven't had the time to wash it or anything (school and work).

I'm ready to give it its first wash sometime this week but it does have a lot of rough spots like sandpaper all over the body mostly from tree sap it seems.
It also has black water marks on the back half of the body.

Should I be washing this first? Or should I clay it like my neighbor told me to do? There's a lot of claying that would need to be done and I'm not sure if this is right or not?

I thought I would wash first but he said I would probably end up scratching the stuff on the car into my paint.

Any help for a girly~girl and her new car would be great, thank you.

[Sal329]

Re: Hi first post and question

Wash then clay, your in Canada I would look into Riccardo clay (yellow), then a good cleaner wax like Color X or Duragloss 501. The only dumb question is the one you do not ask

[Belinda3]

Re: Hi first post and question

So I shouldn't worry about washing and grinding any of that rough stuff on my car into the paint at all?
Thank you for the reply

[Zuke]

Re: Hi first post and question

Give it a good wash, maybe even a presoak, then pull your car into the shade, get some clay lube and go to town. You will be amazed @ how much you will remove. Just keep giving it a some pressure untill the surface feels like glass. This is completly safe. If you search clay or claybar you will see tons of repsones.

[Calais]

Re: Hi first post and question

When you wash, use a two bucket method and be sure to rinse your mitt after each 1/2 a panel. Watch this video: http://www.webridestv.com/showvideo.aspx?video=43655

Use a high quality wash soap/shampoo especially made for automotive finishes. Dish detergent is not an appropriate wash soap. I would recommend Meguiar's Gold Class shampoo. Use a limited number of passes to minimize scratching.

[Murr1525]

Re: Hi first post and question

When you wash, you want to wash gently. Even on a clean car, dont grind the mitt into the paint.

How to Wash Your Car Show Car Style

[Calais]

Re: Hi first post and question

When you wash, you want to wash gently. Even on a clean car, dont grind the mitt into the paint.

How to Wash Your Car Show Car Style

Beat you to it, thats what my link was to.

[CieraSL]

Re: Hi first post and question

Is your name Belinda? I assume so because of your forum nickname.

to MOL!

Here's another good video for you to watch: How to Clay Bar

[HealthyCivic]

Re: Hi first post and question

Wash first, then clay. The reason for this is that you won't be able to effectively clay a vehicle that hasn't been washed first. Washing is to remove the heavy dirt and claying is to remove nearly invisible surface contaminants that are on the car even after you've washed it and it appears clean.

You don't need to worry about scratching the finish by washing first if you:

1. As they posted above, don't put pressure on the mitt. Drag it across the finish but don't press down. If something doesn't come off immediately, just keep going and hit it with the hose later. If it still doesn't come off, it's OK, save it for when you clay. Watch that How to Wash Your Car Show Car Style video by Mike Phillips. It may seem overwhelming at first but it teaches great core concepts.

2. Use a good car soap. If I were you, I'd pick up Meguiar's Gold Class Shampoo & Conditioner. I don't know Canada but here they have it at Wal-Mart and Target as well as all auto stores. The reason why you want to use this car soap is because it has specialized lubricants in it so that not only does it clean, but it will minimize or eliminate any of that scratching that you were worried about provided that you don't press down hard on the mitt. Be sure that when you do use this soap, to use enough of it. Read the back of the soap bottle and put the proper mixture of soap in so that the surface is properly lubricated.

In summary, welcome to Meguiar's Online. Watch those videos about washing and claying and then wash and clay your car and trust me, you'll love how nice the finish will look. Don't give up! Keep it up and your car will remain looking great!

[the_invisible]

Re: Hi first post and question

Lubricants are important

[Belinda3]

Re: Hi first post and question

Wow, all your replies gave me a little confidence boost, since it seems a bit intimidating.

I read somewhere online that you can also use the soap mixed with water as lubricant if you run out of quick detailer, is that okay?

Thanks again guys, all your replies helped a lot.

[akimel]

Re: Hi first post and question

Hi, Belinda. You may find this article helpful, particularly for the long term care of your new car:

Your Daily Driver: A Simple Wash & Wax Regimen

Welcome to MOL.

Cheers,
Al

[Murr1525]

Re: Hi first post and question

You can mix soap and water to lubricate the clay, but it may break down the clay as well.

[the_invisible]

Re: Hi first post and question

I heard that water and soap does not give a pH balance intended for claying... Maybe it's just a marketing thing, I don't know.

However Zainos sells clay bars that work with soap and water. I often use soap water as lubricant for claying my factory wheels. Wheel paints are tough and are not prone to swirls.

[Calais]

Re: Hi first post and question

I use GC shampoo and water for clay lube. I don't find that it breaks down my clay and it provides plenty of lubrication. I would highly recommend it if you don't happen to have any QD, I prefer it to QD.