Clay or not ?

[dougbthom]

We just took delivery of a new car for my wife, a 2010 Honda CRV. Being brand new my question is, should I clay the vehicle before polishing and waxing? I do plan on polishing first as the car is black in color and I will then apply a couple of coats of wax.
Thanks for any advice you can offer.

[FRS]

Re: Clay or not ?

Clay will certainly not make any damage to the new paint. I suggest you wash, clay, seal (#21) and 2 lawyers of NXT wax. Remember polish is only an option, but I really don't see any need to apply polish on a paint, but rather the products mentioned above.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Clay or not ?

Yes, definitely clay.

Polishing is optional but I would look into a mild cleaner like Swirlx.

[David Fermani]

Re: Clay or not ?

Definately clay your CRV, especially if you plan on polishing it.

[Tuck91]

Re: Clay or not ?

Another vote for the clay,

Go on down to Walmart and pick up a Smooth Surface Clay Kit.

[Spidey]

Re: Clay or not ?

when in doubt... clay...

[dougbthom]

Re: Clay or not ?

Thanks for the suggestions. I was leaning towards claying. The main reason I was going to polish, is because the CRV is black in color. We also own a black Honda Pilot and I clayed it when I got it, followed with polish and then wax. The polish really added depth to the black.

[HealthyCivic]

Re: Clay or not ?

Wash the CRV first and feel the finish with your hand. Now, feel the finish with your hand in a ziplock bag. If you don't hear or feel anything, you're good. Otherwise, clay.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Clay or not ?

Another vote for claying.

[dougbthom]

Re: Clay or not ?

Will clay for sure! One other question-- Is the Deep Crystal Polish to be applied by hand or can it be applied with my Meguiar's Polisher? Thanks again.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Clay or not ?

Hand or machine. Your preference.

[FRS]

Re: Clay or not ?

Will clay for sure! One other question-- Is the Deep Crystal Polish to be applied by hand or can it be applied with my Meguiar's Polisher? Thanks again.

Your choice, DA or hand, but don't let it dry .. it's hard to get it of if dry, remember!

[slickooz]

Re: Clay or not ?

Clay always on a new car. I made a mistake when I bought my new car, just washed and waxed it after we got it. Claying made a huge difference.