need to clay if using a cleaner?

[MidKnight123]

Would one really need to clay the paint work if i was going to be using something like swirl x, scratch 2.0 or a paint cleaner over the car?

[HealthyCivic]

Re: need to clay if using a cleaner?

That depends on the condition of the paint. For the most part - yes. Although cleaner actually does remove some paint, surface-bonded contaminants can limit the effectiveness of the cleaner as well as create swirls if rubbed into the paint hard.

[tcope1]

Re: need to clay if using a cleaner?

They are two different products that do two different things.

[stamford]

Re: need to clay if using a cleaner?

Would one really need to clay the paint work if i was going to be using something like swirl x, scratch 2.0 or a paint cleaner over the car?

I would suggest to clay before applying paint cleaner. But not too hard.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: need to clay if using a cleaner?

Claying removes above surface contaminants. Now you have to clean the paint.

So it is 2 completely different steps.

[BillyJack]

Re: need to clay if using a cleaner?

I consider clay to be the single most significant product advance in the history of detailing. 20-30 years ago we had an arsenal of compounds, glazes and waxes that, while not as advanced as today's products, were still good stuff. You would get a car to be swirl-free with a beautiful gloss, but it still wouldn't be perfectly smooth unless it had been wet-sanded. Clay changed all that. After a simple rubbing with clay you can have an absolutely smooth surface that, IMO, makes subsequent applications of products easier and more effective.
I follow one simple principle; If you think it might need clayed, you're right.

Bill