will clay compromise wax protection

[chrisalvarez]

Ok so some say yes on & some no but does anyone know for sure if ur in between full details &I the surface seems not as smooth as glass if claying will compromise the wax protection or will it b fine any feedback helps thanks in advance

[the other pc]

Re: will clay compromise wax protection

I don't know if anybody knows for sure. But it's always better to err on the safe side and assume you need to reapply wax.

But the real question isn't whether the clay compromises wax or not. It's how badly is that gunk that's stuck on your car eating into the paint?

A modern wax like Ultimate Wax, NXT or M21 lays down and wipes off very quickly. If you're going to take the time to clay you might as well wax it. The extra work isn't much at all.

I've gotten to the point where I never wax without claying first. Stay on top of it and it always goes quickly. It only becomes a long,tedious job if you ignore it too long.

If you're in a big hurry you can use a spray wax to hold you over a short while until you can wax it properly.



pc.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: will clay compromise wax protection

I don't know if anybody knows for sure. But it's always better to err on the safe side and assume you need to reapply wax.

No doubt this is one of those topics that people either over think or don't look at from all angles. Yes, clay removes above surface contaminants, and in theory it removes everything above the surface, including wax. But there are plenty of variables here, like in everything else we do when detailing: how long are you claying in order to remove the contaminants on the paint (or put another way, how badly contaminated is the surface and so how long are you working to remove it all?), are you using a mild consumer clay or a more aggressive pro level clay, did you apply a carnauba wax or a fully synthetic polymer, and how long ago did you last apply the wax?

If you apply a fully synthetic polymer today and then 24 hours later you very lightly clay with a consumer clay you probably won't remove all of the sealant. But if you apply a carnauba wax today and 3 months later you need to clay, there probably isn't much of that carnauba left anyway and claying will likely remove the last of it, especially if you use a more aggressive clay.

We agree with Paul on both counts above - it's a long standing debate, but it's always best to err on the side of caution.

[chrisalvarez]

Re: will clay compromise wax protection

Well what happened was I just got done doing full detail & 2 days later bird poops on my hood & its been pretty hot like over 100 so it was pretty baked on so first tried ult det and had to clay bcuz of water constraints thanks for the feedback and guess after my weekly wash I'll reapply wax to that area

[ffboy]

Re: will clay compromise wax protection

It's better to err on the safe side. Bird poop left for too lang will etch into paint even a well protected just waxed car. Ultimate Quik Detailer is a good initial step in removing most of them, but chances are it may have been already etched into by the poop, you may need to re-do the spot. After a wash, clay the area or spot then use either scratchX 2.0 or Ultimate Compound, worst case scenario it may require a small amount of wet sanding, but don't jump to that just yet. Just ScratchX 2.0 or UC the spot first. Then Polish and wax again.

[chrisalvarez]

Re: will clay compromise wax protection

Thanks for the help. I kinda figured that's what would need 2 b done I just was trying 2 use the most minimal actions. Just sux u know all that work & then some pigeon flew by hating on me lol

[chrisalvarez]

Re: will clay compromise wax protection

Ok so I just rewashed the car and clayed & rewaxed and as I was looking over the car I caught it in the reflection of the sun & it is still there so guess uc and ult polish and wax again

[Brad777]

Re: will clay compromise wax protection

I had several sentences written and looked back and noticed that my words mimicked those of ffboy. My thoughts exactly. You're doing the right thing Chris.

[chrisalvarez]

Re: will clay compromise wax protection

Thanks brad I appreciate all the feedback & help

[gsaintchar]

Re: will clay compromise wax protection

Had the same issue and used ScratchX and 3 passes to get it out.