How often do you clay your car?

[EPHIOS]

I do not compromise. I clay my paint, everytime I wax my car. I wanted it to be as smooth and clean as possible, before waxing. My wax will last much longer too. Or sometimes when my paint surface is a bit rough (usually after a month or two), I reclay and wax (paint cleaner also, if necessary).

[EPHIOS]

Re: How often do you clay your car?

For the lube, I tried Final Inspection, Quik Detailer, Mothers Showtime and Last Touch. My favorite is Last Touch, because I experienced less "sticking" to the paint of the clay. Final Inspection and Quik Detailer are about even for my taste. However, Mothers Showtime is not "slick" enough for me. I had bad experiences when using this as a lube; it makes my clay stick to the paint more often.

[Underdawg736]

Re: How often do you clay your car?

Twice a year, initial springtime detail and then for the winter prep. I'll check the paint every month or so, if it's smooth I don't clay....too expensive in my opinion. If I do finds some roughness, I'll spot clay but won't go over the whole car. Ohh yeah if some punk decides to "tag" my car then I'll be claying!!!

[EPHIOS]

Re: How often do you clay your car?

Ohh yeah if some punk decides to "tag" my car then I'll be claying!!!

Good one!

Well, I agree, clay bars are expensive. At the same time, I do not wax or clay as often, because I have a garage. I used to park my car outside, and it was horrible for my paint.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How often do you clay your car?

Claying is one of those things that should be done on an "as needed" basis. You can clay your car today and be unfortunate enough that tomorrow you stop at a light next to a gas station that is having their big, white propane tanks repainted. With the wind in the right direction (well, in the wrong direction for our purposes here!) that overspray can be carried right onto your beautifully clayed car. Guess what? You need to clay again. 24 hours later.

Otherwise, whenever you feel the that the paint on your car is feeling rough according to your standards - clay it. Whether that's in two weeks or two years, makes no difference.

[Underdawg736]

Re: How often do you clay your car?

That's exactly how I feel Mike! If it's still smooth, I check after every other wash or so and hit up the areas that feel rough which isn't too often.

Ephios, it is a good one! Nothing like waking up in the morning and drive to work wondering why the passenger window is all fuzzy looking!

I could see you needing to clay a bit more often in Vegas, I'm sure the desert sand isn't too kind on your paint.

[EPHIOS]

Re: How often do you clay your car?

Yes, it's too dusty in here, especially on the summer. However, when I compare my car (not being clayed for about two months) to my family member's car, I just smiled. My paint is still much smoother!

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: How often do you clay your car?

Your environment, how you store you vehicle, are just a couple of the factors that go in to how often to clay. I go with it as needed.

[Skuz]

Re: How often do you clay your car?

Once a year only. More if something really bad happens.

[searle]

Re: How often do you clay your car?

Given a relatively good environment here (except for winter), I clay+PaintClean every spring to fully prepare for summer babying, and I clay+paintClean every late fall as preparation for the multi-coats of NXT for winter protection. No reason to clay+cleaner too often.

Throughout the spring+summer+fall I just wash+UQW weekly, and wash+rewax (no clay nor cleaner) monthly. My summer wax is one base of NXT then topped with #26.

I might do an additional clay+cleaner half way through the summer, but not because it needs it but rather just if I have a really nice Saturday or Sunday with nothing else to do. It is entertainment rather than necessity.