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I just picked up my new C7 and was wondering if I should clay it first before I polish and wax it even though its new. The paint seems really smooth. Just would like your opinions. Thanks
Try slipping a sandwich baggie (clear, not paper lunch bag ;-D) over your hand and lightly go over the paint again.
Just enough to touch the paint so you don't add scratches....
Its worth the extra effort if your going to go through all the trouble anyway.
IMO.
Good Luck and congrats on the new car.
Last edited by Z16_CE; 04-03-2015 at 12:28 PM.
Reason: clarify
Claying is just as valid on new paint as on older paint. The vehicle was shipped and could have easily gotten some contaminants on the paint. Remember there are different levels of clay, clay towels, clay blocks, and even clay buffer pads. If the paint feels nice, perhaps a light ultra clay (like Pinnacle) is all that's needed.
I just did the Clay Bar on my car for the first time since I purchased it last year in February and WOW what a difference it made. Nice and smooth and shines right up.
I used Mothers Clay Bar Kit with Instant Detailer then waxed it with Mothers Spray Wax.
To get the absolute best results you should clay it.
Picked up my C-7 in November, 2014 and since the paint finish was smooth, I just washed and applied a sealant. Looked great. On April 5, 2015, I decided to clay car and I couldn't believe the difference. The paint was super smooth and it appeared the paint was a lighter color. Amazing. Most definitely I would clay first thing. You will be surprised.
Wow, did that car every shine. It was like it has a brand new paint job. The metallic just pops out. I used the Mothers 07240 California Gold Clay Bar System.
I normally just use this on light colors to remove the rail dust and brake dust, but this was amazing for a fairly dark color!
I followed it up with some liquid glass wax. I have been using that wax since I was a kid and its been the hardest, longest lasting wax I have found.
If you do not clay your car once a year, do it!
Last edited by johnodrake; 04-13-2015 at 08:08 PM.
Reason: NSV link removed
Clay barring is an essential part of our process when we polish and wax a vehicle. Without using a clay bar on the paint, you wont remove the light contaminants that will prevent you from getting a good bond with your polish and wax. Below I have linked a video explaining the process and the importance with Rich Light who is an expert in the industry and manufactures products specifically for car care purposes.
If you would like to purchase a clay bar kit, Click Here.
Absolutely use a clay bar. Clay bar, Meguire's & Resin Glaze, and then Blitz Car Wax. For light scratches, like fingernail marks, Blue Magic Metal Polish. Learned that from my father-in-law at Junior's House of Color.
04-03-2015, 12:32 AM
To clay or not to clay
Picked up my C-7 in November, 2014 and since the paint finish was smooth, I just washed and applied a sealant. Looked great. On April 5, 2015, I decided to clay car and I couldn't believe the difference. The paint was super smooth and it appeared the paint was a lighter color. Amazing. Most definitely I would clay first thing. You will be surprised. 
