....A wash, clay bar treatment and then putting on a sealant.

Last summer I went to look at my Vette before I bought it and it was just traded. Told the dealer if they detail it, I'll come back and take another look.

When I went back it was immaculate. No paint swirls, nothing. Literally the paint looked brand new ('97). Some non vette friends thought it was brand new.

I just washed it last summer, maybe 10x. I just talked to a detailer. He recommended a wash, clay bar and sealant. Should I?

 

And then do mine

 

Wash,Claybar,wash,Zainos!!!!

 

At a minimum.

 

Heck ya!

 

For what it's worth, I would suggest going to youtube.com/junkman2000 and watch his free videos on claying, washing, polishing and waxing. I watched these videos many many times because there is a lot of info. in each one.
I have a 98 Hatchback (Pewter), followed his process, products, which he uses and is not reembursed, and the results were GREAT.
Good Luck and have fun with your ride.

 

Yes you should... I've got my PC waiting in the garage for spring time to detail the new car.

 

Go for it!

 

Zaino!

 

Clay, paint correction and then a sealant is a good start. Then you can top off with whatever you like.

 

That's just what I use to do, Wash, Clay bar and a really good carnauba wax. Car looked like it came out of the box. But since I keep it garage, I only do the clay bar every other year. but there's nothing better than a really done carnauba wax. But one drawback, the wax evaporates. So you need to pay more attention during the summer, less in the cooler temps.

 

My routine is a follows:

Wash it? Yes. Clay bar it? Yes. Apply a paint sealant? Yes.

Then what? A good wax coat.

Why apply wax on top of the sealant?

In my experience, sealants provide "better than wax" paint protection against the elements: acid etching left by water spots, bird droppings, bug jerky, tree sap, etc.

But sealants also tend to create an artificially shiny finish. Applying a wax coat on top of the sealant serves to tone down the shine, thus creating a more natural, "warmer" hue to the paint.


If you are going to use a sealant, however, apply a couple of coats of it before you apply the first wax coat. That will make the sealant last much longer, and allow you to wash and wax (without more sealant) more times before its time for the next round of clay barring.

I also touch up the wax coat with a spray wax in between washings. I don't apply the spray wax, however, until after I dust off the painted surfaces with a California Duster or similar implement. Removing the dust reduces my risk of scratching the paint and triggering an earlier-than-normal round with the clay bar.

How long will a clay bar/sealant treatment last? That depends on lots of factors. Parking in a garage or shaded area prolongs the life of the sealant. So does not driving in the rain or snow, or driving in windy, dusty conditions.

Those of us who don't have much free time likely do the clay bar tango only once or twice a year. I am retired, however, and find more frequent clay bar/sealant treatments to be a fun 'el paso tiempo" [a Spanish phrase loosely translated to mean "pastime," or "way to pass the time".]

Just my observation.

The Lizzard

 

Bottom line, do it and then also wax it, thank you forum members!

 

FWIW... I use products from Adam's polishes. Clay bar with detail spray, brilliant glaze, & americana wax. Great products and how-to videos on their website. I was amazed after using a clay bar for the first time.

 

I just started using Chadwicks tripple play. Go to chadwicks web site for videos on how to use. This is the best easiest product u will ever use. Great results

 

^ this