When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Greetings from MN!. I tried a search, but might not have used the right terms. Is it recommended to clay-bar paint protection film? I have SunTek on my C7.
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
I have never clay barred any of my cars with Expel on it and my installer recommended against it. Suntek is probably very similar to Expel. Clay barring is a bit on the aggressive side for these films IMO. I have always stuck to non abrasives like spray detailers or products recommended by the installer for maintaining the film.
You can polish PPF but its very different then paint polishing. The clay barring you honestly shouldn't need to do. IF you have contaminants in your clear bra then its doing its job like it should be doing. let the car sit in the sun for a couple hours to soften it up to see if helps with removal of imbedded contaminants.
Do you have any photos of a problem area as well?
Clay bars are a very misunderstood tool. the only time you need to clay is when the paint fails a plastic bag test. Basically, once the car is washed and completely clean, if you cant take a plastic bag and run it over the paint surface without it catching then you need to clay.
Greetings from MN!. I tried a search, but might not have used the right terms. Is it recommended to clay-bar paint protection film? I have SunTek on my C7.
I am a little late seeing this thread - but I have SunTek on my C7 as well and my installed emphatically stated that I should not clay bar or use a power buffer of any sort on the film. For what it's worth.
Thanks all! I have avoided using clay bar on the film for a couple reasons--first because I was afraid of the film, and second because last time I clay barred the the paint I pushed a little under a film edge and ended up paying to have the piece replaced.