Claying your car is a crucial step to making your car shine.
Keep reading as we explain exactly this means, what the process entails, and how exactly it enhances your car’s finish.
IT’S ALL ABOUT REMOVING CONTAMINANTS
We know you’re thinking, “Doesn’t washing the car remove contaminants?”
Well, it removes the majority, but not always all of them.
To remove embedded contaminants that can swirl or mar your paintwork, a clay bar is needed.
In the above image, a flattened piece of automotive clay is repeatedly swiped over the paintwork with the aid of a lubricating spray.
That is the process of claying your car.
WHEN SHOULD THIS BE DONE?
You don’t have to clay your car each time you’re done washing it.
The best way to tell when you need claying is by lightly running your fingers over clean paintwork. If the surface is smooth, your car doesn’t have to be clayed.
However, if your fingertips “grip” the paint, this is a sure sign that clay is required.
Claying your car is also a must if you plan to polish and/or wax your car.
Again, check to see if the paint surface is perfectly smooth. If it is, skip this step.
But if you want to be absolutely sure, get the clay bar and lubricating spray and get to work!
HOW DOES CLAYING MY CAR ENHANCE ITS SHINE?
Your car cannot really shine if the paintwork is contaminated.
Whatever polish, wax or sealant you apply will be unable to bond with the paint. This reduces the protective coating’s longevity.
Also, polishing or waxing your car while the paint is dirty will only cause more marring and scratches.
And when you apply a ceramic coating to a less than perfect surface, that shiny top layer will not hide the scratches below.
