hey i was just wondering whether or not clay barring a new car was a good idea. By "new" i mean my car is about 3 months old. One of the main reasons I ask is because while I am at school, for the next 2 months, my car sits outside as opposed to being kept in the garage when at home....

thanks in advance for useful feedback!

 

It's a great idea. When you clay your paint, you'll likely be amazed how much smoother it feels to the touch.

If you're parking it outdoors, I'd recommend using a good sealant after you clay to protect the finish.

 

Even new cars that have been sitting on a car dealerships lot for a few weeks can accumulate contamination that bonds to the paint surface; it shouldn't be assumed a vehicle that looks good is contamination free. Carry out the ‘Bag Test’ place some saran wrap or a zip lock bag over your hand and rub across the finish lightly. Every snag you feel is a surface contaminant that the clay bar can remove but you may not be able to see, especially on white or light colour vehicle surfaces.

Detailing clay has made a huge impact in paint finish care because it removes oxidation and allows the paint to remain healthy, longer. Applying a coating over a paint finish does not stop oxidation; it only slows it down. Using a chemical paint cleaner is better for your paint finish; because they strip away some oxidation and allow the coating to obtain a better hold (anchoring to the micro-fissures of the surface) and lasting longer to retard oxidation.


For more information see article “Detailer’s Automotive Clay” in the Detailing School section of Detailing Bliss forum...

 

how much would you think it should cost to pay someone to clay bar/apply sealant?

 

Claying is realllllly not difficult to do and applying sealant can be done by hand just like applying wax. I'd hate to see anyone spend extra money on something that can be done at home. But I'm guessing some of the pro detailers in here can give a few price estimates. Just get some good quality products, spend a few hours outside in the fresh air and do it yourself!!!

 

Where do you live? I'll do it. Easy money.

 

I would charge $20-40+ to clay and $30-40 to apply sealant.

 

That price is without any polishing right?

 

oh no, of course not!

 

i don't know how this sounds, but the infiniti dealership here in nj says that they charge $330 to do it....also they claim to have some 2 year guarantee on it.....

 

i highly doubt you can have a 2 year guarantee on claybarring... stuff just gets on your car... 2 years is way too long... maybe i'm wrong, someone chime in!

what are they actually doing that costs $330?

 

Thats just dealership bs . If you really want to learn how to or where to get clay bar and sealant I can help you.

 

Claybarring a new car is essential to removing rail dust from the port.

 

Here's my $.02. I agree with everyone's comments.

To determine if you should clay bar or not, first wash the car. Then, using your clean hand rub the finish gently. If you feel bumps and a gritty like surface, you should clay bar. If it feels smooth as glass you don't need to.

The clay bar process should take no more than a 1/2 hour. Don't have a dealership charge you $330 and then give you some BS that it will last 2 years.

 

Ok, I wanna chime in here. I have the paint sealant on the G and I notice a few swirls that I wanna get rid of. The dealership claims you never have to wax the car, but thats BS and I know it. My question is when I detail, do I clay with a medium or a light clay. Then go though the process. Cleaner wax, swirl remover, sealant, yellow wax, glaze, polish.