Clay necessary before AIO?

[MTLean]

Hey guys,

I was wondering if it was mandatory to use claybar on a car before you use a all in one cleaner/polisher?

Or can you just start the AIO after a nice wash ?

 

[Finemess]

Not if its clean, but if its been awhile I would. Do a baggie test. This may help you.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum.../43190-gloss-starts-first-smooth-surface.html

 

[BobbyG]

Yes it is unless the paints been recently clayed or passes the baggie test.....

It's important to properly cleans and decontaminate the finish prior to polishing. Once the car is thoroughly washed claying will take about 30 minutes or so. Removing embedded particles is important otherwise you'll be inducing additional defects...

Some great reading by Mike Phillips

Using Detailing Clay

Even show cars might need to be clayed...

The Baggie Test - How to inspect for above surface bonded contaminants

The 3 primary benefits of using detailing clay to clay paint

Tips and Tricks for using detailing clay

Do I need to wash my car after I use detailing clay to clay the paint?

How often do I need to clay my car?

Video: How detailing clay works and how to use detailing clay to remove above surface bonded contaminants

 

[rustytruck]

I use an AIO on most of the cars I do. I always clay. The car comes out much better if you clay first. Most of the time claying takes 20-30 mins. It's a step I would never skip unless the car really doesn't need it. Which is hardly never.

 

[MTLean]

Thanks for the prompt reply guys.

I also prefer using a clay for nice paint prep.

I was asking more on a part time business view, basically id have to include clay to the package when using the buffer. Basically cant offer one without the other im thinkin

 

[rustytruck]

I am a part time business. My Express detail includes clay before a AIO polish/wax. Seen I only do it part time I rarely do a 2 step polish then wax.

 

[BillyJack]

"Back in the day", before VOC regs, cleaner waxes had a solvent base. You could literally watch small tar spots, insect residue, road garbage etc. dissolving as you waxed. Unfortunately, that's no longer the case, so clay is almost mandatory for best results. As mentioned above, read the surface and let it tell you what it needs.

Bill

 

[oldmodman]

I always clay first.

Otherwise, you are just polishing the "grit". Eventually you get down to the paint, but why waste your time polishing the grit?

 

[KillaCam]

I would like to see someone clay an entire car in 30 mins..

 

[rider9195]

I would like to see someone clay an entire car in 30 mins..

It depends on how bad the paint is contaminated. I have came across some cars where it took over an hour and others where it took 40 minutes or so.

 

[johnZ71]

I would like to see someone clay an entire car in 30 mins..

I could easily clay a car in 30 mins.....Unless it it completely trashed

 

[craz0boy]

I always clay before any waxing. Especially if it's a DD

 

[MTLean]

I always clay first.

Otherwise, you are just polishing the "grit". Eventually you get down to the paint, but why waste your time polishing the grit?

Summons it up pretty good.

As for claying a car under 30 i guess it would depends on the condition...