Can you clay after a sealant has been applied?

[Jpatchley]

Good afternoon, can you clay after applying a sealant? My specific circumstance is this, about a month ago I applied wfdgps and the other day tree sap got on the car. So would I be able to clay without it being a detriment to the sealant?

 

[Robbiek]

Not sure but i bet it would why don't you clay the area then put a sealant back on

 

[davidg]

Sealant bonds to the paint. Clay removes unsmooth contaminants from the paint.

What this leads to is: some say that a light use of clay after sealant has cured (12-24 hours usually) that it will remain on the car. I feel like it probably makes it weaker, but the only way to know for sure is to try it and see if it still beads/sheets as it did before. I think it's a case by case basis, depending on how strong of a clay or sealant used, how many passes you make with they clay, and how hard you rub the clay. Might as well reseal where you clay, better to have it over than under- protected.

 

[Rsurfer]

Good afternoon, can you clay after applying a sealant? My specific circumstance is this, about a month ago I applied wfdgps and the other day tree sap got on the car. So would I be able to clay without it being a detriment to the sealant?

I would clay and seal again. What makes you think that claying will get rid of the tree sap? I hope it does, but a light polish may be in order.

 

[Jpatchley]

I would clay and seal again. What makes you think that claying will get rid of the tree sap? I hope it does, but a light polish may be in order.

I think it will because one panel that I hadn't sealed (haven't corrected yet), had the sap on it and claying took it away. I just wasn't really sure if the sap would be "bonded" or residing on the sealant, or on the paint if you understand my thought process... If it is necessary to re-polish however, a stripping of the lsp (sealant) would be in order correct? I believe I read where polishing on top of a lsp tends to gum up the pads and not leave a desirable finish. Thanks for the reply btw.

 

[Jpatchley]

Sealant bonds to the paint. Clay removes unsmooth contaminants from the paint.

What this leads to is: some say that a light use of clay after sealant has cured (12-24 hours usually) that it will remain on the car. I feel like it probably makes it weaker, but the only way to know for sure is to try it and see if it still beads/sheets as it did before. I think it's a case by case basis, depending on how strong of a clay or sealant used, how many passes you make with they clay, and how hard you rub the clay. Might as well reseal where you clay, better to have it over than under- protected.

A lot of what you said makes since to me in a logical way. Too many variables to determine if clay will de enhance the sealant I suppose, only way is to test it! Thanks!