Claying a car the day after washing

Dmb5450

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Hello everyone, I have been searching but cannot find anything definitive, and was hoping to get an answer. I washed my car today after getting a late start, I am out of daylight and time today. but still want to clay my car and apply a sealant. If I use crystal mist tomorrow then clay the car would that work? The car was placed in a garage after washing and drying. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
 
I'd think you'd be good - I've done this before using Megs #34 (which I also use as a clay lube sometimes) without issue.

Good luck!

:xyxthumbs:
 
I would say since you have your car in a garage overnight and away from nighttime elements, I do not see a problem with a QD as a touch up. Claying the car is vital and then apply the sealant as you stated should be fine IMO
 
Agree with these guys. I think you'll be fine if you use a good clay lube. I don't know about Crystal Mist though...it has polymers and wax in it? I don't think you want to use that. I suppose if you are going to polish (?), it probably doesn't matter.
 
Agree with these guys. I think you'll be fine if you use a good clay lube. I don't know about Crystal Mist though...it has polymers and wax in it? I don't think you want to use that. I suppose if you are going to polish (?), it probably doesn't matter.


Thank you for the replies. I just want to clarify, are you saying don't use crystal mist to quick detail prior to Claying? I was going to use it to get any dust off the car prior to Claying. I am going to be using Pinnacle clay lubricant while Claying.
 
Thank you for the replies. I just want to clarify, are you saying don't use crystal mist to quick detail prior to Claying? I was going to use it to get any dust off the car prior to Claying. I am going to be using Pinnacle clay lubricant while Claying.

If it were me, I would be polishing after I clayed, so I would just go with the clay lube and skip the quick detail. If it is just light surface dust from being in the garage overnight, a quick rinse with the hose before you clay would do the trick too.

Just thinking you want the surface as "clean" as possible before you apply your final sealant. The polymers and wax in the Crystal Mist might cause some "interference" (I say this assuming you aren't going to polish between the clay and sealant steps). However, the clay would probably remove a good portion of it.
 
I always polish after Claying...
even if all that is needed is a very mild Polish.

I let the inspection/swirl-finder light,
along with "The Test Spot": Be my guides.


Bob
 
I think you should be fine overall without doing any QD at all. I have done the same thing as you. I will wash and dry the car and then garage my car overnight. In the morning I will carefully inspect and remove any light dust with lightly brushing with a MF towel (barely touching the car).

As for QD before claying, I see no reason why not too. IMO you should be fine with the QD (or not if car is clean).

Claying the car would remedy any QD spray if you feel concerned. You should be fine. I would not worry and just clay and apply sealant the next day.
 
Thanks again everyone. I appreciate the input and suggestions. It's good to know the car can be clayed on a different day if needed. I hate that it gets dark by 5 now!
 
Like others, I won't clay if I don't intend to do any type of polish. That said, I've done "spot-claying" (small spot) but not so often that it's the norm.

But if you say it'll stay in the garage overnight, I'll skip the Crystal Mist and go right to claying with your favourite clay lube.
 
Like others, I won't clay if I don't intend to do any type of polish. That said, I've done "spot-claying" (small spot) but not so often that it's the norm.

But if you say it'll stay in the garage overnight, I'll skip the Crystal Mist and go right to claying with your favourite clay lube.
:iagree:Yep after clay is my rule to do any type of polish for a smooth, swirl free finish!!!:buffing:
 
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