As I seemed to have referred (more than once) to a
so called recent thread yet a likely
non-existent thread in which I describe the clay "baggie test,"
I thought I should just start from scratch on the topic.
The question of when to clay seems to be a common one these days anyway.
How to determine whether or not you need to clay:
Do the clay "baggie test". It never fails!
Place your hand in a plastic baggie, such as a sandwich baggie or a sandwich size ziplock baggie.
On a clean, dry car, gently rub your fingers over the paint (while still in the baggie).
Do you feel grit or bumps?
If yes, then you need to clay.
If not, then you do not (although it never hurts either)
Tips:
*Remember to try the baggie test on a couple of different places on your car. Contaminants can buildup more and less in different areas.
And yes, often times even new cars need to be clayed. You never really know until you do the baggie test!
Do you wonder
why the baggie? Try the same test without the baggie. You'll see that the baggie helps increase your ability to feel the small bumps and grit.
(BlimeyCab- is that better?? 
)
Last,
remember to do the baggie test as you clay too! This is a great way to see if you've removed all the gunk and contaminants in each area you clay.
Sorry for referring to something that only existed in my imagination! Now you have it fully described... for real this time.
-Heather
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