My car is 2 months old, and I've washed it many times, dusted it with the California duster, etc. My question is this: if I wash it and use the claybar I have to smooth the paint, does the clay remove the wax that is on the new car, which I have used Hydo on? If I use clay do I have to use a wax product afterwards? Thanks, I'm new to this detailing stuff, but I'm trying to learn.

 

It should strip off virtually everything on top of the clear coat, including wax, dirt, acid rain, tree sap and other assorted grunge. Some trace wax might survive, but I'd re-wax it personally. Plus, claying before waxing has the benefit of removing anything that's on the paint that might erode the wax from underneath, shortening its life. Waxing doesn't really take too long though, so even having to re-apply isn't TOO big a deal and I think the look is worth it personally...

I did my car after owning it for about 2 months and was shocked at mow much smoother the paint was afterwards (so yes, even new cars benefit from claying). I use Prima Epic, and always make a point to clay THEN apply fresh wax. Since the Epic lasts for so long -- I'm just now going to re-wax and I applied the wax months ago -- I don't have to clay all that often. I do "spot clay" when I get somethign sticky on the car though, like a spot of tar that won't easily come off or other things like that.

For more info on clay and how it works plus how to use it, here's my favorite clay article over on Autopia:

http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detai...-cleaning.html

Have fun and remember to save your old clay (or any you accidentally drop on the floor as it CANNOT be re-used afterwards) in a special zip-lock baggie labeled "For Glass/Rims Only" as it's great for claying rims if you swap wheels in the off-season as well as cleaning the windows. CLayed glass beads water like Rain-X but without any chemicals, and gets them almost invisibly clean!

 

2 months? How about same day.

that's what I did and still didn't not come back completely white. It all gets accumulated in the delievery of your car from the factory to overseas.

Good idea to wash, clay, paint clean, paint polish, wax right away.

You may not have to paint clean depending on its condition but wash and clay for sure just to be safe.

 

Hey BigNewt -

I'm a detailing nut...er.... enthusiast and would be happy to spend some quality detailing time with a fellow MINI nut...er...enthusiast showing you the ropes. I could teach you how to really run up that bill at Detailer's Paradise or ShowCar Detailing.

I love clay and the way it makes your paint just smooth as a baby's butt - using it even converted my very-non-OCD hubby that it's a must (I must be a really good convincer though, cuz I have gallons of almost all the Prima line). But if you do clay you really must wax afterwards - and may as well polish in between - as it will erase nearly all of your existing wax.