Clay bar new car

[subiestyle]

So I've read the threads that talk about the terrible paint on our cars.

I just got a white one in a couple weeks ago and was gonna put some sealant on the car.

But should I clay bar the car before the sealant? I'm thinking twice because the clay bar will remove a small amount of the clear coat and I'd rather save that clear coat for when I really need to clay bar the car in 6-12 months.

[Atticus808]

clay it. where did you get this removing clearcoat idea?

that's not true

[Alain]

I clay barred mine. Ask the dealer not to wash it. Felt like junk. It only had 300 miles on when i did clay it

[mfbmike]

Clay does not remove clear coat. lol.

You want to clay before polish, wax or sealant to remove contaminants from the paint which could potentially mar the paint during those processes.

[subiestyle]

i don't mean it removes it completely, but it does remove a layer of it.

[mfbmike]

Originally Posted by subiestyle

i don't mean it removes it completely, but it does remove a layer of it.

Again, incorrect.

Abrasive polishes/compounds during "cutting" removes clear coat (it actually levels it out to remove defects but yes, does remove some in the process). Sometimes stronger polishes/compounds are needed to remove deep enough swirls/scratches.

Not sure where you read or heard claybar removes clear coat but I assure you, it does not.

[subiestyle]

it does cause microscratches (removes clearcoat)... that needs to be buffed out with polish that will remove a layer of clearcoat.

[mfbmike]

Originally Posted by subiestyle

it does cause microscratches (removes clearcoat)... that needs to be buffed out with polish that will remove a layer of clearcoat.

You insist on proving your point.

Assuming you're doing it correctly and using enough lubricant or detail spray when claying, you are not removing any clearcoat during that process.

How many cars have you detailed? How many hours have you spent reading up on car detailing to know what you're talking about?

Reading your original post, I'm going to assume you're relatively new to car detailing as a whole.

Again, when used correctly and when used with the proper lubricant, detailing clay bars are not abrasive and will not affect the paint surface with the exception of cleaning it.

[Atticus808]

claybar DOES NOT remove clearcoat at all

unless you mean 0.000000000000000000001 millimetres. then yes it does

[Shad0ez]

Originally Posted by Atticus808

claybar DOES NOT remove clearcoat at all

unless you mean 0.000000000000000000001 millimetres. then yes it does

Staring at your paint does as well.

[Atticus808]

Originally Posted by Shad0ez

Staring at your paint does as well.

technically the wind does as well

[lickitysplit]

Originally Posted by Atticus808

technically the wind does as well

oh noes

[Kimsey47]

I've heard that wax adds weight to the car so be careful when applying as you don't want to take away your performance!

Seriously though... Claybar it brother and get all the nasty crap off the paint before sealing it no matter what your belief in regards to the clear.

[subiestyle]

eh, i got some of the chemical guys light weight blue bar.

my concern is not being able to polish the car if the clay does scratch the car a bit.