Clay Mitt

[Eric19RX 3]

Hello,

 

I have a white SUV and it needs to be clayed before I can apply some protection to it.  I've been thinking about trying the clay mitt, but I'm curious to know if it's always necessary to polish a vehicle after it's been clayed? I'm thinking it will show very minor marring, if any at all.  

[falcaineer 4,387]

It's not always necessary. As you said, though, it could cause some minor marring, and the mitt can leave some noticable black smudges, especially on white, if you don't use enough Detail Spray. So be sure to use plenty, and I'd recommend leaving the car wet after rinsing to add more lubrication. You can even clay with soap suds, assuming the car is clean.

[Eric19RX 3]

21 minutes ago, falcaineer said:

It's not always necessary. As you said, though, it could cause some minor marring, and the mitt can leave some noticable black smudges, especially on white, if you don't use enough Detail Spray. So be sure to use plenty, and I'd recommend leaving the car wet after rinsing to add more lubrication. You can even clay with soap suds, assuming the car is clean.

Thank you, falcaineer for the response.  I've seen Joe do that in one of the videos, where he used the clay mitt over top of the suds, after he washed the car.  I don't remember him mentioning the car needing to be polished afterwards.

[falcaineer 4,387]

7 hours ago, Eric19RX said:

I don't remember him mentioning the car needing to be polished afterwards.

 

No, you don't have to.

[Chris@Adams 2,237]

Like mentioned you may or may not have to polish after claying with Clay Mitt or clay bar.

Some clear coats are softer than others and color of the vehicles matters too.

[Rich 4,516]

Be sure you have good lighting too.  Good lighting will really help you find any blemishes or small scratches that you don't normally see.  If you see them.......then I'd polish before adding anything else. 

[tomsch63 50]

I use the clay mitt for areas that I'll polish afterwards and things like glass and removing bugs. It does seem to be pretty aggressive on black paint so you really need to get a light and look closely for any light scratching. BTW I also agree with the above recommendation of using good lighting. I use a Fenix flashlight and look very closely at all the panels to decide what needs polishing and at what level.