cleaner vs clay bar

[shvlhead78]

Are these to be used one after the other? If so, in which order?





Or.... are they redundant steps (with clay bar being superior)?





I've done searches on paint cleaner and can't really determine which cleaner people seem to like the best...





Thanks!

 

[RonPirate]

You use soap to get the major dirt

Clay to get the small contaminants and things like water spots that might not be picked up by the soap.



Most cleaners I have seen like Z1 are preps for polish or waxs to help them bond to the paint better.



I guess to answer your question they are not redundant. Cleaners and Clay both have their own purpose.



I clean with dawn, then clay bar, then wash again with auto soap and then I apply my polish of choice.

 

[imported_Intel486]

Washing is the act of removing dirt from the paint.



Claying is using a piece of clay to pull contaminants out that are stuck in the paint such as raildust.



Cleaning is using a chemical cleaner that removes stains and contaminants from the paint such as Pinnacle Paint Cleansing lotion.



They each have their own place in detailing.