Questions about Claying and 3M-SMR

[Warez]

Is there a need to clay if I plan to use the PC & SMR?

If so, which first? (Clay or SMR)

(I just kinda figured the SMR would lift and remove blemishes that the clay would normally remove, so claying would be unecessary.)



Secondly, in the past I've washed the car after either claying or using SMR... yet, some of the posts I've read here seem to indicate that a final wash is not necessary, and instead you can go straight to polishing. :nixweiss: I figured a final wash before polishing would remove any SMR reminents accidentally left behind.

So which is it? Wash or not?



Thanks,

-Gabriel

 

[bigpoppa]

I'd clay first - get that grit off that may or may not work it's way onto your pad you're using with SMR and then all over the paint. it makes the final result that much better even without this consideration. a necessary step IMHO.



If you're using Zaino or a similar sealant - wash with dawn after SMR. If you're using a polish such as #7, 3M IHG, etc. you can go straight to polish, then wax.

 

[2wheelsx2]

SMR does not "lift" anything. It polishes the surface of the paint and preps it for your sealant. The clay will pluck contaminants out of the paint, but in so doing, there may be some minute scratches created, so the routine is to clay first, then SMR.



As for washing, I generally wash after claying, but not after SMR. Clay will leave some residues, which doesn't really matter all that much if you are going to polish, but I like to do it for the peace of mind, and also to see and feel the surface condition better. Many wash after SMR to remove oils and fillers, but washing after SMR is like washing after a glaze. It removes the work of putting on fillers, so if you are going to wax or glaze afterwards, don't wash. If you are going to use Z or a similar sealant which won't bond properly, then wash. If you are going to use a cleaner afterwards, such as AIO, the no need to wash.