I have a 3 month old Mercedes that I have been washing weekly. Here's what i'm using: Meguiars gold class shampoo, S100 polish, S100 wax, chenille wash mitts, and MF towels. I've also just started to use Eagle one QD. I read here (great site, by the way!) that a good way to see how smooth the finish is, and if you need more wax (I have 2 coats of S100 on it) is to put your hand in a plastic baggy and feel the finish. I just washed the car and was kind of disappointed that my hand didn't just fly off the car. It did not seem as slippery as I would have thought. I (gently) used one of my fingers to feel the paint and it kind of feels like there is some very light dust residue on the car. To the eye, the car looks awesome. Are my expectations too high, or did I do something wrong. I'm thinking even though the car was brand new, I should have washed with dawn and clayed. What do you think? thanks.
should I have clayed?
- Thread starter JDM99
- Start date
The plastic bag test is not to see if you need wax. This will tell you if your paint has contaminants.
Your car has to be clean to do the test so it is better after a car wash.
Your fingers don't have to fly out of the car. That depends of the product you use and how slick they are.
I would say you have to clay the car. I did clay my 2 months old corvette.
:xyxthumbs
Your car has to be clean to do the test so it is better after a car wash.
Your fingers don't have to fly out of the car. That depends of the product you use and how slick they are.
I would say you have to clay the car. I did clay my 2 months old corvette.
:xyxthumbs
imported_Tony
New member
Clay. you are going to try clay sooner or later. Go ahead and purchse some clay and try it on a section. Then you will know the difference. I believe you will like clay. I only clay once or twice a year but you will find there are times that you only need to clay a certain panel. It is nice to have clay to use after removal of bird poop, bugs, and tar.
Try it you will like it!
I use the Mothers kit.
good luck
Try it you will like it!
I use the Mothers kit.
good luck
Thanks for the replies guys. I need to remove the S100 wax, right? What would do a better job of getting the car ready to clay, a dawn wash or the S100 polish? Are all clays the same (doubt it). Finally should I use the lube that comes with the clay or use QD. I've also heard some like to use the Meg. gold class mixed with some warm water. Thanks again.
2wheelsx2
New member
No need to remove the wax. Clay right over the S100. The clay will remove a bit of wax and the contaminants. You'll have to rewax, if you do an agressive claying session.
As for brands, there are personal preferences, but most people here have tended to stay away from Meguiar's because it streaks and smears. Mother's and Clay Magic are the clays of choice.
You can use the lube, but it's more economical to use a carwash and water solution.
As for brands, there are personal preferences, but most people here have tended to stay away from Meguiar's because it streaks and smears. Mother's and Clay Magic are the clays of choice.
You can use the lube, but it's more economical to use a carwash and water solution.