Do You Wash Car After Clay Bar?

Car Clay Bar Process

  • Once you have clayed the car, wash it using a wax-free car shampoo. This helps remove contaminants lifted by the clay bar.
  • A clay bar restores a car’s rough, unsmooth paint by removing contaminants.
  • Wash and dry the car. Clay it section-by-section. While wet with lubricant, wipe sections dry with a microfiber cloth.
  • After claying, seal the paint. Clay twice a year – before winter and after.

Interior Cleaning and Protection

  • First, wipe down and vacuum the interior to prevent dust accumulation.
  • Apply clay bar detailing for an outstanding finish.
  • Rinse the compound off the car. Dry it thoroughly.

Clay Bar Aftercare

  • Wash and dry the car before claying it section-by-section. Use plenty of lubrication.
  • Contaminated paint can add imperfections during claying. So wash first.
  • Divide a 100g clay bar into two pieces.
  • Check if a polish will remove residue; if so, no need to wash after.
  • Finally, seal the cleaned paint.

Car Maintenance Tips

  • If you decide not to polish after claying, clean the clay bar lubricant residue before applying waxes and sealants.
  • Once you’ve clay barred and protected your paintwork, you should only need to do it twice a year – once before winter and once after.

Waxing Without Polishing

  • You can go and wax your vehicle straight away without polishing if the paint still looks great.
  • If you already have wax on your car and want to reapply it, there’s no need to polish.

Car Claying FAQs

  • If you plan to use a pre-wax cleaner polish, it will remove clay residue, so there’s no need to wash.
  • After using clay, seal your freshly cleaned paint with your choice of wax or sealant.

Proper Clay Bar Usage

Although necessary, consider clay bar a necessary evil since it can be abrasive. Use properly to avoid damaging clear coat.

Leave a Comment