Clay bar how often?

[Nels]

Clay barred my truck last summer - first time ever doing that. Getting ready for a wax and I'd like to claybar again before waxing. Is that too soon? For those that clay bar, how frequently?

 

[SnowBlaZR2]

Clay barred my truck last summer - first time ever doing that. Getting ready for a wax and I'd like to claybar again before waxing. Is that too soon? For those that clay bar, how frequently?

There's not really a set frequency for how often you should clay your paint. People often do it more than they should. You should only clay the paint when it's needed. If the paint doesn't feel rough, it doesn't need mechanical decon.

If your paint feels rough, do a chemical decon. I like CarPro IronX and Optimum FerreX depending on which vehicle I'm doing. If it feels rough after that, then do a mechanical decon with clay or a synthetic option (my preference).

 

[HSKR R/T]

If you take care of the paint after you do it once, and use quality products, shouldn't ever have to do it again.

 

[Nels]

Thanks for the advise. I've been using meguiars carnibua wax for 20+ years but my wife got me a ceramic spray. Going to try that. The paint doesn't feel too rough now but thought I might clay it again before applying the ceramic. Just didn't know of there's such as thing as claying too much.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Thanks for the advise. I've been using meguiars carnibua wax for 20+ years but my wife got me a ceramic spray. Going to try that. The paint doesn't feel too rough now but thought I might clay it again before applying the ceramic. Just didn't know of there's such as thing as claying too much.

If you have waxed it since the last clay bars then you defy need to do a decontamination wash and get all the carnuba wax removed from the truck before applying the ceramic coating.

 

[jeffjcalweb]

if you can hear your drying towel across the surface, you need to clay it. obviously running your hand/fingers across specific spots is a great indicator but the towel never lies

 

[Whodeysrt]

I’ve always used the cellophane wrapper from a cigarette pack and put your fingers inside it and run it over the paint…you would be amazed the imperfections you feel.

 

[Nels]

If you have waxed it since the last clay bars then you defy need to do a decontamination wash and get all the carnuba wax removed from the truck before applying the ceramic coating.

Would the clay bar remove the wax.

 

[UnclJim]

Would the clay bar remove the wax.

Yes

 

[UnclJim]

Frequency depends on contaminants in the air and rain, if cars garaged or not, sun strength in your area. If i lived in LA id be doing it ever other month in your locale 2x a year.
ALL vehicles that traveled on a train should be done ASAP!! Rail dust is real and really contaminates your paint!

 

[n8zcc]

I use my fingers on the paint and find that the flat surfaces need clay barring more often than the side panels. I clay bar as needed and I also clay bar the windshield.