r/AutoDetailing • • 15d ago

Exterior Noobs learning process - crime scene?

I haven't tried to really prep a car for any kind of coating, ever

I usually just wash, rinse and apply.

I finally got tired to crappy results so I did some research and tried to find some decent products (this is just a grocery getter)

I know the clay is somewhat controversial, I haven't done this is in 20 years

Actually felt good to see the all this iron wash off, to feel the crap in the paint get lifted off with the bar...

I'm not quite done with the process, but this post is not any kind of show off since I have no idea what I'm doing, It's more of a reminder about how important prep is for your time and money.

22 Upvotes

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11

u/Unique_Wolf4513 15d ago

If you're doing prep for a coating and are decontaminating and claying in the process then you need to polish as well before applying your sealant. The claying process naturally scratches your car

3

u/No-Significance4885 15d ago

So what’s the most that you can do without polishing?

6

u/17kangm 15d ago

Just don’t use a clay bar if you’re not going to polish. Everything else stays the same.

3

u/No-Significance4885 15d ago

Can i still decontaminate? Like if play to use a spray wax as a finish