Originally Posted By: TomYoung
Originally Posted By: Noey
You'll get a lot of different opinions, but I use clay as a last resort as it's basically very fine dirt used as a very fine abrasive. Some cars need that, but only after I wax it with Meguiars Ultimate and see the results. The safest thing to do...although it might be an extra/wasted step..is to wash it and wax it and see the results.
A detailing tip is to always wax in back and forth/front to back motions to avoid swirls....forget about the so called random orbital buffers, they add swirls.
Please ignore this note, which is wrong on a number of points. The vast majority of the other posts, which suggest using clay with considerable lubrication are what you want.
This responder thinks that clay comes after wax. If so, then wax again. Also, this person thinks that clay is dirt and is abrasive. I suppose that is true, sort of, but the same materials, or other "abrasives" are also present in most waxes, including the wax cited.
If the car is clean and is rough to the touch, get some clay, then polish, then wax, then glaze. If you do not have the time, on such a desirable car as yours, it is well worth paying somebody $250-$300 or a little more to do this.
Here's my detailing tip - get a dual action polisher and new heads, and practice on an old beater to get your skills in shape. I am not sure what a "so-called random orbital" refers to.
A bit of high mindedness doesn't distract from the inaccuracy of your editorial comments.
On a car with an unknown history, it's best to start off easy...not only on yourself but the paint, too. And although there are paint jobs that typically require more aggressive treatment, anyone with actual experience with restoring paintwork properly will agree that you start with a good wax job, hand applied, and see what the result is.
There are a lot of products out there that do all sorts of things, but that doesn't mean they are appropriate for all situations. This includes "Clay" and "Polishes"..all abrasives..as well as buffers, which really do easily add swirls. You want quick 'n dirty, go for it. You want great results, you're patient and you use elbow grease first, and just a good wax. Do this on your Benz and maybe take some before and after shots and then we can talk. Or, you can go with clay and buffers and we can talk about potentially restoring the damage you're about to cause.
Have a nice day.