Thanks Mike for the detailed response. Let me ask you this. Assuming the car does need to be clayed, would it be beneficial to follow it up with the P21 paint cleaner before waxing? Thought is the cleaner would polish out any “maring” from the clay.
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I used P21S years ago and while it looked good the durability was poor. Chances are that if you are in a hot climate it will break down even in a garage.
I would suggest trying Meguiar's Ultimate Paste Wax and skip the P21. The P21 as a carnauba wax will turn acidic overtime. Ultimate Paste Wax is probably the only non-SiO2 based protection I still use.
Meguiar's ULW and UPW seem to have different results, I remember UPW having a very wet but very bright shine.
Kind of... the P21S Paint Cleaner is non-abraive - thus the name "paint cleaner" not "paint polish", thus it will not remove marring. It may mask or fill marring just like the wax will but not actually remove it.
And thus is the quandary for so many people,
To clay or not to clay?
My own personal rule is if I clay a car I have ALREADY factored in doing at least ONE machine polishing step to remove any marring or potential marring.
Here's a great example. A BRAND NEW SPANKING car with no real visible swirls or scratches except in a few places and the Piano Plastic but it needed to be clayed.
Review: IGL Poly Ceramic Coating - 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S
Failed the Baggie Test
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...L_Pcar_003.JPG
Clay is not shown - forgot to grab it for the picture but I did in fact clay using the Pinnacle Ultra Fine Grade Detailing Clay
Tools - Pads - Products
I know it's easy to think to "install" a ceramic paint coating on your car all you have to do is order the coating, as in order the tiny glass bottle of product. But that's a false reality. In the real-world, you're going to need a polisher, pads, products and lots of clean, un-contaminated microfiber towels to do the job right.
Here's a few pictures showing what I used to install a ceramic coating to a brand new Porsche.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...L_Pcar_031.JPG
And as expected and was one of the goals - extreme GLOSS
http://www.autogeekonline.net/galler...L_Pcar_024.JPG
So if a person does NOT own a polisher - do you clay?
Because your Corvette is white, you will never see any marring. Plus - if you use an ultra fine grade or fine grade and LOTS of lube - you're safe enough to go over it.
Remember - I have to type and teach for the most EXTREME OCD type people.
:)
“Remember - I have to type and teach for the most EXTREME OCD type people.”
Well put, Mike. :D
I have done both on the older white Escape we have as far as claying and following with a polish and with out. It all matters the time I have. But these are my own vehicles.
If I was working on someone else's it would get polished after, unless the owner is fine with the way it looks. But they would have to understand that it is what it is if they did not want to put out for it.