Necessary to wash immediately before clay bar?

[yamabob217]

Hi Mike,

I have a rather dumb question... What are your thoughts on clay barring a car that isn't washed immediately before?

I have a '93 Mustang LX that rarely sees the light of day. I've never used a clay bar on the car and obviously a little apprehensive about doing it wrong and messing up the paint.

The car was washed and dried last weekend, then put away. It's been in the garage under cover ever since. Common sense would tell me that it's not a problem to remove the cover and clay bar the car without washing it again. But that's my inexperienced opinion. I was wondering if you've ever done the same or see a problem?

Also, the car has never been polished. I've only used wax on the surface. For a car that has 5,000 miles on it and practically looks like it did when it was driven out of the dealership, would polishing the surface be worth while in your opinion?

Thanks,

Bob

[Kamakaz1961]

If it were me I would do a rinseless or waterless wash at the least. Or if it is pretty clean just GENTLY, brush off the dust (I would still do the RW or WW regardless).

Then clay. As for polishing I really can't give a comment as there are no pics to see the condition of your paint. All I know it could not hurt if you did.

5,000 miles on a 93 Stang? Way cool!! Please show pics when you are done and decide what to do!

[Legacykid]

If it was washed and covered, I dont see a problem in honestly hitting with the hose then right into clay barring.

You would just be getting the dust fibers from the air and cover off the car.

[conman1395]

I wouldn't do a clay without at least doing a waterless wash first. If the car is already clean and just dusty, it shouldn't take you any more than 10 minutes.

Takes less time than it would to correct any possible extra marring incurred from claying the dirty vehicle.