Nissan 370Z Forum - Waxing and using clay bar

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Originally Posted by kannibul (Post 114831)

Swirl marks only come out with polishing. Clay bar removes (embedded) particles so that when you start polishing it won't get sucked into the polishing cloth, creating more swirl marks.

With the 3M stuff - I'd not touch it in either case.

Yes and no.

Claying is for taking off bonded surface contaminants so you have a pristine paint surface with which to wax. Things like tar, sap, rail dust, water spots, bugs, over spray, and other sticky crap that may hinder the waxes ability to bond to your paint. Pick up a Meguiars "Quick Clay" kit and follow the directions, its super easy and you can immediately see/feel the results. It made a difference on my Z even a few days after I got it.

ETA: I just ran into a thread about this over at the Meguiars forum...

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Here's some general FAQ's from 3M's website.

Q. How is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film maintained?
A. Once applied, refrain from washing the vehicle in an automated car wash for 24 hours. Washing after that time presents no problem, and no special care need be taken for the film. (if you want my opinion, just refrain from washing the vehicle in an automated car wash period)
Q. Can I use wax over Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A. Yes. When waxing the vehicle, some wax may build up along the film edges. This can easily be removed when dry with a soft cloth, such as a 3M™ High Performance Cloth. Do not use any waxes containing dyes or waxes that are not recommended for urethanes. Abrasive polishes and/or rubbing compounds are not to be used.
Q. What products does 3M recommend to best maintain Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film?
A. 3M makes a variety of products to help maintain the beauty of your vehicle. 3M™ Car Wash Soap (3M Part #39000), 3M™ Show Car Paste Wax (3M Part #39526 and 3M™ Perfect-It Show Car Liquid Wax (3M Part #39026). The best surface cloth to use is the 3M™ Perfect-IT™ III Detailing Cloth (3M Part #39016) since others may scratch the surface of the film.
Q. How is Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film removed?
A. If desired, film can be removed at any time by picking up a corner of the film and pulling the film off the vehicle surface at a 90-degree angle. If the film has been present a long time, or if the film and vehicle are cold, a heat gun or hair dryer may be used to soften the adhesive, allowing easier removal. If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the film, it can be removed by using 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (3M Part #08984), according to the package directions.
Q. If Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film is removed from the vehicle, can it be re-used?
A. Once the film has been applied and set, the adhesive will not stick a second time.
Q. After Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film has been removed, how do I get any excess adhesive off my vehicle?
A. If any adhesive remains on the vehicle after removal of the film, it can be removed by using 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (3M Part #08984), according to the package directions.

Of course 3M recommends using their products, but you could replace their recommendation with the Meguiar's equivalent. Information is from http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...Consumer/FAQs/