From what i understand they are both used to remove the tiny surface contaminants from the paint surface. Is the clay bar supposed to be less agressive than polish?

Is there a noticeable surface finish difference between them?

Clay seems to be good for small areas but you would polish the complete car.

Its just I like to understand why I need to do it and its benefits rather than blindly believing things.

Not that i dont trust people:thumbup:

The clay bar only removes the contaminents whereas the polish removes a tiny amount of the paint or laquer.

The polish is used for defect removal like swirls, bird poo marks and light scratches.

The polish doesn't finish the job either it only gives the preparation for sealants and waxes.

Polishes often have added fillers that hide defects.

HTH.

You only clay the car once or twice a year (tops) to remove the hard stubborn grime / tar, which will leave a mirror smooth finish, then you would apply polish.

Have a look here for a definative guide / explanation...

Really helped me and im a NooB

Detailed Obsession - Great Products like Blu-Velvet ClearKote Collinite Dodo Juice Euro W Meguiar's Optimum P21s Poorboy's Renovo Victoria Wax

Why twice a year?

If i decide the car is dirty and want to clean, i'd want to make sure i actually cleaned it and not just take the top level of dirt off.

So really i should be claying more than polishing? I just dont want to apply wax/sealant to a dirty car.

Because thats all that needs be to remove the hard stuck on tar, clay twice a year and polish every week with a wax on top (if you can)

Did you read the guide i posted??

I don't understand why you need to polish a car every week!

If you've done all the steps correctly and used a good LSP then the dirt and contaminents will just sit on top of the wax.

The reason you only need to clay once or twice a year is that the wax needs to be redone and when taking this off it will effect the polish fillers. Over the course of a year there will be swirls and scratches that need taken car of but polishing every week is not necessary and a waste of time and money in my opinion.

I do a lot of miles and i am a clean freak, + i like spending one day of my weekend cleaning my car

+ VAG paint is thin :(

I get that but a good wax applied properly will last 4-6 months but polishing will just remove this. Your washing technique sounds spot on so it shouldn't get past the top layer of protection.

I get that but a good wax applied properly will last 4-6 months but polishing will just remove this. Your washing technique sounds spot on so it shouldn't get past the top layer of protection.

So my car is polished and waxed with some pretty expensive tackle, car is dirty and need to wash this weekend.

Should i wash as normal then just re-apply a coat of wax to top it up???

After you've washed it then dried it. Pour some clean water over the surface and see how the water beads off the surface.

After I layered my Collinite 915 the panels would be almost dry with this method without having to use a microfibre. It stayed like this for months but if you feel it needs a boost the feel top up the wax. Layering waxes is important if you think about it like varnish or paint the more layers the tougher the coating and better longer lasting the finish.

Some waxes aren't meant to be layered but I would try it and see.

Then after how long would you polish again?? 6 to 8 weeks or so???

This is the wax i use btw - dont know if its upto much?

I do pretty high mileage and I generally wash and dry the car on a Sunday. I also do more intensive cleans with polish, sealant and collinite 476S followed by 915 but only every 3 months or so. This stops the crap sticking to the paint and makes it so much easier to wash it, takes about an hour normally unless I am waxing which will double the time needed.

The Harley Wax is suppose to be reasonable.

I would only polish if you think you have defects appearing, unless you like the process of removing and reapplying polish and wax.

If you think that your wax isn't upto much then try a different wax, I use Collinite 915 but Natty's Blue is popular as is the Collinite 476s if you have a look on detailing world then they are discussed all the time.

Different waxes are better for different colours and some people only want their wax to last a short time. It may all come down to budget but the 3 i've mentioned are only around the 320 mark. Remember to use a sealant between polish and wax to give a lovely wet look because these contain oils to feel the paintwork.