Clay bar before polish?

[Jalfonse]

I'm thinking of polishing the front bumper to see if I can remove some of the inevitable marks from stones and salt etc, do I need to use a clay bar first to remove the very small embedded grit particles or is it okay to just 'polish' these away in the process?

[TheGroves]

I'd recommend using a clay bar to remove the foreign objects but be liberal with the detailing or finishing spray you use. It'll also then make sure you get the best protection from the polish you use as it won't be sat on a layer of old road grease.

And don't forget.....keep folding the bar in on itself and if you drop it....bin it.

I've also used this before and the finish was great...dunno where you'll get it tho.

T-CUT 365 Sheer Silver Kit Paintwork Protection

M

Edited by TheGroves on Tuesday 26th November 19:01

[Jalfonse]

Thanks, just to be clear I'm not talking about waxing the bumper but using the fine abrasive polish (Maguires compound or similar) that removes swirls etc, that's why I wondered if using a clay bar first would be unnecessary given the polish is actually abrading the surface of the paint anyway?

[paddy328]

I personally would never clay bar an aston without then machine polishing it afterwards. No matter how careful you are, in order to do it properly, you will inflict some level of paint marring that will need to have light polish afterwards.

Claying wont do anything about the stone chips, its designed to remove the contaminants that are bonded to the paint and effectively shave them off. It will no doubt get rid of a lot of the crap on the bumper, but machine polishing is the way forward.

Just save yourself the trouble and get me over to spend the day on it like we spoke about at gaydon, much easier lol.

[Jalfonse]

I had considered/am still thinking about a 'proper' detail Paddy , I just don't know whether the bumper has gone beyond detail and needs painting, hence thinking about a DIY polish to see. I'll PM you about it, cheers

[paddy328]

Ok mate, if your are able, try and send me a pic or two.

[Jalfonse]

PM sent.