Clay on Black w/no clearcoat?

[swerve]

Does anyone know if it is OK to use clay on my new black GS430 (this car has no clearcoat supposedly)?

[Shogun]

The real question is, "why?" Your car is new and the paint should still feel silky smooth after a wax.

Claying your black 'no clear coat' is safe. BUT, if you drop the clay on the ground THROW IT AWAY. Make sure you follow all the directions.

I just finished claying my Black '98 last weekend.

Good Luck,
Eric

[swerve]

How long should I wait before using clay?

[Johnny Mo]

Swerve,

I'd wait at least 6-9 months, unless of course you absolutely need to do it (ie bird crap that you didn't get cleaned off right away-it leaves that all too painful etching in your paint). But I agree with Shogun, there is no need for you to do it if your car is new. Also, make sure that the anyone who "details" your car, even the dealership, knows what they are doing if they use a buffing wheel--especially on black.

[Shogun]

Swerve,
IS there a particular reason as to why you can't wait to clay?

Typically, you only clay when you begin to 'feel' contaminants embedded in the paint THAT DON'T come out during a wash or with cleaner/wax.

That said, as long as your paint has cured for at least 60 days (look at your build date to verify) you can clay, polish and wax to your heart's desire.

Again, unless you got time to burn, there is no reason to clay until a good cleaner wax no longer makes the paint 'feel' as it does when it's new.

Just for information - I clay 1X a year, polish 2X a year and wax approx. 4-6X a year.

Good Luck,
Eric