Six months ago I used a clay bar then Griots One Step Sealant followed by Mothers Carnauba step 3 wax on my 997. I have applied additional coats of the Carnauba wax a couple of times a month since then following washes. The finish looks perfect. I figured that I would need to re-clay and start the process over about now, but the shine still looks perfect. How often do you need to clay/polish/wax?

 

Now that's dedication!!!! But waxing the car a couple times a month!?? I think you should clay once a year. i wax about every 3 months

 

Clay when you need to, my 2 cents is it has a lot more to do with mileage than time on how often you clay. Also after a Good Clay job as long as you maintain, it should last a lot longer than a year in my opinion. If you love the way it looks I would not clay just to do so.

 

Wash every other week, wax every six months, wash/clay/polish/wax every year.

 

Totally agree with Carnut.

I run my hand over the paint.....if I feel any contaminants, I clay....If it's nice and smooth, I'll add a little fresh wax.....or I'll just go drive and forget about it!

 

Iron x and clay twice a year on the body. Iron x the wheels maybe 3 times a year.

 

For most cars parked in garage.. clay, polish, and waxing once a year should be good enough (after all, u don't want to polish too often)

If ur car is a darker color, u just need to wash and perhaps wax more often

However, if u park outside regularly (like at your work), u should clay/polish/wax at least twice a year.

Also. if ur car is black and u r an "enthusiast" (a-la Stacy or Jay Jones) this may become a part-time job.

 

I use it at least twice a year. It doesnt take that long to start from the beginning.

 

clay is to remove contamination. like brake dust stock in the paint.
if you have a few layers of wax on the car, contaminant won't be able to reach the paint. therefore, no need to clay.
run your hand over the paint, especialy on front doors (brake dust from front wheels) if smooth, don't waste your time with clay...

 

I know it is over the top to wax so often, but the carnauba wax is non-abrasive and it takes me no time to put a coat on after a wash. Unnecessary but therapeutic !

 

Removes all the marks, including sap from trees, tar from pavement etc....
Makes the paint smoothe to see whats needed, possibly removing swirl marks,before the waxing step.

 

This is correct...

 

Anyone have advice on whether or not to clay bar clear bra (say that fast five times)? I have a little bit of contamination that I can feel on the clear bra, primarily around the front wheel wells (probably brake dust). Just not sure about potentially damaging the clear bra.

 

I clayed my car once and it took an entire day to rub the clay off the paint. Why would anyone do this?

 

Sounds like you did not use enough lubricant (if any). I use Griots Speed Shine with the clay bar and there is really nothing to remove.