How to Prep Your Paint for Claying (Pre-Wash, Foam, and Drying Tips)
Claying your car without proper prep can scratch your paint. Here’s exactly how to get your surface ready the safe way.
Whether you're using a clay mitt or a clay bar, the key to a smooth and scratch-free decontamination is in the prep. Claying on a dirty surface—even just slightly dirty—can grind debris into your clear coat.
In this post, you’ll learn a fast, effective claying prep method that works every time and minimizes swirl marks.
Step 1: Pre-Rinse the Car Thoroughly
Use a hose or pressure washer to remove loose dirt, mud, and grit from the surface. Focus on wheel wells and lower panels where contamination builds up most.
Step 2: Foam the Vehicle with a Pre-Wash
This is where The Super Soaper comes in. It produces thick foam that clings to paint, loosening up road film, bugs, and debris before you ever touch the car.
Let the foam dwell for a few minutes, but don’t let it dry.
Step 3: Rinse Off the Foam
Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom, removing as much grime as possible before contact. The more you remove now, the safer your claying step will be.
Step 4: Contact Wash (Optional but Recommended)
Use a soft wash towel like the Orange Wash Microfiber Towel to gently wash the car using the leftover Super Soaper in your bucket or foam cannon. This adds even more lubrication and cleaning before claying.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Once you’ve done the contact wash, rinse again and dry using a clean, soft microfiber towel like the Massive Drying Towel.
Now your paint is clean, dry, and ready for claying.
Start Your Claying the Right Way
Safe claying starts with the right prep soap and soft wash tools. Don’t skip the steps—skip the swirls.
What to Avoid
- Never clay on a dry surface
- Never skip pre-rinsing and foaming
- Don’t use a dirty towel for drying or contact wash
Next Step: Choose Your Clay Tool
Once your paint is prepped, it's time to decide—mitt or bar? Each has its place, and we've got a full breakdown right here:
Clay Mitt vs Clay Bar – Full Guide
