Is chemical cleaning needed when claying a car ?

If yes, is it done before or after claying ?

 

Chemical cleaning? I suppose you're referring to paint cleansing? If that's what you mean, it's preferable that you clay before you do a paint cleansing, at least IMO anyway.

Does that answer your question?

 

Hi Denzil,

Yes, I was referring to chemical paint cleaners (such Meguiars #9). I have not used them since I started using detailing clay several years ago. Do I need to use a chemical paint cleaner after I clay ?

Or will the claying be enough ? I placed an order for Four Star UPP
(and other products) a couple days ago and would like to detail my
TL in the next week or so.

 

No, you don't need to use a paint cleaner after claying. It really depends on what you plan on doing afterward. It's usually suggested that you use a paint cleaner of some sort if you plan on applying a LSP so that your LSP will bond a little better to your paint's surface.

 

The cleaner can do a couple of things .. remove very minor oxidization so if you plan was to clay then a sealant then a cleanser of some sort before the LSP ...

If your going to polish after claying then the cleaner would be after the polishing ... Myself if I'm polishing ( which along with swirl removal will remove oxodization ) so then all I use for a cleaner is a 50/50 rubbing alcohol / water mix.

 

It can actually work either way. I usually recommend using a paint cleaner first on heavy oxidized paint, so you dont destroy your clay all at once.
It (IMO) really depends on how bad the paint is. Normally, clay, then clean. Claying (after washing) is considered the first real step in paint cleansing.