"Ceramic" vs. "Clay"
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 360
Likes: 67
From: Northern NJ, USA
2018 E300 4Matic Sport
"Ceramic" vs. "Clay"
Hello all...I have a 2018 E300 (Sport) 4Matic. I own it and plan on keeping it and I've been maintaining it properly (yes, with a dealer, LOL) and on schedule. I garage the car and do not use it in the winter (snow) and I'd like to keep the paint as new, clean, shiny, etc., as possible. I've spent a lot of time looking into various treatments -- and while I've decided against the PPF -- I do think either the ceramic or clay treatment would be a good thing. However, different dealers/installers seem to use different terminology, and they absolutely use different products. However, as far as the terminology -- it's confusing. I also see pricing all over the place.
Have any of you done either to your car -- and specifically what did you do, and how much did it cost? Thank you very much in advance!
Have any of you done either to your car -- and specifically what did you do, and how much did it cost? Thank you very much in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,247
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From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
they are different.
Clay cleans the paint of debris like overspray, rail dust from being transported and industrial fallout.
CEramic is a fancy protectant and make shiny product - Think WAX or Polymer Wax Coating.
I say you do both.
Clay cleans the paint of debris like overspray, rail dust from being transported and industrial fallout.
CEramic is a fancy protectant and make shiny product - Think WAX or Polymer Wax Coating.
I say you do both.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,276
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1991 964 Turbo, 2002 Black E55, 2002 Black E55 " The Beast"- 2014 E63s
PPF prevents rock chips
Clay cleans the paint
Ceramic coating: This silica-based liquid polymer is applied by hand and cures to form a protective layer that, when properly maintained, can be effective for several years.
In Order of application:
Clay
PPF
Ceramic Coating
Clay cleans the paint
Ceramic coating: This silica-based liquid polymer is applied by hand and cures to form a protective layer that, when properly maintained, can be effective for several years.
In Order of application:
Clay
PPF
Ceramic Coating
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Hello all...I have a 2018 E300 (Sport) 4Matic. I own it and plan on keeping it and I've been maintaining it properly (yes, with a dealer, LOL) and on schedule. I garage the car and do not use it in the winter (snow) and I'd like to keep the paint as new, clean, shiny, etc., as possible. I've spent a lot of time looking into various treatments -- and while I've decided against the PPF -- I do think either the ceramic or clay treatment would be a good thing. However, different dealers/installers seem to use different terminology, and they absolutely use different products. However, as far as the terminology -- it's confusing. I also see pricing all over the place.
Have any of you done either to your car -- and specifically what did you do, and how much did it cost? Thank you very much in advance!
Have any of you done either to your car -- and specifically what did you do, and how much did it cost? Thank you very much in advance!
Here is what I did and what it cost:
Step 1: washed and dried my car
Step 2: applied Meguiar's cleaner wax. As I normally lease, I have not used this product in several years. I was amazed how much better today's car's paints are as compared to 5 or 10 years ago - especially the clear coat.. 5 years ago when I last did my Porsche Boxster it took between 1 hour and 1 1/2 hours. On my Mercedes which is more than double the size, it took about 1 1/2 hours. Cost $9.27. see:
Step 3: applied Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax. Time less than 15 minutes. Cost $12.74: see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVOFlynVxco
Step 4: Spring and Fall: Wash and dry car: reapply Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Was: Time about 10 minutes: Cost $4.00 see:
For the amount of time, less than 2 hours, and the cost less than $20, I have found this to be the best combination. Clay baring might be better, it all depends on the condition of your paint. But considering the time involved I decided to go the cleaner wax route and I am 100% satisfied. Now all I do is re-apply the Ceramic Hybrid Was every six months: time about 10 minutes, cost less than $4..
Hope this helps
Last edited by JTK44; Apr 4, 2023 at 08:10 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 360
Likes: 67
From: Northern NJ, USA
2018 E300 4Matic Sport
Thanks! Did you do either? What kind of ballpark figure would guess for each? The clay seems like it's all over the place. Once place told me about their process and it was so detailed, took a long time, etc. -- and they quoted $1500. Another place I went to said they do their own version of clay treatment, and so on and so on -- and they said it was $500. This is like comparing apples and bowling *****, right? LOL. Thanks again!
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Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,247
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From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
Clay bar is like $20 for kit.
2 methods -
#1 = wash car and then rinse then use clean soap again and wash again but while soapy rub clay bar on paint in long strokes.
Wash acts as lubricant for clay when done rinse do next panel, As always start from top and work way down.
#2 = wash and dry car. Using a high quality Quick detailer like from Meguairs or What comes with clay bar kit sometimes spray area and then rub clay - do not let dry while claying. then wipe clean with Micro fiber towel.
Claying is the most rewarding detailing step as you can FEEL the difference.
To test if you need it done - Wash and dry car. Get cellophane like clesr plastic from cigarette pack and put fingers inside and rub on paint softly. The plastic increase sense of touch and will let you feel little bumps and such if you need claying.
After claying do same test and will be the smoother thing you ever felt and let you know you did it correctly.
Mother kit is very good at explaining as is CLAY MAGIC (if you can find that as it was original made to remove overspray for body shop peeps.
Then when done you can cleaner wax, polish, polymer, ceramic coat your paint.
Check GRIOTS for good quality stuff as well which can now be bought on sale at local auto parts stores - Well I found it there.
But do test to see if you need or should clay.
BEcuase if you ned it and do it you get a better wax/ceramic costing job done since the little bits of debris are removed.
See this:
Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit - Safe and Easy Car Claying for Smooth as Glass Finish, G191700, Kit | Meguiar's (meguiars.com)
Man google away on this one both topics more crap on claying and ceramic coatings out there then about MB in general.
Another place to learn detailing is:
Autopia Forum - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum
2 methods -
#1 = wash car and then rinse then use clean soap again and wash again but while soapy rub clay bar on paint in long strokes.
Wash acts as lubricant for clay when done rinse do next panel, As always start from top and work way down.
#2 = wash and dry car. Using a high quality Quick detailer like from Meguairs or What comes with clay bar kit sometimes spray area and then rub clay - do not let dry while claying. then wipe clean with Micro fiber towel.
Claying is the most rewarding detailing step as you can FEEL the difference.
To test if you need it done - Wash and dry car. Get cellophane like clesr plastic from cigarette pack and put fingers inside and rub on paint softly. The plastic increase sense of touch and will let you feel little bumps and such if you need claying.
After claying do same test and will be the smoother thing you ever felt and let you know you did it correctly.
Mother kit is very good at explaining as is CLAY MAGIC (if you can find that as it was original made to remove overspray for body shop peeps.
Then when done you can cleaner wax, polish, polymer, ceramic coat your paint.
Check GRIOTS for good quality stuff as well which can now be bought on sale at local auto parts stores - Well I found it there.
But do test to see if you need or should clay.
BEcuase if you ned it and do it you get a better wax/ceramic costing job done since the little bits of debris are removed.
See this:
Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit - Safe and Easy Car Claying for Smooth as Glass Finish, G191700, Kit | Meguiar's (meguiars.com)
Man google away on this one both topics more crap on claying and ceramic coatings out there then about MB in general.
Another place to learn detailing is:
Autopia Forum - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 905
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Clay bar is like $20 for kit.
2 methods -
#1 = wash car and then rinse then use clean soap again and wash again but while soapy rub clay bar on paint in long strokes.
Wash acts as lubricant for clay when done rinse do next panel, As always start from top and work way down.
#2 = wash and dry car. Using a high quality Quick detailer like from Meguairs or What comes with clay bar kit sometimes spray area and then rub clay - do not let dry while claying. then wipe clean with Micro fiber towel.
Claying is the most rewarding detailing step as you can FEEL the difference.
To test if you need it done - Wash and dry car. Get cellophane like clesr plastic from cigarette pack and put fingers inside and rub on paint softly. The plastic increase sense of touch and will let you feel little bumps and such if you need claying.
After claying do same test and will be the smoother thing you ever felt and let you know you did it correctly.
Mother kit is very good at explaining as is CLAY MAGIC (if you can find that as it was original made to remove overspray for body shop peeps.
Then when done you can cleaner wax, polish, polymer, ceramic coat your paint.
Check GRIOTS for good quality stuff as well which can now be bought on sale at local auto parts stores - Well I found it there.
But do test to see if you need or should clay.
BEcuase if you ned it and do it you get a better wax/ceramic costing job done since the little bits of debris are removed.
See this:
Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit - Safe and Easy Car Claying for Smooth as Glass Finish, G191700, Kit | Meguiar's (meguiars.com)
Man google away on this one both topics more crap on claying and ceramic coatings out there then about MB in general.
Another place to learn detailing is:
Autopia Forum - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum
2 methods -
#1 = wash car and then rinse then use clean soap again and wash again but while soapy rub clay bar on paint in long strokes.
Wash acts as lubricant for clay when done rinse do next panel, As always start from top and work way down.
#2 = wash and dry car. Using a high quality Quick detailer like from Meguairs or What comes with clay bar kit sometimes spray area and then rub clay - do not let dry while claying. then wipe clean with Micro fiber towel.
Claying is the most rewarding detailing step as you can FEEL the difference.
To test if you need it done - Wash and dry car. Get cellophane like clesr plastic from cigarette pack and put fingers inside and rub on paint softly. The plastic increase sense of touch and will let you feel little bumps and such if you need claying.
After claying do same test and will be the smoother thing you ever felt and let you know you did it correctly.
Mother kit is very good at explaining as is CLAY MAGIC (if you can find that as it was original made to remove overspray for body shop peeps.
Then when done you can cleaner wax, polish, polymer, ceramic coat your paint.
Check GRIOTS for good quality stuff as well which can now be bought on sale at local auto parts stores - Well I found it there.
But do test to see if you need or should clay.
BEcuase if you ned it and do it you get a better wax/ceramic costing job done since the little bits of debris are removed.
See this:
Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit - Safe and Easy Car Claying for Smooth as Glass Finish, G191700, Kit | Meguiar's (meguiars.com)
Man google away on this one both topics more crap on claying and ceramic coatings out there then about MB in general.
Another place to learn detailing is:
Autopia Forum - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum
Suggestion: do half the hood with the cleaner wax and half with the clay bar. See if the extra time for clay baring is worth it.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 767
Likes: 289
From: Los Angeles
2024 GLE63s, 2021 E63s, 2018 GLC43
My routine is:
1) Meguiar's car wash
2) Clay bay with Meguiars kit and quick detailer spray. Doesn't take long to clay entire car. The hood and trunk surfaces get the most embedded particles, whereas the side panels don't so the claying goes faster on the side and door panels.
3) Meguiars hybrid ceramic liquid wax.
Then after that, just routine car wash with Meguiars hybrid ceramic wash and wax or Meguiars ultimate car wash. Then once every few washes, finish wash with Meguiars ceramic hybrid spray on wax which gets washed off with water.
Clay picks up particles out of the car's clearcoat, whereas cleaner wax is mildly abrasive. Depending on paint condition, you can just clay.
1) Meguiar's car wash
2) Clay bay with Meguiars kit and quick detailer spray. Doesn't take long to clay entire car. The hood and trunk surfaces get the most embedded particles, whereas the side panels don't so the claying goes faster on the side and door panels.
3) Meguiars hybrid ceramic liquid wax.
Then after that, just routine car wash with Meguiars hybrid ceramic wash and wax or Meguiars ultimate car wash. Then once every few washes, finish wash with Meguiars ceramic hybrid spray on wax which gets washed off with water.
Clay picks up particles out of the car's clearcoat, whereas cleaner wax is mildly abrasive. Depending on paint condition, you can just clay.
Last edited by taphil; Apr 4, 2023 at 03:00 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,247
Likes: 935
From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
Taphil said it much sorter then I did.
But to pay any detailer over $50 to clay a car is CRAZY when you can do it yourself and enjoy the results.
Claybar is different then cleanerwax.
Cleanerwax per meguiars:
One-step application cleans, polishes and protects
Removes light oxidation, light swirls and mild defects
Creates a long lasting, high gloss finish
I found my fave clay - Clay MAgic.
Use the blue or White But notice their comes in grades Fine to Medium
Detailing Clay - ITW Auto Magic
But to pay any detailer over $50 to clay a car is CRAZY when you can do it yourself and enjoy the results.
Claybar is different then cleanerwax.
Cleanerwax per meguiars:
One-step application cleans, polishes and protects
Removes light oxidation, light swirls and mild defects
Creates a long lasting, high gloss finish
I found my fave clay - Clay MAgic.
Use the blue or White But notice their comes in grades Fine to Medium
Detailing Clay - ITW Auto Magic
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 949
Likes: 355
X214
I always thoroughtly wash and then clay my car, and then apply a ceramic paste coating, the day after I bring my brand-new car home. The following weekends, I wash and apply additional coats of the ceramic paste. After about 4-5 additional coats, I stick to just washing for the rest of the season.
The initial claying is critical, since it takes out all of the surface pollutants. The subsequent ceramic coatings put an environmentally tight seal over the cleaned (washed/clayed) surface. Once that’s done, the regular washes ensure that any additional pollutants and dust that clings onto the coated surface (as the car gets driven), gets removed.
PS: I do not ever take my car to automatic car washes, and do the hand-washing myself.
The initial claying is critical, since it takes out all of the surface pollutants. The subsequent ceramic coatings put an environmentally tight seal over the cleaned (washed/clayed) surface. Once that’s done, the regular washes ensure that any additional pollutants and dust that clings onto the coated surface (as the car gets driven), gets removed.
PS: I do not ever take my car to automatic car washes, and do the hand-washing myself.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 360
Likes: 67
From: Northern NJ, USA
2018 E300 4Matic Sport
Thanks everyone. I'll check with the local detailers, installers, etc. Unfortunately, due to some health and mobility issues, I can't do any of the work myself. While it might not be as much fun, and certainly will be more expensive -- I was really just looking to find the right process/product and get the right local professional to do it. I have some great insight on the products -- so thanks again! Now I'll just check with the loca professionals and see who does what. Thanks again guys!
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,144
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From: A Dutchy Living in Marseille, France
EQE SUV AMG-line 350+
Thanks everyone. I'll check with the local detailers, installers, etc. Unfortunately, due to some health and mobility issues, I can't do any of the work myself. While it might not be as much fun, and certainly will be more expensive -- I was really just looking to find the right process/product and get the right local professional to do it. I have some great insight on the products -- so thanks again! Now I'll just check with the loca professionals and see who does what. Thanks again guys!
Cost me 1500 euro...
But after a year still happy with it, as car doesn't get very dirty and is easy to wash.
still a a lot of money though compared to DIY.
Ceramic Coating - Page 2 - MBWorld.org Forums
Last edited by Egonvdv; Apr 6, 2023 at 02:11 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Thanks everyone. I'll check with the local detailers, installers, etc. Unfortunately, due to some health and mobility issues, I can't do any of the work myself. While it might not be as much fun, and certainly will be more expensive -- I was really just looking to find the right process/product and get the right local professional to do it. I have some great insight on the products -- so thanks again! Now I'll just check with the loca professionals and see who does what. Thanks again guys!
