[Z06] Clay Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 15
From: Houston TX
Clay Question
OK I'm back..
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1026879
Picked up some clay on the way home. I got from the doors back done but now I'm on edge. I notice an extreme amount of orange peel, a slight dullness ( could be clay residue) and lots of super-fine scratches (not anything you can hang a nail on or anything AND these are visible under the flourescent lights in the garage). The paint seems to be coming off though. Is the above normal - especially noticing the fine scratches? Could this be the finish being stripped to zero and now everything is unhidden? I'm shocked and what a f-up this was!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1026879
Picked up some clay on the way home. I got from the doors back done but now I'm on edge. I notice an extreme amount of orange peel, a slight dullness ( could be clay residue) and lots of super-fine scratches (not anything you can hang a nail on or anything AND these are visible under the flourescent lights in the garage). The paint seems to be coming off though. Is the above normal - especially noticing the fine scratches? Could this be the finish being stripped to zero and now everything is unhidden? I'm shocked and what a f-up this was!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
From: Colorful Colorado
How much lubricant are you using? You should be using so much that the clay could slide across the car if you let go of it. Now as for lubricant you chould be using something like a spray on liquid detail or quick wax. If you are not using a lubricant, there will be big trouble. If you are not using enough lubricant, there could be trouble as well. Soak an area and re-do the clay, then dry off and buff with a clean towel and move to the next section. Just do a square foot at a time.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Aptos, CA.
On another note, flourescent lighting WILL bring out EVERY flaw the paint has. My paint guys hate me and turn the lights off when I come to their shop. Picky, picky, picky! They call me "Three Foot Glenn" 
Instructor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 179
Likes: 2
From: Somerville NJ
I follow Zaino's approach - I use a liquid car wash soap mixed 1 part to 3 with water. spray it on and go to town - I find best results following up with the clay with a swirl remover like z5 or similiar product.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
Just my 2 cents. From what it sounds like you know about as much as I do about detailing and restoring paint. Take it to the best detailer you can find and have him fix it. Then use lots of Zaino to keep it protected. Good Luck.
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente CA
All these cars have orange peel. My '04 Z had a good amount of fine scratches all over thanks to the meticulous detailing done at the dealer when it sat on the showroom floor. I think they must've used 220 grit to wipe off the dust! 
Anyway, I used a very, very fine rubbing compound from 3M called Finesse-It that will not harm the clearcoat. Doing about 1 sq. ft areas, I went over the entire car about 4 times with the compound, and then used some P21S pure carnauba over it and I now have a flawless finish with NO fine scratches. The orange peel is still there, but is less noticeable. The car even passes the flourescent light test!
Anyway, I used a very, very fine rubbing compound from 3M called Finesse-It that will not harm the clearcoat. Doing about 1 sq. ft areas, I went over the entire car about 4 times with the compound, and then used some P21S pure carnauba over it and I now have a flawless finish with NO fine scratches. The orange peel is still there, but is less noticeable. The car even passes the flourescent light test!
