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!

 

I don't mean to insult you, but you are using a lubricant.

Bob

 

If you use the lubricant with the clay it will leave the finish of your car in pristine condition and remove fine scratches.

 

Make sure you are using a lot of lube when you are claying and tht you are working the bar like you shoud (folding it into itself) when it gets a little dirty. If you are doing that you should not be harming the paint. As far as orange peel is concerned we all have it.

 

Spray detailer, I use Meguires final touch, as a lube, good luck.

 

Well there are a few things to consider. The hazing is normal if all the residue is not removed from using the clay. Also, since the clay will remove all the oversprayand all your layers of wax, your paint will look more dull than you are use too.
Couple notes when using the clay IMO, do not use alot of pressure when working with it, take your time. Light pressure, with lube, you may hear an light abrasive sound ( probably not on your car if it was well kept) or feel the clay draging on the surface (most likely because of the overspray), normal, do not increase pressure, continue working till the clay glides easily over the surface than move on. Also, turn the clay, folding, frequently and work it, will help keep what you removed from the car off the paint while working the clay over the surface.
Look, I can clay a car in about an hour to two, but I have done this many times, it may take you alot longer don't get discouraged. Now if you don't feel comfortable I would suggest that you take the car to a professional detailer and have them handle it, ask to stick around and watch what they do. As far as the fine scratchs I do see this and that is why I generally do not clay than go straight to wax. I clay, swirl remove, evaluate, then wax if I am happy with what I have, it is a process that generally takes me the best part of a day.

Good luck

Darion

 

YOu might want to post in the car care section instead of the tech section. You will receive a lot more responses on this topic

 

Thanks for the help. Yes - I sprayed the car off really well with a hose and just from the doors back have used the better part of a bottle of detailers spray (Meguires something or other) so it has been well lubed. So all of these super-fine scratches are normal???? Should I hit it with a buffer when done or will a couple of coats of Z5 do the trick? Thanks for the help.

 

I don't know that your fine scratchs are normal, I just know that I have seen it myself. Try this, work an area with clay, about 2 feet by 2 feet. Next use a swirl remover if you have it, by hand should be fine and then apply wax, compare it to the surrounding area see if the fine scratches are removed.

 

I just did my car for the first time and it made a big difference in overall apperance of car - a lot of work though. It looked somewhat dull after the clay, but really shined after waxing - I did not notice any scratches although I didn't look at it that close -

 

Make sure you do not drop the clay on the ground. If you do it will pick up dirt. This will cause swirl marks. If you do drop the clay throw it away and get a new one.