How to avoid scratching the paint while clay barring

[squelchy451]

Hi. I just got my new car and it looks like it's been sitting in the lot awhile. In any case, I'll be doing a full detail this weekend.
Two bucket wash, clay bar, polish, and wax (or I might just go with a cleaner wax).

I've been detailing for a bit, but only did clay bar three, four times. Most recently I did my girlfriend's car and while claying, I made sure to mist a 18x18" area, use barely any pressure, and use a reasonably clean clay bar surface by folding and kneading it periodically. However, it just felt like I was scratching the car with how 'rough' sliding the clay bar over the paint felt. The car has 70k miles and never has been detailed, or even cleaned all that well. So many swirl marks and even deeper scratches visible without bright light over it.

Anyway, I sometimes err on the side of using too much clay lube. There is always an initial 'grabby' feeling from the clay bar and I'm not sure if that's entirely normal.

[Rsurfer]

If you use enough lube, it should not feel grabby unless its heavily contaminated. With very light pressure, the clay should guide over the surface.

Some will clay before waxing/sealing, I will not clay unless polishing. The grit thats stuck in your clear coat is being removed by the clay and then rubbed into the paint. How can this not mar the paint?

[Bruno Soares]

Clay always ends up marring the paint IMO. I only clay if I plan on polishing. Even fine polish removes clay marring easily. Use plenty of lube. New car won’t have much but probably enough to justify claying. Do the baggie test to confirm.

[squelchy451]

I've heard some people go as far as to wash the car again after claying. I'm thinking I'll just start with a rigorous routine. Full wash, clay, waterless wash, polish, and finally wax. I'll be sure to use enough clay lube.

[FUNX650]

IMO:
At the very least...a few of the following
Mike Phillips articles should assist you in
achieving all of your claying objectives:

Using Detailing Clay

The Baggie Test - How to inspect for above surface bonded contaminants (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27967-baggie-test-how-inspect-above-surface-bonded-contaminants.html)

The 3 primary benefits of using detailing clay to clay paint (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/27969-3-primary-benefits-using-detailing-clay-clay-paint.html)

Tips and Tricks for using detailing clay (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/20259-tips-techniques-using-detailing-clay.html)

Do I need to wash my car after I use detailing clay to clay the paint? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/22721-do-i-need-wash-my-car-after-i-use-detailing-clay-clay-paint.html)

How often do I need to clay my car? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/22015-how-often-do-i-need-clay-my-car.html)

Video: How detailing clay works and how to use detailing clay to remove above surface bonded contaminants (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-videos/24319-show-car-garage-video-how-detailing-clay-works-how-use-detailing-clay-remove-above-surface-bonded-contaminants.html)



Bob

[osiapstndp]

Everyone has a different expectation of what is acceptable. Going from clay to applying protection is common practice for a lot of folks, especially if it is their personal vehicle. I do not mechanically decontaminate paintwork unless I am going to perform some sort of refinishing. If a customer doesn't care about the light marring from the claying process then I'll do it, but as a rule it's a no-no.

Skipping the polishing step after claying isn't going to make the clear coat fall off. It's up to each person to make the decision on whether or not to skip this step.

To reduce marring I take a few precautions.

1. Keep the clay in a bucket that is filled with rinseless wash (consider McKee's 37 N-914).

2. Spray lubricant on the clay right before it touches the panel so that way there is as much of a buffer as possible between the clay and the clear coat.

3. Be very generous with the amount of liquid that you apply to the panel. Keep spritzing the area while you clay so there is never a "dry" spot. I use 32oz or more of lubricant on a full-size sedan or coupe.

4. Inspect the clay often and pick out any large bits if possible.

5. Rinse the clay in the rinseless bucket before kneading it. If the clay is very firm and difficult to knead consider letting it dwell in warm water. Better yet, make your rinseless solution with warm water and keep the clay there for a bit.

6. Use distilled water to mix the rinseless solution and clay lubricant. Use distilled water with every product that is dilutable. You'll end up chasing less streaks and spots and as a consequence there will be less opportunity to hurt the surface.

If you get an abnormal amount and severity of marring then perhaps consider a less aggressive clay. Auto Geek sells a very gentle clay that is less likely to harm clear coat by itself. It won't do the job as fast, but it is more gentle. Although the contaminates that are lifted off of the surface still have a higher probability of causing scratches.

https://www.autogeek.net/mckees-rinseless-wash.html

https://www.autogeek.net/ultra-fine-poly-clay.html