Clay on a repainted car

:welcome to Autopia, B3Golde.



Interesting question. Looks like you found one of those rare threads where somebody says clay caused scratches. But pay particular attention to this comment in that thread:

Well, I think you know as well as we do that SOMETHING created those scratches, and it wasn't the clay (unless someone got fired from Zaino and went postal--adding powdered glass to the big pot 'o clay ).
Click to expand...

Most times, it's the person's technique that causes scratches -- e.g., letting the clay get too dirty, not using enough lube, etc. If you technique is ok, unless your paint is exceptionallysoft, I can't imagine that clay would hurt the paint.



Discovering clay has changed my life. :bigups It's the biggest bang-for-the-buck I've ever discovered. I use it on the Benz's factory paint and the Jag's repaint [not yet had a chance to try it on the newly-acquired Ghia], and I have nothing but :bow to say for it.



Have you clayed other cars so that you know the Usual Precautions?
 
No, I only detail my own car but it sounds like something I just gotta use on my car. I could understand the swirl thing on the post as improper technique but the browning astonished me. Since you used it on your jag I think it'll be safe for me to use.



thanks
 
OK. If you haven't used clay before ... First, start with DavidB's article here. Then read AlBoston's article in the Hall of Fame. If you want to go further afield, do a search.



As for products: I would recomment Mother's, ClayMagic, or the Autopia Glide, Block, and Waffle Kit. I've had great experiences with all of those. I also hear good things about Zaino clay, but can't comment on it myself, as I haven't used it.



Read, read, and read. There are lots of tips on how to fold the clay, what kind of lube to use, when to discard clay because it's contaminated, etc.



Questions? Feel free to ask them here. :up
 
I guess my question is how can I keep folding it and tell if I uncovered some dirt by folding it. Generally how many times can a 2" puck be folded? Can you actually see grit on the glide block and waffle kit?
 
Cut the clay up into silver dollar size patties. This prevents waste of clay if you ever drop it, darn things get so slippery when lubed. Once it gets dirty, chuck it and get a new piece.
 
No doubt, when the rest of Autopia wakes up, plenty of folks will tell you just to fold and stretch. But Jason already told you: use a knife, cut the clay into small silver-dollar x 1/8" patties, clay, then toss it when you start seeing/feeling any grit in the clay. I swear, it takes me less clay since I started using this technique.



Clay is sort of a Zen exercise. When you're doing it right, it just sorta glides along the surface. If you're struggling or working, you're not doing it right. When done right, the clay, you, and the paint are one harmonious unit. OK. Too zen-like. I gotta get outta here. :D
 
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