Bad outcome with my first use of clay

[dennish2024]

Finally decided to give clay a try on my wife's velvet red pearl Jeep Grand Cherokee. I did the drivers side of the hood and it looked fine. Then I did the center of the hood which is a slight valley down the center. I followed the directions on the box as well as a youtube video. I kneaded the clay, sprayed down the area with the QD rubbed back and forth lightly with the clay. When I wiped the QD off I was shocked to see all the scratch marks in the clear coat on the ridge and the slant down to the valley. I did some Ultimate Compound by hand which helped a bit after a coat of ULW then did the area with 205 via DA got somewhat better but the scratches are not gone. I realize I'm working under florescent lighting which shows every flaw in paint that isn't seen in normal light. Anything I can do to fix this. Plus now I afraid of using clay.

Thanks.

[tcope1]

Re: Bad outcome with my first use of clay

Is it possible that there was some filler on the paint? Next time spray down an area with Isopropyl Alcohol before using the clay and then clay the area. I've never seen clay introduce scratches when used correctly and as long as it's a mild clay and not aggressive.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Bad outcome with my first use of clay

Sorry to hear about your trouble. Lets confirm a few factors:

1) Are you using our Smooth Surface Clay Kit?
2) Was the vehicle washed & dried prior to using the clay bar? / Was the surface completely clean prior to using the clay bar?
3) Is this vehicle new? The other member who posted has a good point. It is completely within reason to have a coat of wax, or some other product with filling capabilities, either naturally or intentionally, hide defects. Here is an example of a coat of wax hiding scratches Emergency Makeover: Detroit Autorama Edition with Michael Stoops

Reason we want to confirm these few things is that we very very rarely if not ever see our Smooth Surface Clay Kit inflicting scratches. We have seen where a clay bar can micro mar or haze a surface of super sensitive softer paints, but very rarely scratch. (Micro mar is little tiny circular appearing scratches, haze for example can make a black car look gray).

Nick

[Nick Winn]

Re: Bad outcome with my first use of clay

Just wanted to re-iterate my point that it is certainly possible for clay to scratch, but let's try to rule out if it may be something else causing the issue, because it is rare.

Also, if M205 Ultra Finishing Polish applied via DA Polisher did not work to remove the scratches, a good next step up from that product is our Ultimate Compound, applied either a foam polishing or finishing pad.

Nick

[dennish2024]

Re: Bad outcome with my first use of clay

Nick, thanks for the reply. I bought the Smooth Surface Clay Kit. Vehicle was washed and dried. I use UQW often after a wash but not this time, probably the wash before (love the product). It's a 2016 Grand Cherokee. I went over it last January with DA and 205, ULW and UQW.

I tried Ultimate Compound by hand before before the DA, 205. Probably should go over it with DA, UC and foam pad.

Again thanks.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Bad outcome with my first use of clay

Keep in touch and post further questions if needed. If you are ultimately not satisfied with your purchase of our Smooth Surface Clay Kit, you are welcome to contact our Solutions Hub at 800-347-5700 for potential refund or replacement product.

Nick

[Nick Winn]

Re: Bad outcome with my first use of clay

Nick, thanks for the reply. I bought the Smooth Surface Clay Kit. Vehicle was washed and dried. I use UQW often after a wash but not this time, probably the wash before (love the product). It's a 2016 Grand Cherokee. I went over it last January with DA and 205, ULW and UQW.

I tried Ultimate Compound by hand before before the DA, 205. Probably should go over it with DA, UC and foam pad.

Again thanks.

Did you use the included Quik Detailer Mist & Wipe as the clay lubricant and also the included Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel for wipe off?

[dennish2024]

Re: Bad outcome with my first use of clay

Yes, I used the towel and Detailer, pretty much soaked the area before using the clay. I don't fault the product as much as myself. It was my first time with clay but it's going to take some effort to gather the nerve to try it again.

Again, thanks for your help and advice.