Not satisfied with clay

[RX300]

Hello,

I'm doing a paint correction on my black Chrysler 300. It

[RX300]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

It’s got the typical scratches swirls etc. I e finished the trunk and rear bumper so far as I’m doing the car a little each day to make sure I dedicate enough time to each panel.

My issue is that I’m not satisfied with the result of my clay jobs. I have two white Meguiars clay bars that both came from kits. I realized early on that I was being too soft with the clay and I changed up my technique to be a little more aggressive. However despite claying the same panel 3+ times I still feel (and hear) a lot of contamination. I went ahead and did my best on the trunk and rear bumper and finished off with a compound/polish/wax (which turned out awesome and fixed a lot of issues) but as I start my rear Fender I’m just not satisfied continuing with the contaminants I still feel.


i use a heavy amount of detail spray. But after the first pass I no longer pick up anything on the clay but I can still feel it with the bag test.

I did order some aggressive clay but I feel a little intimidated to use it, I don’t want to mess up the finish. Obviously I will be following the clay job with compound and polish but I’m not sure if it’s too big of a leap for a newb like me.

Any advice?

[Nick Winn]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

Sorry to hear about the trouble. A couple thoughts:

I noticed you mentioned you are using a heavy amount of detail spray. First, which detail spray are you using as a lubricant? We would not say a heavy amount of detail spray is necessary for clay bar lubrication. As far as amount? Most easy way to describe how much to use is just enough to keep the clay moving. It's possible you are creating an ultra slick surface with the abundance of detail spray, thus not allowing the clay to be as effective. Not saying this is the problem, just a possibility.

The clay bar in our G1016 Smooth Surface Clay Kit is considered mild and works great majority of the time, but there are situations where a more aggressive clay bar can work quicker. Depending on the level of contaminants present on the vehicle, amount of time contaminants have been present on paint, when clay was last used, etc. You may get quicker results going with a more aggressive clay bar. I'm not necessarily saying go straight to our C2100 Professional Aggressive Detailing Clay but our C2000 Professional Mild Detailing Clay is a step above in aggressiveness compared to our G1016 Smooth Surface Clay Kit. This would be our next recommendation, if you determine this is what you would like to next.

Overall if you are unsatisfied with our purchase of our Smooth Surface Clay Kit, you are welcome to contact our Solutions Hub at 800-347-5700 or customercare@meguiars.com to see what they can work out with you in regards to refund/replacement.

Good luck & feel free to post further questions, keep us updated. Hope this helps.

Nick

[RX300]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

Thanks for the quick reply. I will definitely try using less detail spray and see how that works out for me. I am using Meguiars ultimate detailing spray to lubricate the clay. I appreciate the offer but no need for a refund or replacement as I don’t believe it’s a faulty product. It’s either user error or the contaminants need a little more aggressive action

[syswizard]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

Have you considered applying trizact 3000 wet paper (foam pad or sanding block), followed by M105, M205 ?

[PPLd]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

Thanks for the quick reply. I will definitely try using less detail spray and see how that works out for me. I am using Meguiars ultimate detailing spray to lubricate the clay. I appreciate the offer but no need for a refund or replacement as I don’t believe it’s a faulty product. It’s either user error or the contaminants need a little more aggressive action

Hello my friend,

I remember reading it somewhere that the UQD was too slick and not recommended as clay lube.
Suggest you may give the Quik Detailer that come with your clay kit a try and see how that turns out.

[drumdan]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

Hello my friend,

I remember reading it somewhere that the UQD was too slick and not recommended as clay lube.
Suggest you may give the Quik Detailer that come with your clay kit a try and see how that turns out.

Yep, UQD contains polymer protective ingredients, which will impede the clay's performance.

[The Guz]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

Thanks for the quick reply. I will definitely try using less detail spray and see how that works out for me. I am using Meguiars ultimate detailing spray to lubricate the clay. I appreciate the offer but no need for a refund or replacement as I don’t believe it’s a faulty product. It’s either user error or the contaminants need a little more aggressive action

Hello my friend,

I remember reading it somewhere that the UQD was too slick and not recommended as clay lube.
Suggest you may give the Quik Detailer that come with your clay kit a try and see how that turns out.

This is correct. This was mentioned long ago. I would try using regular detail spray.

Have you considered applying trizact 3000 wet paper (foam pad or sanding block), followed by M105, M205 ?

I would not go that route just yet. Least aggressive method first would be my recommendation. No sense in removing clear if not needed.

[Flash Gordon]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

Forgo the detail spray. Clay during your wash process

Wash Panel > Rinse > Clay > Rinse

If you have Industrial grade paint overspray, you'll need to either get a more aggressive clay or something like the Speedy Prep towel. You could also wetsand, but you'll be doing a ton of work that's not necessary

[Blueline]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

Forgo the detail spray. Clay during your wash process

Wash Panel > Rinse > Clay > Rinse

I have often thought of doing that but was worried that water alone would not provide enough lubrication. My thoughts are that using expensive detail spray to clay was such a waste of money. In fact, I used to buy some cheap off Meguiar's brand detailer to clay. I might just try your technique for my next clay, unless anyone comes up with a good reason not to.

[Rwlucas85]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

I don't think water alone would provide the best lubricity for the claying step. Now if you used the actual wash bucket of soapy water as your lubrication, that is fairly common.

[BillE]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

As others have stated...give the 'regular' quik detailer. That's the one on the maroon bottle.

Keep us up to date on how it all turns out...good luck.

Bill

[RX300]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

Thanks guys I will give that a whirl. Unfortunately I’m not able to wash my car at home due to bad water. What about waterless wash? I have one made by aerocosmetics that I got on amazon.

[syswizard]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

You could also wetsand, but you'll be doing a ton of work that's not necessary

Dude - he's ALREADY doing a ton of work....LOL !!
With 3000 paper, very little paint or clear is being taken off IMHO.
Overspray that has been "cured" to the finish is tough stuff to remove....been there, done that.

[syswizard]

Re: Not satisfied with clay

What about waterless wash? I have one made by aero cosmetics that I got on amazon.

But the problem with that product is that it also applies a coating of wax......do they make something that excludes the wax ?