issue after claying car

[dev2017]

Hi,

I have recently used a clay mit to remove contaimnation from my car. after doing some im seeing something odd in the paintwork. Black sort of spots that dont seem to come off. The paint work is smooth and its defintley not raised marks. Does anyone know what this is and how to rectify?

image attached.

thanks

[daveenty]

Had something similar on one of mine though luckily it was only on the rear windscreen. It seemed as if the clay mitt was sticking/dragging even though plenty of lube was being used, though it was an old mitt I was using at the time so possibly that had something to do with it.

I ended up binning the mitt and using a proper clay bar to get rid of the marring..

[dev2017]

thanks for the reply. are you able to recommend a good clay bar to use?

thanks

[daveenty]

I've always used Bilt Hamber medium and cut it into three pieces when I get it for ease of handling.

Good stuff and only needs water as a lube.

[xjay1337]

I would use the bilt hamber clay
Most clay bars you can use with just water however the companies like to try and make extra money
As it's ultimately a mild abrasive (think of it like shaving) I always add a bit of shampoo into a bottle and use that.


Claying nearly always leaves marring and needs machine polishing afterwards. Clay mitts are pretty good usually, sometimes if they are cold or stick due to lack of lube they can leave small marks on the paint, same can be said of normal clay bars

[dev2017]

so this is typically normal then when claying and machine polishing will clear it up?

thanks

[smudgerebt]

Couple of things.

Dont be claying in this temp unless your indoors and have the doors closed.

Ice cold paint really dosnt like it.

I cant really see it properlt as on phone, but clay mitts cause more marring than bars, so it could be that.

I always machine polish after claying and would never clay without doing so.

Even if its just using srp via da, or a final polish to give it a gloss enhancement.

[dev2017]

after i clayed it I have not yet polished it (but also not using the car currently). Am I at risk leaving it like this with regard to damaging the paint? the weather turned on me after claying so I couldnt polish it. But i plan to do so asap.

would i need to reclay also now?

thanks

[smudgerebt]

No harm at all to the paint work by leaving it for now.

I would 2bm, dry, qd and wait for a warmer weekend unless your indoors.

Bilt-Hamber clay is good stuff. Once cut down to size (be it 1/3 or 1/4) keep in hot water as it is a solid bar. Keep swopping the blocks over to keep them warm.

You can clay, correct, refine, protect a panel at a time if you want.

Takes longer but since its your car time isnt an issue.

Always ask on various forums for help, be it the use of a pdg or help with machine polish.

Or pay a detailer.