Re: I used Clay Magic on a light colored car. . . (archive)

I have been claying all my cars for the past year with no fine scratches visible. But I might be going through some extra steps before doing it.
Here's what I do:
1. Clean and car and then WAX it. I know you shouldn't have to do this, but I think the wax creates an extra layer of protection - so that if the clay is going to create fine scratches, it will only do it to the thin layer of wax - and not on the paint. I use either 3M Show Car Paste Wax or Blitz. (The 3M stuff goes on and off much easier.)

2. Now that the car is clean and protected, tear off a small piece of clay and press it into a round disc about 2" in diameter. Make sure your hands are totally clean so you don't imbed particles of dirt in the clay.

3. With the clay in one hand and the bottle of lubricant in the other, flood the panel with the lubricant so you can "float" the clay over the surface. I use either 3M Gloss Enhancer, Meguairs Final Inspection, or the stuff that comes with Clay Magic.

4. Move the clay in a back and forth motion - from the front of the car to the rear - never in a circular motion. Don't let the paint dry out when doing this - lots of lubricant.

5. Dry the panel with a clean towel. Now, check the finish to make sure you haven't put and fine scratches in the finish.
If everything is done right, you shouldn't have a problem.

6. When done, put a coat of wax on to protect the areas where the Clay might've removed the wax.

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