Hey, I have a 2004 fx4 that has some paint problems if you will. The hood and tailgate feel like a light grit sandpaper. I have used a claybar on the hood and it seemed to help, but didnt really smooth it out like claybars should. The paint is still very glossy, and it does seem to be responding to the clay, but can I hurt the paint with the clay if I go over it again with some extra pressure to cut thru the contaminants? Otherwise, what do you guys recommend to help restore the paint? The rest of the body panels smoothed right out with the clay and a simple cleaner wax...

 

Clay, in and by itself, is not a correction method for paint. It's simply designed to remove surface contaminants prior to correction. That said, used correctly, clay should remove some of the rough feel from paint if it is caused by surface contamination. If the rough feel is caused by oxidation, clay won't do much for you.

As for possibly damaging your paint, if you use the clay with enough / proper lubrication, you shouldn't do much damage. Pressing really hard can cause damage though, so I wouldn't recommend it.

 

ditto.

However claybars come in a few different levels of agressivenesss. Meg's alone has a white, blue, and red. white being non-agressive and red being the most agressive. May try a more agressive bar.

However if you need a more agressive bar most will just start with the more agressive compounds/polishes.

 

Ah..I have the white bars. I do not think that the paint is oxidized, but not sure. I havne't ever had to deal with that. I am going to wash it again with dish soap and hot water today and try the clay bar with a little extra effort and see if that cuts it. If not, I will try something more aggressive. I noticed that my local oreilys has some of the "detailing" meguiars cutting compound in the body section. I think that stuff will do it, just have to be extra careful as to not destroy the clear.....any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

I'd be careful with going to far overboard the other way too. (That would be going to a "cutting" compound - especially with little or no experience.) I guess what most of us will tell you here is that without pictures or a hands on look at your paint, it's very tough to precisely diagnose your problem and / or the correct cure. Paint is a very tricky thing to play with and getting too aggressive too soon will land you in a heap of (sometimes) unrecoverable trouble.

I'd recommend what JGG said and try a more aggressive clay first. Then, if you've still got problems, move to a polishing (not cutting) product - but only with proper tools, techniques and guidance. Remember, wisdom comes fom experience. Experience comes from making mistakes. Learn from those of us that earned our wisdom - not by making your own mistakes. It's cheaper too!

 

First off if your paint is a dark color DO NOT us the red clay bars you'll just do more damage. If after claying and you still feel roughness more than likely you're feeling small scratches and will require buffing. And yes you can damage the paint from claying to much from pressing down too hard it will act like real fine sandpaper and cause dulling to the finish and then need to be buffed.

Also, using dishsoap strips your vehicle of any wax and UV protectant applied to the paint and actually slowly eats off the clear coat.

 

I understand how the dish soap works...wasnt able to complete that today...clouded up. I have silver paint, so imperfections are hard to see. Even if I had the best camera, you could still not see the damage/contaminants on the hood. You can feel them though....

 

When was the last time your truck was waxed? Does is it also sit outside all the time subjected to all of the elements? It could very well be oxidation.

 

I honestly dont think the truck has ever been waxed. I bought it with 60,000 on it and it looks great. even right up on it and it looks fine. its just the tangible damage to the paint that bothers me.

 

Well, like you said, being a silver truck, it hides a lot of imperfections. I would clay the entire truck good. Then if I had a machine I'd go over it with 205 (or similar finishing polish) and hit it with a good coat of wax. Without a machine, I'd probably pick up SwirlX from Walmart or Advanced Auto and use that in place of the 205. Actually, you can use 205 by hand as well but you're not going to find it in your regular stores.

 

Gotcha...what is the 205? where can I pick it up?

 

http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/m20512.html

205 is a finishing polish that uses super micro abrasive technology which means the arasives don't break down and as long as the polish remains workable and doesn't dry out, it will continue to cut. It's not available in most stores but can be ordered online. The link provided is probably the best place to buy Meguiars products and Rick (the owner) offers a sample program. Basically, you can buy a 12oz bottle rather than a 32oz or gallon. SwirlX is similar. Technically it has more cut than 205 does which means it should remove heavier defects. It's a consumer line product which means you can pick it up over-the-counter at places like Walmart and Advanced Auto (or other parts stores that carry Meguiars.) It's geared more towards the everyday joe who wants to make their ride a little better looking.

However, neither one of these may be enough to fix your problem. You may find they don't work enough. If that's the case, then something stronger (105, or OTC ScratchX2.0 or Ultimate Compound). The key is to use the least aggressive method first. Essentially what you're doing when you polish is removing tiny portions of the clear to level it out and remove the scratches. You don't want to remove more than necessary. Don't be scared though. It's not as easy as it sounds to burn through the clear. Especially by hand or PC.

 

ESF - can you contact me? I'm from Bethlehem also. Would like to talk to you.

Thanks

 

Thanks ESF. I have seen all of the products and their "street names" thrown around on various sites, but you have enlightened me. Thank you. Maybe after this weekend I can post up pictures of my truck, all nice and smooth and clean! Thanks man!

 

If you havent yet, read the detail stickys at the top of this section. Its very informative and well laid out.