Question on using clay

[LelandGray]

I've used clay before, just the consumer version (I bought some Mild clay but haven't used it yet). I've used it on my 1994 Dodge Stealth, and most recently I've used it on a test location on our new (to us) 2007 CX-9.

I tested it on the drivers front fender. I washed the car first with the Gold Class shampoo/soap, dried with a Water Magnet, then I clayed the fender using QD. I could tell a huge difference right away. After I was done I took some NXT 2.0 and waxed the fender. All of this was about a month ago. Over the past two days, under the lights in the garage, I've noticed some holograms and/or swirl marks on the fender. Does this mean I did something wrong? Should I have used something like SwirlX or UC after the clay, before the NXT 2.0?

I'm about to do the entire car, and I don't want the whole car to come out like the fender did.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Question on using clay

If you mean you think you caused the swirls by using the clay or NXT 2.0 - no. The holograms were likely caused by a previous rotary polishing attempt, the swirls could have been caused by any number of factors or methods, including improper car washing technique. You didn't notice them before because you weren't looking for them, and the claying removed any old waxes or glazes that might have been covering them. Claying removes bonded contaminants. NXT 2.0 is a wax/sealant. Netiher has abrasive properties that would induce holograms or swirling.

The swirls can be removed by hand polishing, but it will take a lot of work and a lot of time. The holograms will likely require the use of a machine polisher, preferably a dual action polisher like the Meguiars G110 or a Porter Cable. If you can get hold of a dual action polisher, do a test spot on the worst hologram/swirled area. Start with Swirl-X and progress up to UC if you feel it's necessary.

[Murr1525]

Re: Question on using clay

Yeah, a lot of times dirt and grime can hide the swirls that are there.

As mentioned, you'll need to try a paint cleaner (UC or SwirLX) to remove them now, asuming you are working by hand. I wouldnt say it is impossible by hand, but easier by machine.