Clay bar with damaged clear coat

[dutchgold92]

Hi,
I'm planning to clay bar my car soon for the first time. The paint is in great condition after 16 years, but the clear coat is really dying. The spoiler is the worst - pics below - but otherwise, there are just a few small, isolated patches of lacquer peel.

http://imgur.com/gallery/TmFKfDq

http://Imgur.com/gallery/eApfIts

Considering the state of the clear coat, is clay bar treatment a good idea? Should I proceed but avoid bad areas, or will it do no harm?

[Nick Winn]

Re: Clay bar with damaged clear coat

Ouch, unfortunately nothing is going to repair this area except for re-painting. We would probably not suggest the use of a clay bar as you could potentially make this section look worse. Most all products like a compound, polish or wax used are going to improve the gloss & clarity on the areas which have good paint. The areas which do not have good paint to work with the products usually will not work, and at times this can make the areas with clear coat failure more apparent.