I started to detail my wifes car today. I got through the wash and began to clay. This was my first time claying. Anyway, as I started going over the roof, I noticed paint transfer of the car's paint onto the bar. Also, this happened in several other areas on the car, those that get direct sunlight.

My question is can I clay these spots at all? I was going to polish the car, as it needs it, how do I go about doing that?

I'm not looking for perfect paint, but I do want to remove some swirls and protect it.

 

this is the 2014 accord?

clay may be picking up some overspray or?

i typically get some color transfer to the clay. not a lot but some.

there are also different grades of clay and if the car is new I would be using the FINE clay.

 

This is an 08 Avenger, that's been neglected somewhat. Why does the color transfer happen?

 

I clayed, polished, and waxed it. I did not do anything aggressive, I didn't even remove swirls. First time using the DA polisher, and really just wanted to protect the paint.

Before


Bought some plumbers putty to compare with the Mother's clay kit
This is the worst of it, one pass over the rear bumper behind the wheels.



Plumbers putty is softer, and less aggressive than the auto clay. It will start to get pretty malleable on you when it heats up from your hand but I would just toss it in the bucket with cold water and its just fine after.

After




I also did a full interior detail and engine bay. Total time ~10 hours over 2 days.

As soon as I was done with the Avenger my sister showed up. I had to help her out, her car was dirty, the poor accord needed some attention.

Did a wash and clay and wax.







After









Total time ~5 hours

 

That clay pix didn't look like color transfer.. More like crud. Never heard of using plumbers putty before . Where did this come from?

 

That wasn't the paint transfer, that was just a bad spot on the bumper. The paint transfer was because the car was repainted poorly..

I found some people using it in various detail forums as a cheap alternative. It's controversial but I think it works well. I do prefer the auto clay though, holds up better and is more aggressive.

 

If the car was painted, my guess is that it's probably overspray and just by going with your pictures, I would doubt that there is any clear coat failure.

 

Yep! It just didn't hit me that it could be overspray. I will have to try to redo it sometime.

Would I just attack it with the clay bar? Or use a compound with my DA polisher? Whats easier?

 

Clay and polishing perform 2 different functions.
But go ahead and clay your car and then if it needs a polish, do that as well.

 

Right.

Clay is all about cleaning the surface. That's it.

Polishing is about paint correction and bringing out the maximum gloss/shine in the finish of your car.

Many people will recommend that you polish after claying as using clay can cause micro marring which the polishing will then remove.