I got my '07 Camry rear bumper repainted (well, just the driver side) and they repainted it without taking it off. So, the paint on the body near the windows and the fenders isn't as smooth as the other side. I tried making it smooth by using some water and a MF cloth but it doesn't work....='[
Is this orange peel? Might check with the repair shop to see what type of paint and painting system they used. Some paints can be buffed or polished with a little surfacing compound, others can’t. Check first as you may damage the paint or cut through the color coat into the primer or whatever is underneath.
IIRC, Pep Boys carries a claying package from Mothers or Meguiars for about 15 or 20. Or if you have detailing specialty store around you, they usually carry them.
For a "how to", check autopia or autogeek for a detailed review. Simply stated, you need a lubrication spray that you apply to a small surface on the vehicle, then run a flat surface of the clay bar over this area with mild/medium pressure. You should feel some resistance if it is picking up contaminants off of the surface, and as it works it is able to easily slide across the surface of the car. Just make sure you work in small areas, and make sure the surface you are working on is clean, and sufficiently lubricated.
What do you mean by it's not smooth? Is the paint rough, like it has overspray, or is there actually small bumps in the paint, like Orange peel? Orange peel can't be fixed by any kind of wax, clay, or polish. Take it back to the body shop and tell them to wetsand it, like they should have done the first time. Overspray can be removed with a Clay bar kit, and polish.
I think it's overspray. Like when he was spraying the paint onto the bumper, I think some of it got on the body as well. If it's overspray, will a claybar be needed?
With overspray it can take several passes with the clay to get it all off. Just keep working it back and forth until it's all smooth. If the clay is sticking to the paint then you need to spray more lube. Don't worry if the lube makes a mess. It wipes right off. It's probably a good idea to Clay the whole car. Then wax afterwards. Or even better: polish and wax afterwards.
^ Thanks a lot Pb. Well...is it possible to wash the car with Gold Class car wash, clay it with Mother's and then wax it with Gold Class wax? Oh yeah..polishing...I dunno how to do that. lol.
^ Thanks a lot Pb. Well...is it possible to wash the car with Gold Class car wash, clay it with Mother's and then wax it with Gold Class wax? Oh yeah..polishing...I dunno how to do that. lol.
Pb must be on vacation, but yes, you can do that... mixing and matching brands like that is just fine.
But you'd want to avoid waxing the new paint, unless it's fully cured already. So you might just want to address your overspray problem and then wait 30-60 days (or whatever the paint shop recommend) and re-do the whole car at that time.
Last edited by ToyotaJimD.; 11-25-2006 at 02:12 AM.
So just wash the car, clay it, wait 30-60 days,wash it again, and then wax it?
I guess I should explain a little better...
Indeed, you should wash the car, or at least use a detailer before claying.
Go ahead and clay the overspray on the area of the original paint that needs claying and follow with wax. Now this is assuming it's overspray and not just a poor job of blending-in.
If you want to clay the whole car, except for the new paint, go ahead.
Your only unknown is if you need to wait for the new paint to cure -- meaning you don't want to wax before it's cured, and that's usually 30-60 or even 90 days. Sometimes they have the technology to cure it while it's at the shop, but you'll want to ask how long to wait before you wax. When you're ready to wax the new paint, that's when I'd clay it -- just before.
Just to clarify... You should wax after claying -- and allow time for that -- as clay will remove any protection (previous applications of wax or sealants or whatever) and leave the paint unprotected.
Whether you clay part of the car or the whole car is pretty much up to you.
If you have any doubts about this all... take it back to the dealer and have them fix it. If you have any doubts about the dealer's skills, take it to a trusted body shop and/or detailer (get trusted referrals) and make an informed decision on what to do.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
