Go with the Clay Bar, there is nothing better before repainting! If you need tips on using a Clay Bar just ask! Check out www.AdamsPolishes.com for Clay bar Videos.
I was wondering, instead of claying, do you think I can run a mr. clean major eraser or similar cleaner on my car?
Ahhh! Nooo!
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work to clean stuff off of other surfaces because they act somewhat like really fine grit sandpaper. Don't do it, you will ruin your paint. Clay bar good, sandpaper bad.
Hopefully the clear coat hasn't stripped yet. Take your time when you bar it. Just think of it this way: every time you hear the clay go over a rough patch, you car is secretly thanking you. Thats what gets me through the process .
__________________
2007 Magnetic Gray Camry LE V6:
Lit door sills, F/R cathode, trunk cathode, K&N SRI, IS250 chromes, LED tails/ bulb swaps, Katzkin leather
Its been 20 years since a detail. I do throw on a layer of wax every year or so.. I hope that helps. actually i'm surprised by the condition its in, there are just a couple swirl marks. Still debating between clay or cleaner wax. I do have a bottle of scratch x. will that work as cleaner as well?
^Scratch X is pretty much just a scratch remover. And the results of it are fairly dubious, the best you'll do is probably removing some super fine stuff that no one would notice anyway. The only scratch remover that I've seen that seemed to be somewhat of a "miracle cure" was like $1 trillion an ounce (don't remember what it was called).
What I would say to do is buy the following things: Car wash concentrate and a big sponge, Mothers or Meguiars wax (I like the "synthetic" kind for gloss, but regular carnuba cleaner wax is fine too), a clay bar (again mothers or meguiars), and some kind of tire shine. Give it a really thorough wash with plenty of soap and water, then use the clay bar all over until you feel you are done. Then dry well and give it a good coat of wax. Shine your tires. Vacuum/shampoo/Armor All the interior if you feel so inclined. Enjoy.
^Agreed, except I don't polish because I've found that rubbing compound or even polishing compounds makes millions of little lines or swirl marks show up in my dark green paint. I don't know if most people with dark paint experience this or not, my dad has a white T100 and he used rubbing compound, then polishing compound, then wax and it worked wonders, but it was messing my paint up bad.
^Agreed, except I don't polish because I've found that rubbing compound or even polishing compounds makes millions of little lines or swirl marks show up in my dark green paint. I don't know if most people with dark paint experience this or not, my dad has a white T100 and he used rubbing compound, then polishing compound, then wax and it worked wonders, but it was messing my paint up bad.
You're probably using too aggressive a polish for the paint, or you're not using enough finesse -- or both -- and you've got a clearcoat so every little defect is showing up on your dark green paint.
The white is forgiving, plus it probably doesn't have a clearcoat and white paint is generally a little harder.
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
