ArmyofOne

And im ashamed to say, i need some help, i have never used one of these before... and i have to say, i had NO idea what i was doing, i have read about them sure, but i obviously wasnt doing it right, cause it had no effect. I have a few spots on the civic im trying to take care of...HELP!!!! LOL

cliffud

iTrader: (3)

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...80&postcount=4

http://properautocare.com/creatsmootpa.html

this link seems to be the best though...

http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detai...ect-shine.html

flipicanez

iTrader: (1)

Specifically what are you trying to get out? The only thing clay bars are going to get out is like dirt ground into the surface. Tree sap, road tar and bird doo-doo stains is going to require different chemicals and a good buff.

The suggested way to use them is to use the spray wax that is usually part of the package. I just use soapy water, it gets out more.

ArmyofOne

On the rear bumper, it looks like some sort of liquid was spilt. I have seen similar paint issues on my 1990 ES250 when winshield washer fluid was left in contact with the paint for too long...but i cant imagine what was spilt here. i can feel the raise, so whatever it is, is on the surface of the paint, and it will scrape off with a fingernail, but this will of course, scratch the paint. i dont want to use rubbing compound...it isnt good for the paint.


i havent tried bug and tar remover, but this stuff whatever it is, was resistant to even a buffer...the porter cable had little effect. it got a little better...but not gone.

jfelbab

We need a photo of the area in question. What year of vehicle?

flipicanez

iTrader: (1)

I just use the good ol Turtle Wax Bug, Tar and Tree Sap Remover. It works for me.

But I know what you are feeling. I just buffed 4 cars this weekend and my buddies car had tree sap. It was really hard and it came off using my fingernail ( Yah, I need to cut them soon)

mysteryan

Touch the paint before, then touch it after you clay. It feels A LOT smoother. Then you know you're doing it right. If you're trying to get rid of staining, try using a paint cleaner. If you're trying to get rid of etching, try compounding/polishing.

ArmyofOne

ill take a pic at work today...

an 06 Civic EX, i just bought it.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

clay bar gets all the microscopic junk you cant see with your eye but makes your paint feel like sandpaper, it wont get everything off however

ArmyofOne

heres a pic of the area in question...

jfelbab

I'd have a go at that with an abrasive polish. If you have a PC or rotary I think it would polish up easily. By hand, I'd hit it with ScratchX and a terry cloth towel with a lot of passion. You indicate that it feels like it is raised or something on the paint. If the hand polish doesn't get it you could try a bit of block sanding with 2000 grit and then polish it down with a rotary.

That would be my approach anyway.