Well, I've had the RX-8 for about 4 months now and decided to wax it. The paint felt REALY rough, kind of like sandpaper. (when I ran my hand across it, it actually took a little force just to move) Anyway, I wanted Zaino, but being 19 and paying for my car plus all other expenses (mainly just to impatient to wait) I used NXT. After waxing some of the paint feels the way it should, but the hood, front fenders, and front bumper are still sandpaperish, now I know what your thinking, and YES I DID wash my car prior to waxing, spent like 2.5 hours just washing (so maybe I took a break or two) Anyway, what should I do? I pay to much for this car to have it feel the way it does. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Use a clay bar kit - I use Meguiars, although the best one I've ever seen is the clay bar kit from Griot's Garage (www.griotsgarage.com). The sandpaper effect is from crap embedded in the paint as it was transported - most likely rail dust. Since you have a black car, you can't see it (VERY visible on a white or yellow car ... ) but you sure can feel it.

Once you've used it the paint will feel like a stripper's **** ... not enough O's in SMOOOOOTH to describe it.

The clay does swirlmark the paint slightly, so after using it, use Meguiar's #2 New Car Glaze and Swirl Mark remover, then rewax with the NXT and you're good to go.

 

I tried using a claybar for the first time, and I'm just unsure about how to use it. How much downward pressure should I use for each swipe? If I'm claying light then it seems like nothing gets picked up, and if I clay with a lot of pressure then it seems like i'm scratching the paint with whatever particles might have gotten picked up

 

Make sure you're using LOTS of the spray detailer to lubricate the paint - and the clay should just glide over the paint regardless of the pressure you apply. You're not rubbing or polishing the paint but instead are picking up junk that's embedded in it. It won't pick up the crap on the first swipe. I usual do the car in 2 foot x 2 foot sections when clay barring it, wipe off the detailer, then feel the paint for smoothness. That tells you where to concentrate again - which I do, then move on. Takes about 2 hours to completely clay the car.

 

I've said it once before and I'll say it again...... Claying your car will not and better not cause any kind of scratching or swirling. If it does, it's either contaminated or should be tossed in the trash.

Pixer...

Yes your right, Zaino may seem expensive at first. But in the long run it will not cost you any more than doing the autoparts store buying. Sometimes it's even cheaper because of all the trial and error ppl go through. An 8oz bottle of Zaino Z2 will do your car at least 20 times if applied properly. Zaino's clay comes with 2 bars and a handy storage tub. Zaino Z2, Z5, Z6, Z7 all compliment each other because they all contain the polish within them.

 

Thanks for the advice. I was wondering, what would happen if I just put another coat of wax on it?

 

Its over spray clear coat I bet. Need to take a buffing wheel and burn if off ..well not burn but get some 3M polish and buff the over spray out. Taking a few thousands of a inch off the clear coat to remove over spray.

 

Yeah, that sounds way to scary to me. Theres gotta be something else I can do.

 

Clay it. Just make sure you're folding the clay over and exposing fresh material when it starts to get rough.

 

...how is a few thou scary when your paint is like 1/32nd thick??

using good ol' elbow grease, and not a power tool, it's literally impossible (i'm sure you'd DIE before you do it) to polish through the paint.

 

thats right. thats what paint shops do, just buff it out.. I have too out key marks out of cars that way. just takin the few layers of clear down..