Hey guys. I detailed my z a couple weeks ago and was hoping I could get some recommendations on some problems I had.

I used a Blackfire new car kit and a Blackfire clay bar kit. I washed the car using dish soap (wasn't Dawn, does it make a difference?) and dried it thoroughly. It was overcast, but not raining, so out of direct sun. I attempted to use the clay bar kit, but when I ran the clay across the area that I sprayed with the lubricant, it slid over it very fast and didn't feel like it was picking anything up. I did notice that it picked up some bugs and tar off of the bumper and side mirrors. Since I wasn't noticing much improvement with the clay bar, I only did a few spots where I saw bugs/tar. I had quite a few swirls from the dealer, so I applied the Blackfire polish. I then applied a coat of Blackfire sealer/protectant. When I was done, I noticed that the swirls were diminished a lot, but there are still some left. My main question is: Can I apply more polisher over the protectant? Or, do I have to take the protectant off, then apply more polish and then more sealer?

Also, when I first bought the car, I washed it a couple times at a quarter car wash (probably have a few of you cringing right now...) But, there wasn't much else I could do since I'm in an apartment and I have to drive an hour each way to get to the nearest accesible driveway. After I washed it, I noticed a small mark on my gas tank lid. About an inch long, doesn't feel like it's through the clear coat, but it's gray. So, I'm wondering if some paint came off or what ? I also have another one on the rear bumper...

Also, any suggestions on what I might have done wrong with the clay bar would be appreciated. Thanks guys.


-Mike

 

You didn't do anything wrong. You really won't FEEL anything when you do it. The clay will slip and slide over the paint due to the lube but you'd be surprised what it is actually taking off.

If you do the now legendary "hand in the plastic bag test" you'd know what I mean. Before you clay the car, put your hand into one of those thin plastic sandwich bags and gently run your fingers over the car. You'll feel tiny subtle bumps and gritty things. Then do the clay. Repeat the bag test and now, smooth as freshly cleaned glass!

Go to this thread:

Dr Bonz Zaino Experiment II

A couple of posts down, you'll see a pic of my Zaino claybar and how filthy it was after doing my Z. I had picked up the car just 4 days before this was done. It is still worth using the clay even on a brand new car IMHO.

 

Thanks for the advice doc. I noticed your clay looks a lot softer than the stuff I used. It was brick solid. Even after mushing it and flattening it out. Maybe I just needed to wear it in some more before I used it.

Anyone else use the Blackfire clay bar kit? Good/Bad results?

Nice looking car BTW doc.