maybe i am not understanding something or just dont have enough info. i know there are clays that are concidred more agressive than others but since all say they are safe on all finishes, why wouldnt you just use the more agressive one?

 

they are made for more stubborn debris, like paint overspray and stuff like that. the average car just needs the smooth less aggressive one. also remember to keep the clay very wet. I use car wash soap in a bucket and have not made any scratches on mine. one car is black, the other is drk blue

 

The things is though, not all clays specifically say they are paint safe (sorta). I am pretty sure that the Meguiars red clay says that it can/ cause will cause bad swirling and should only be used if being followed by a polish. I know OG can fill you on this better than I can though.

 

The professional grade clay will cause swirls, because it is going to be followed with a polish. The major difference in regular guy clay, and the pro stuff, is the later works faster. Less strokes to get to the same result.

Mark

 

^ yes, I always follow up with a black foam pad polish, using 3m perfect it lll.
this stuff is awesome!
also, if you keep the clay bar slick, it dosent really leave many scratches. remember to use a lite touch, and dont do a circular motion, use long strokes in the direction of the panel

 

This is a bit of a philosophical view, but why should most things start with the most aggressive approach? Doctors don't first jump to surgery if less invasion approaches will work just as well. I don't consider the claying of my car to be an exercise in pure efficiency but a patient and careful process that allows me to enjoy the experience and slow down enough to study the condition of the car.