[Momadness]

I bought my car last year and kept up with the wash methods that I read on the post. To this day I have no swirl marks. I only dry my car by paton it down with the waffle drying town, than I follow up with a spray wax. so far still looks outstanding believe it or not. My question is I am now ready to way. I do not plan on your any buffers,cause I don't feel I need to. Can I clay the car and than do a hand wax? If I clay will it leave swirl marks and is that the reason why sometime you guys use the flex/porter cable?

[UncleWede]

Clay itself doesn't scratch. Dirty clay that drags particles across the paint after it pulled them up from the paint sratches. If you follow directions and use sufficient lubrication, you shouldn't introduce marring.
You will need to re-seal/wax after claying, it takes 'most everything off.

[twinturboa51]

Def clay first then check to see if you have swirls, then reapply wax. the wax could becovering up some shallower swirl marks. i would do the following if youre not planning on using a buffer:

Clay with Lube
Glaze
Wax

The glaze will "fill in" any minor swirl marks you may have and its a substitute for a fine polish if you plan on not doing that. +1 the clay will not cause swirls or scratches if used properly, just make sure to use plenty of lube.