Thankyou for that info, though I am very much aware of it. Using different words actually does make a lot of difference when you talk about detailing. Since you are not an expert when it comes to this field, I would suggest you understand the terminology we use.
A clay will only damage the paint if you don't use enough detailing spray for lubricity while moving the clay back and forth on the paint. low lubricity means you might induce new scratches with the contaminants already picked up by the clay. Thus you always keep the panel wet while you work on it. The chances of that are slimmer with the newer alternatives but its highly recommend you have enough lubricity while you work.
Claying usually does remove spots of paint that may have fallen over the car's paint from an external source. So before you get down to cutting your CC, clay the paint and see how that works out for you. If the lacquer has bubbled up with heat, you may have to use a very fine grit sand paper and wet sand it. If you don't have experience with this, I would suggest you to take the car to a professional.
But like I said, Clay first.
