What do you use to lubricate your clay bar?

[AircoolerKirk]

I used the Mequires quick detailer because it came in the kit I bought. Just wondering what you use so I know what to use when this runs out. I think I used half a bottle on the truck the first time, but man it looks nice.

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[ELVATO]

Heh, the clay bar "runs out" a bit before the lube does. Might be the opposite for other people. Granted, it depends on how dirty a car is.

I know my friend just uses the same soapy mix he uses to wash the car. Kinnda annoying since you then have to re-wash the car, but he insists it's the way to go.

[glc]

Soapy water is hard on the clay bar. I use Megs QD or Optimum No Rinse, mixed as per directions for use as clay lube.

Half a bottle sounds about right.

[Jolly_Green_Giant]

I use "Last Touch" QD from Meg's Detailer line cut 2:1 with water.

For me, it works wonderfuly and better than any otc QD and at
$8.50 for what will make 2 gallons of lube it's a TON cheaper.

side note: Although it makes a wonderful clay lube it sucks as a QD. lol


.

[rednoved]

Megs QD

[Blown F-150]

I just buy an extra bottle of the quick detailer. I just Mothers QD with the Meguires bar too, and it seemed to work great.

[Gipraw]

I use whatever bottle of QD I have lying around that I am no longer using as a QD, since I am always trying to find something I like better than what I am currently using.

[glc]

As I said, that's rough on the clay.

[ELVATO]

Hmm, that would probably explain why the clay I was using started to feel "gritty," like gum when it starts to fall apart.

[abervintageman4]

i use sweat from busting my ass

[glc]

A few things I found:

To work properly, all clays require a lubricant. Soapy water will work in a pinch but it provides only minimal paint protection and the detergents in some soaps can break down the clay causing it to disintegrate.

Some soaps are highly alkaline and can dry out the clay. Therefore, soapy water is not a suitable substitute for clay lubricant.

Soaps and dishwashing liquids will ruin the integrity of the clay bars and often times cause the clay bar to fall apart and not work properly.

[TruckGuy24]

I think most clay is made by Clay Magic and resold under different names to various companies...

[abervintageman4]

Originally Posted by TruckGuy24

I think most clay is made by Clay Magic and resold under different names to various companies...

i think magic clay is actually more aggressive than the mother or meguiars

[glc]

Originally Posted by 88benny

the clay will also last alot longer if you leave it water when you done

The instructions say to spray it with QD then put it away.

[Gipraw]

Originally Posted by 88benny

i also use to detail for a living at ford when i was in school and soap never bothered the clay so yall must be getting junk clay or soap or the stuf we use to use was alot better

Clay is clay .. it is all made under the same patent. there are different grits of clay, but it is all the same product.

Soap can, and will cause the clay to break down. sometimes quickly, sometimes it takes longer.

I don't recommend using soap as a lube for that reason, and also because it requires you to rinse and dry the vehicle before you start the next step. If you use QD, then you can work a small section at a time, without worrying about the soap solution drying on the vehicle while you are working on a different section.