What are you using for clay lubricant? I know Quick Clay comes with Quick Detailer but after doing some google searches I saw that Zaino tells you to use automotive car wash and water mixed in a spray bottle. Anyone do this? As far as I can tell Quick Detail is similar to a light spray wax to use between washing? I couldn't imagine spraying something on a dirty vehicle and wiping it around, might as well wash it instead.

 

The quick detailer is the thing to use. I've used it on my vehicles several times when I clayed and had great results. I don't think carwash soap & water has the lubricity that is needed for claying You do need to wash before claying also to remove the loose dirt and grit on the car.

 

Yes be sure to wash the vehicle before starting the clay process. And you can use a soap and water mix to use as a clay lube.

 

I've only clayed my truck once and it was this past Friday. And of course, I washed my truck first. I used the Quick Detailer that comes with the clay kit but I was wondering about using car wash soap and water mixed in a spray bottle, to me it seems like that would be just a slippery as the quick detailer.

 

Lots of folks use a dilute mixture of car shampoo and water... I'm not one of them though. I've always found it easier to wipe the vehicle down with QD on the paint rather than soap. In short, I rarely do the 'second wash' after claying but rather prefer to go straight to polishing... Also, I'm not real keen on soap drying to the surface of the paint.

It's a preference thing...

Meguiar's #00 Hi-Tech Wash is an EXCELLENT clay lube -- in fact, one of Meg's folks told me that they should rename the product "Hi-Tech Clay Lube"... the couple of times that I've used it for this task, I've had great luck -- but, did have to wash again.

 

Hey guys,

Just to add to what Rockpick stated When I used Zaino products as per their directions after time ( multiple clayings) my clay bar began to brake down and formed a gooey clump that was anything but usable for claying a vehicle.
That is why I now only use a dedicated clay lube(last touch cut 50/50).

Andrew Parshall

 

I guess using QD isn't too bad. It's around 5.99 at Oreilly's here and you should clay every six months or so? Also, Zaino guys, what is the difference in grades of clay?

 

I thought they just had Z-18... which was a standard grade clay.

A lot of manufacs make a couple of grades. For everyday home/shadetree use, you want the standard grade. The other grade -- typically an 'aggressive' version -- will mar the paint in short order and really should only be used to deal with EXTREMELY problematic paint -- also, paint that you plan on seriously polishing after use.

Honestly, I've not come across an instance where I needed Aggressive clay...

 

What exactly is aggressive clay? Like heavier grit?

 

Generally speaking, yes.

Playing with it out in Irvine when I was out there for training... we marr'd the hell out of the rental vehicle that we were working on... naturally, we got it all out but a few of the marr's were very difficult to remove.

 

First just wash your truck and get all the regular crap out. I have 3M blue clay and at work I have Professionals choice purple, I have had my 3M blue stuff for 6 years and still goin as far as lube thats all BS all you need is a water based lube ie just use water, why spend all that money on lube you could use the money saved for beer and what not. We do some business with a detail shop and they use the same stuff I hav been using for 6 years plain jane water in squirt bottle.

 

Everyone has an opinion -- you're entitled to yours.

If one would do a side by side comparison, I think it's very easy to see that the QD or 'lubed' side will offer much less abrasion across the paint versus that of water. Further, many folks have horrible water quality and thus, this could potentially introduce spotting and/or etching. Sure, you could go out and buy a bottle of distilled or something but, I'd rather spend a little more and make 100% sure I'm doing everything within my power to ensure that I'm not introducing a problem to my paint.

You're still using the same clay bar from 6 years ago!? Seriously man, consider changing that stuff out. 3M makes good stuff but they'd even laugh at you if you told them that you're on year SIX with a clay bar... especially if you're using it frequently.

 

I gotta agree, you might even have a better finish after using brand new clay.

 

I used Clay Magic when I clayed my truck and I had incredible results with it.

Link provided.

http://www.claymagic.net/ClayMagic-Products.htm

I have some Meg's Quick Clay and will use it next time I clay my truck.

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Polish
4. Carnauba Wax

The following weekend after I clayed and all I washed my truck again and put a 2nd coat of Meg's Carnauba Wax on and boy it really shines!

Good Luck!

 

but how much pressure do you apply when going over your truck with the clay bar? Also how many times do you use it before buying a new one?