The Meguiars kit recommends using a spray detailer to "lube" the clay bar. I noticed when I'd get to a stubborn stain, it helped not to use the lube. Anybody else notice this?

 

You are supposed to use the lube so you dont mar your paint while claying. I could see using a little less lube in some instances but I wouldnt go with out any at all.

 

Agreed. Definately keep some on there, maybe just not as much

 

Always...

 

Ouch! Yes, this will lead to micromaring on the paint. You probably have some lubricant always on the clay but this is probably not enough to protect the paint. Clay _is_ abrasive. This is why it works. The reason why it's removing something from the paint more quickly as it's allowed to connect with paint directly. Since it's abrasive, this is going to lead to scratches.

 

Lube. Lube. Lube. Never dry.

 

Physicaly impossible to do the whole truck without lube.

 

If you have to use it dry to remove ANYTHING, a clay bar is not the right thing to remove it. Use a more appropriate product and technique to finish the job.

 

This is why there are different grades of clay. You probably needed a more aggressive clay.

Never clay without lube.

 

clay lube is a must, here is some more general info about clay.