Finally took the time to use a clay bar to detail my truck this weekend... I used the Mother's kit although I'd assume there shouldn't be much difference between brands.... The kit instructs you to use there "Quick Detailer' to lubricate the paint job and even goes as far as to say "DO NOT USE WATER" Unfortunately I used all of the Quick Detailer on the first half of my truck, and went ahead and used water for the rest of the truck. Although the Quick Detailer leaves an oilier/waxier feeling to the touch, the water seemed to work just fine. Is there any reason the Quick Detailer would work better than water, and is there any valid reasons to not use water for lubrication?

 

No reason not to use water. Sometimes using something other that the recommended QD will cause the clay bar to break down to mush.

Next time you run out of QD, try using 2 or 3 ounces of car wash soap with water in a spray bottle. The mixture will give you better lubricity than plain water.

 

That's pretty much it STX, the Detailer is more slippery that water and keeps the clay bar from sticking to the surface. The soapy water that Laser Red suggested is good too. If I'm going to wash, clay, polish and wax I use a 10 to 1 mixture of water and Armor All for the clay bar; VERY slippery and I don't have any problems with the Armor All on the paint, the polish takes it off.

 

One of the few places you can actually use armor all. The paint! I have a friend who coats his boat in it.

When I tried using water with the Eagle One Clay it made it become sticky. I use a spray on wax now when I clay.

 

I've always used a capful of car wash liquid mixed with water in a spray bottle. I believe it helps the clay bar clean a little better also. I've noticed that it helps get the tar and bugs of easier with the clay than using quick detailer or similar products. You just have to use fewer strokes to get the difficult stuff off with car wash liquid.