Can you use soapy water as a clay bar lubricant?

Yes, soapy water makes a very decent clay lubricant! It's by far the cheapest way to do it and you likely already have some in stock, so you can mix it up right now. After you wash the car, mix the same proportions of car shampoo and water in a clean bucket or spray bottle and apply generously to the surface.

Can I use water as a lubricant for clay bar?

Not Really. The fact of the matter is that water on its own isn't enough to act as a lubricant for clay. As water is not “slick”, it will not allow the clay to glide over the paint with ease.

What can I use as lubricant for clay bar?

One can either use a quick detailer product or a water/automotive wash solution as a lubricant during the clay bar process. Here at AQS we fill a clean wash bucket with fresh water and automotive wash solution and use a fresh wash mitt to lubricate our surface and clay.

Can I use car shampoo as clay lube?

Car shampoo, not wash and wax as it can soften clay. Water, add some shampoo, shake then try between your fingers, if it feels slick to touch go ahead, if not add more shampoo.

Can you use Quick Detailer as clay lube?

Synthetic Quick Detailer doubles as a slick and effective clay bar lube for unmatched versatility when detailing any car.

Don't Buy Clay Lube - Make Your Own!

Do you need to wax after clay bar?

A wax or sealant should always be applied to the car after using a clay bar. The clay bar will remove any old protection so a wax or sealant needs to be applied to ensure the paintwork is protected to help keep it clean and free from contaminants and UV rays.

Does clay bar hurt clearcoat?

Clay bars are abrasive so have the potential to damage paint by causing clear coat scratches, marring and swirls. You can minimise the risk by using a soft clay, plenty of lubrication and keep inspecting the clay for contaminants that may cause scratches.

Does clay bar scratch glass?

It's perfectly safe to use a clay bar on your windshield. Clay bars are intended to be safely used on paint and glass is a surface that's much harder to scratch.

Can you clay bar too much?

It's definitely possible to clay your car too much. Clay is an abrasive, which can damage the paint causing swirls and marring. You can minimise this by using a clay lubricant and a softer form of clay, however, you can't forget that clay is still an abrasive.

Does clay bar cause swirls?

Swirl marks can happen during a clay bar treatment if the detailer isn't attentive to keeping the bar clean and free of major debris, doesn't use enough lube, or chooses the wrong type of clay for the paint. Clay barring is the ultimate way to remove paint contamination, but must be done thoughtfully and with care.

Can Clay bar scratch your car?

Since water tends to drag, it doesn't allow the clay bar to smoothly glide around the surface of the car. This water drag can cause marring, scratching and other damage to the car.

Can you clay bar a dirty car?

The medium grade clay is used for more heavily contaminated vehicles (cars that have gone many years without claying), and it has a greater risk of marring the finish. It's only recommended that you use medium grade clay if you are polishing afterwards. As for clay lubes, there are plenty of choices out there.

Should I polish my car after clay bar?

You don't have to polish afterwards but clay bars will mar the surface. You may not see or notice it but it is there. Depending on how fine a grade the clay is, you may have to do an intensive polish or just a one-step wax.

When should you clay bar a car?

After every cleaning and drying, run your hand through your vehicle's paint, and if you feel it's rough and a little bumpy, then yes, it's time to clay bar your car. The contaminants may have stuck to your car break dust and factory fall outs, otherwise damaging your paint finish.

Why do you use a clay bar on a car?

A clay bar is an engineered, clay-like product that pulls contaminants like water spots, brake dust, metal dust, industrial pollution and road grit from your clear coat. When used with a clay lubricant, these contaminants come loose from your car and get stuck safely in the clay so they don't damage your clear coat.

Why do black cars get swirls?

But what's really happening is the fine scratches and swirls you see in a black-painted car's reflection are typically the result of careless, preventable car-washing techniques. Cobweb-like swirls and scratches can look like a bad machine detail even though they're inflicted by washing techniques.

Can you clay bar a black car?

It is easy to use a clay bar in your black car without marring or harming the finish. Make sure to clean and polish the finish before treating black paint with a clay bar. It is also important to finish off by waxing the paint to seal the smoothness and shine.

How long does a clay bar last?

clay bar will last you 18 months to 2 years if used on the same vehicle. If you buy clay in an 4 oz. bar, like Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay or BLACKFIRE Poly Clay, cut it in half and keep the unused portions moistened with lubricant in the storage case.

What is the next step after clay bar?

When you're finished claying your car, you may need to wash it to remove any lubricant film. If you plan to use a pre-wax cleaner polish, it will remove clay residue so there's no need to wash. Last but not least, after using clay, seal your freshly cleaned paint with your choice of wax or sealant.

Do you dry car before Clay Bar?

Clay Bar Prep (Return to Top)

Before using a clay bar, your car should be washed and dried to remove a majority of contamination on your vehicle. The more contaminated the paint is the more likely imperfections can be added during the clay bar process.