Do you have to use clay bar lubricant?

Clay is an abrasive and will cause some marring (even with lubrication), so it is always a good idea to follow claying with some polishing. However, you can limit the amount of this marring by making sure the clay has some adequate lubrication between it and the surface of the paintwork.

Is claybar lube necessary?

Obviously, rubbing a clay bar with sand embedded will scratch the painted surface! It is also important to lubricate the surface and the clay bar before using. One can either use a quick detailer product or a water/automotive wash solution as a lubricant during the clay bar process.

Can I use soapy water with a clay bar?

An alternative to a spray detailing lubricant is good old soapy water. This is ideal if your paint is heavily contaminated. Be sure to rinse your wash mitt thoroughly and use a fresh bucket of soapy water, not what's left over from washing. After claying one or two body panels, your clay will begin to look dirty.

Can you lube a clay bar with water?

All clay bars require a lubricant. Some can be used with water, some work better with a quick detailer spray (liquid suspension of carnauba).

Can I use car shampoo as clay lube?

Always use clay lubricants when you work with detailing clay. Water is not a clay lubricant! Don't try it, you'll scratch the finish. Car shampoo or soapy water is a decent clay lube and will work just fine for your daily driver.

How To Make Your Own Clay Lubricant - Optimum No Rinse

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.

Can I use spray wax as lube for clay bar?

As a side note, you should avoid products that are designed to add protection such as spray waxes and sealants as these are not suitable for use as clay bar lubricants.

Does clay bar damage clear coat?

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.

Should I wax after clay bar?

When Should You Use The Clay Bar? The detailer's rule of thumb is to always decontaminate the surface with a clay bar before putting on a new coat of wax, or polishing any exterior paintwork. Those foreign particles block wax from sticking to the paint, making it last for a shorter time and not shine as bright.

Can you clay bar a new car?

My car is new, do I need to use a clay bar right away? Yes! Most new cars travel a long distances by ship, truck or rail to get to the dealer. They pick up a lot of nasty contamination along the way, like rail dust (metal particles from the wheels and track).

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.

Is it worth clay barring your car?

Although using a clay bar on your car is an essential part of detailing, it shouldn't be done unless absolutely necessary. The clay bar has a specific job – to remove bonded contaminants from your paint. Even when used properly, it should be considered a necessary evil since it can be abrasive.

Can you clay bar while washing car?

Yes, it saves a lot of time. Make sure you wash and rinse each panel first though so it's clean. Saves on clay lube too!

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 I polish without Claying?

Obvious response: You can polish without claying if it doesn't need claying. But if it needs it, it needs it.

Does clay bar leave scratches?

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.

What is the purpose of clay bar?

A clay bar is either a natural or synthetic engineered resin compound designed to remove or 'lift' contamination from your vehicles surface to provide a contamination free, smooth surface to apply protection to. Contamination such as: industrial fallout, rail dust, honey due, tree sap and bitumen tar.

When should you use Quick Detailer?

You can use a quick detailer straight after washing your car to add some gloss and protection to the paintwork. Avoid using quick detailers between washes to remove light dust or you risk causing swirls and scratches. Some car owners use quick detailers at car shows to enhance the finish.

What can you use instead of clay Luber?

Water with a dash of car soap. Both these guys got the right idea, ONR is what I use as you get a gallon of it and it will last you years if your a hobby detailer. Car soap is another good alternative as well.