What lube to use while clay bar the glass/paint?
Sep 11, 2024
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When using a clay bar on glass or paint, it’s essential to use a proper clay lubricant to prevent scratching and ensure the clay glides smoothly over the surface. Here are the types of lubricants you can use:
1. Clay Lubricant (Specifically Formulated for Clay Bars)
- Best Option: These are products specifically designed to work with clay bars, ensuring maximum lubrication without breaking down the clay.
- Examples:Adam's Visco Clay Lubricant Meguiar's Mirror Glaze M34 Final Inspection Chemical Guys Clay Luber
- Pros: These products are pH-balanced and designed to be easy to wipe off, leaving no residue. They also help the clay bar remove contaminants more effectively.
2. Detailing Spray
- Common Alternative: If you don’t have a dedicated clay lubricant, a detailing spray works well as an alternative.
- Examples:Meguiar's Quik Detailer Chemical Guys Speed Wipe Spray Griot's Garage Speed Shine
- Pros: Detail sprays are easily accessible, provide sufficient lubrication, and are often multipurpose (you can use them to touch up the vehicle between washes). They also leave a nice finish after claying.
3. Diluted Car Wash Soap and Water
- Budget Option: If you don’t have a specific clay lubricant or detailing spray, you can create your own lubricant by diluting car wash soap in water.
- How to Mix: Add 1-2 capfuls of car wash soap into a spray bottle filled with water, shake well, and use it as a lubricant.
- Pros: This is a cost-effective option and works fairly well in a pinch. However, it may not be as slick as dedicated lubricants and can sometimes leave a soapy residue, which you’ll need to rinse off afterward.
4. Waterless Wash
- Versatile Option: Waterless wash products can also serve as clay bar lubricants since they are designed to remove dirt safely without water, providing the necessary lubrication for the clay bar to glide.
- Examples: Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine Chemical Guys Swift Wipe
- Pros: These products often leave behind a clean and shiny finish and can be used to lubricate the clay bar and wash the car at the same time.
What to Avoid:
- Dry Claying: Never use a clay bar without lubrication, as it can scratch the paint or glass.
- Glass Cleaner: Avoid using regular glass cleaners (like Windex) as a lubricant. They may not provide enough slip for the clay bar and can leave streaks or residue.
How to Use Lubricant with a Clay Bar:
- Spray Lubricant: Generously spray the clay lubricant or detailing spray onto the surface you’re working on (either the glass or paint).
- Glide the Clay Bar: Move the clay bar over the lubricated surface in straight, back-and-forth motions. Avoid using circular motions.
- Wipe Off Residue: After claying a section, wipe off any excess lubricant with a microfiber towel and inspect the area for smoothness.
- Reapply Lubricant: Keep the surface well-lubricated while claying. If the area becomes dry, reapply more lubricant.
Using the right clay lubricant ensures a smooth, safe claying process without damaging your vehicle’s surfaces.