Preference on claying

[C5Vert4Jeff]

Do you prefer to clay with soapy water, or detail spray at a lubricant? Is one way better than the other? Thanks in advance.

[Killrwheels@Autogeek]

Clay "can" break down and deteriorate quicker with the use of common store bought car washes and especially household dishwashing liquid. I would always use the included lubricant whenever possible. If you runout of it, and clay is still good, then this usually gets you thru with little expense and goes along way.

http://www.autogeek.net/dp365.html

[agentf1]

It depends, if I am doing the whole car I use Z7 and water, if I am just doing a small section I usually use one of the QD's that I have and do not like.

[Z06-Goose]

Right now, there have been so much new stuff added to the detailing market, you can get everything you want that meets your special needs.
I'm the type of guy who likes to do things the right way. So, if it was me, I would get the best stuff available to work with clay bars, and follow up with the appropiate polish and waxes. I have learned so much on this forum, I'll be getting all my stuff pretty soon.
Autogeek is a great source of information, and have all the stuff you need.

[exceldetail]

I normally clay after I wash, with soapy water.......Thats my preference. I have never had a bar break down due to improper lubricant, not to argue with AG's post, just my own experience. When clay is too dirty to continue using, is when I substitute it for another...

[gmblack3]

I like to use a claylube like bodyshine #49, its what comes with bluemagic claybar. That way no washing after claying, just wipe each area dry with a cotton towel.

[az57chevy]

Originally Posted by gmblack3

I like to use a claylube like bodyshine #49, its what comes with bluemagic claybar. That way no washing after claying, just wipe each area dry with a cotton towel.

I use soap and water and alwasy re-wash the car to make sure every last inch of gunk is gone.

[TOGWT]

Originally Posted by az57chevy

I use soap and water and alwasy re-wash the car to make sure every last inch of gunk is gone.

Detailer’s Clay Lubricant:
Most detailer’s clay retailers supply their detailing spray (QD) as a lubricant; the problem with most of them is that they contain some form of solvent or alcohol. To provide sufficient lubrication the surface must be thoroughly saturated, problem is that solvents or alcohol dries out the clay causing it to crumble or break apart and become soft leaving residue and streaks on the paint surface. Some car wash concentrates will also cause some of the same problems if the clay becomes saturated due to the solvents or synthetics used.

A mild liquid soap (Woolite™) works as a lubricant and is gentle enough that it will not adversely affect either the clay, vehicle paint or trim using a 5:1 solution of distilled water / Woolite™ or mix one cap full of a quality car wash concentrate (Z-7 Show Car Wash) with water in a 16 ounce spray bottle, also works as a clay lubricant

Frequency of use- detailer’s clay will not remove clear coat finish, but will lightly abrade it; it will remove most waxes and remove a small amount of a polymer sealant (by abrading them) fine grade clay can be used as often as necessary to keep the surface free of contamination and smooth. Apply a protective coat of wax or paint sealant after using detailer’s clay.

The best way to describe the proper method for using detailer clay is to use plenty of the lubricant and aquaplane the clay bar over the surface in straight-line motions. Inspect the clay surface often and fold (knead) clay to present a clean surface to the paint to avoid scratching; when the clay surface becomes really soiled (it becomes more difficult to find a clean surface by kneading, discard and use fresh clay.