Clay Bar: Is there a cheaper way to spray the lube on?

[ERdept]

I have the clay from mothers, and it's sad to have to buy a new bottle of detailer spray each time I have to use the clay bar.

Is there a better/cheaper lubricant for the clay bar. Like maybe regular soap when washing the car, then just glog on more with the sponge and just clay.


Your thoughts on a chaper alternative to buying detail spray each time I have to clay.

[Maim Menu]

Regular soap works, I've seen countless how-to videos where the guy would use regular carwash soap as a lubricant.

[widow's son]

I use a clay bar form Griot's Garage and I buy their Speed Shine by the gallon. I have aslo seen the How-tos using car soap as the lube, however I prefer to err on the cautious side and use the lube Griot's calls for.

[Justin@Adams]

Hey ERdept,

I have also seen cases of people using soap as their lubricant. Personally I prefer using a Detail Spray because they have emulsifiers and lubricants in them, which assist the bar and help prevent scratching.

Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Thanks,

[ERdept]

I thought the clay bar wasn't supposed to scratch, because it wasn't abrasive.

[eddie926]

Originally Posted by ERdept

I thought the clay bar wasn't supposed to scratch, because it wasn't abrasive.

The clay isn't abrasive, but some of the contaminants you pick up with it may be.

[Justin@Adams]

Hey ERdept,

eddie926 is correct, what I meant was the contamination that the bar pulls out of the finish may scratch the surface.

Thanks,

[ToyotaJimD.]

Originally Posted by ERdept

I have the clay from mothers, and it's sad to have to buy a new bottle of detailer spray each time I have to use the clay bar.

Is there a better/cheaper lubricant for the clay bar. Like maybe regular soap when washing the car, then just glog on more with the sponge and just clay.


Your thoughts on a chaper alternative to buying detail spray each time I have to clay.

If you're running out of detailer to use as a lubricant, you may be using too much; or, perhaps you're using your clay too many times -- so be careful if especially the latter may be the case.

Detailer seems to be the best lube, and it's not that hard to pick up a large bottle.

Using a soap solution is not recommended as it can provide inconsistent lubrication which can cause marring. In addition, soap can compromise the integrity of the clay bar, so you're likely not saving anything in the long run.

Consumer kit clay bars aren't abrasive when used correctly, and when used with the proper lubricant.

[ERdept]

Originally Posted by ToyotaJimD.

If you're running out of detailer to use as a lubricant, you may be using too much; or, perhaps you're using your clay too many times -- so be careful if especially the latter may be the case.

Detailer seems to be the best lube, and it's not that hard to pick up a large bottle.

Using a soap solution is not recommended as it can provide inconsistent lubrication which can cause marring. In addition, soap can compromise the integrity of the clay bar, so you're likely not saving anything in the long run.

Consumer kit clay bars aren't abrasive when used correctly, and when used with the proper lubricant.

Well here's the problem. I was told to use the clay when necessary, that is when the finish was rough.

I park my car outside all the time. It is never inside.

So, every two weeks it seems rough. So, is using the clay every two weeks too much?

I use the soap and water to clean, clay and detailer, polish, then wax.

At this rate of washing I've found I need to do it every 2-3 weeks.


IS THIS OK?

Now I"m worried.

[humanoid]

I would say once a month would be better, but I'll let the experts chime in on this one.

[Pb]

Originally Posted by ERdept

Well here's the problem. I was told to use the clay when necessary, that is when the finish was rough.

I park my car outside all the time. It is never inside.

So, every two weeks it seems rough. So, is using the clay every two weeks too much?

I use the soap and water to clean, clay and detailer, polish, then wax.

At this rate of washing I've found I need to do it every 2-3 weeks.


IS THIS OK?

Now I"m worried.

That seems too often to me. How often do you polish or wax? Your wax should be protecting your paint a little better than that. Do you live near factories or lots of trees?

[ERdept]

Originally Posted by Pb

That seems too often to me. How often do you polish or wax? Your wax should be protecting your paint a little better than that. Do you live near factories or lots of trees?

I polish and wax every two weeks with the FULL treatment above (soap, clay, polish, wax).

The finish is like glass when done with the clay, then it's even more glass-like and deeper with the polish, and even more still post wax.


BUT, in about 4 weeks, I feel the layer of dust on it, then after spraying down and area, I feel past the dust that was laid and there is the beginnings of roughness.

I live in LA, by the 91/5/605 freeway junctions.

[widow's son]

I also live in LA, 10 and 710 area. I clay and wax ~every three months. One thing I do after I wash my Camry is use the detail spray and a MF cloth, it seems to help the wax stay smoother longer.
Maybe an inexpensive car cover would help prevent some of the fallout from embedding on the paint?

[ERdept]

This has happened in my area. When I car covered my Honda, the cats sleep on it at night.

Also taking on and off the cover agitates the dust into scratches on the paint, finally, it's a pain.


I'd just like to know the reasonable about of intervals I can do "the works" (soap, clay, polish, and wax) to protect the car and keep it looking good, w/o washing it too freqeuntly and taking off or damaging paint.

[Playr]

Never mind.