Clay ?

[cm2005300]

is it fine to use soapy water as a lubricant?

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Clay ?

Scratch that- I was absolutely thinking of wet sanding when I suggested car soap and water. My mistake!

[cm2005300]

Re: Clay ?

ok well the plan was to wash..... then clean out bucket and use some soap and a little water and wet surface then clay....that should work right?>

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Clay ?

ok well the plan was to wash..... then clean out bucket and use some soap and a little water and wet surface then clay....that should work right?>

Just make absolutely 100% sure you get 100% of the dirt out of the bucket (possibly an impossible task?) because if you don't, you risk smearing that across your paint and marring the surface.

The safest bet is to fill a spray bottle with soap and water, or use a cheaper detailing spray like Last Touch diluted 1:1 or the full strength classic Quik Detailer.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Clay ?

Just to note, there is no Meguiar's official recommendation for this you're on you're own if you use soapy water.

That said, this topic comes up often enough that it's a popular thread in our Hot Topics forum. (lot's of popular topics in that forum group )


3 pages long, that should just about answer any question related to this topic...

Are there any inexpensive lubes to use while claying?

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Clay ?

Just to note, there is no Meguiar's official recommendation for this you're on you're own if you use soapy water.

That said, this topic comes up often enough that it's a popular thread in our Hot Topics forum. (lot's of popular topics in that forum group )


3 pages long, that should just about answer any question related to this topic...

Are there any inexpensive lubes to use while claying?

Mike is absolutely right- I had a brain lapse and was completely thinking of wet sanding and using soapy water, NOT clay bar lube. My mistake!

[cm2005300]

Re: Clay ?

Ha great i knew i wasnt the first to ask

[cm2005300]

Re: Clay ?

yea mike one thing i didnt see mentioned in that link was you said soapy water is not good to leave just " wiped off" but if you rinse the panel throughly afterwards then shouldn't it be fine?

[Andy M.]

Re: Clay ?

Clay will deteriorate more when you use soap and water as a lubricant, in my experience anyway. I would suggest you use either final inspection or QD.

Andy M.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Clay ?

yea mike one thing i didnt see mentioned in that link was you said soapy water is not good to leave just " wiped off" but if you rinse the panel throughly afterwards then shouldn't it be fine?

I've done it in a pinch and worked out fine. Just make sure not to let it set too long, and a full wash afterward would be a good idea to make sure you get it all off.

Clay will deteriorate more when you use soap and water as a lubricant, in my experience anyway. I would suggest you use either final inspection or QD.

Andy M.

This can also be true. Some soaps eat clay very quickly, while others are much slower.

[cm2005300]

Re: Clay ?

ok thanks for your help guys!!