Hello all, what is stuff you spray on your truck when you use a clay bar? Some guy told me it was mineral spirits and water. If that's true and I wanted to make my own, what ratio of spirits to water do I use? With the Meguiars clay bar, you use their Quick Detailer. Where can I get a clay bar? Every place I've looked didn't have it. Sorry if this has been asked b4. Peace out.

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I've used clay bars by Meguiars and Clay Magic. The Meguiars bar was complete crap - it smeared all over my paint no matter how much "Quick Detail" I used. There's even a few spots on the hood that I tried to remove bugs, but only ended up griding something into the paint that I can't remove (even with course compound).

The Clay Magic, on the other hand, works GREAT. It ttok off everything with ease - embedded particles and BUGS! I used the liquid they suggest in the "Just Spray and Clay" kit.

Although the Meguiars is convenient to buy (by going to your local AutoZone or NAPA) and less expensive, I'd recommend the Clay Magic bar (available through their web site).

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Thanks Venom, I'll give it a try.

 

Speaking of Clay Magic, my latest order just came from the friendly UPS man this afternoon. It looks like I have to spend some time with "the other woman" tomorrow afternoon...

 

mtucker: I use the "erazer" product (my source was www.autofanatics.com). I ran out of the spray lubricant and called autofanatics to get just the replacement. He said he has a Porsche Carrera and he uses plain water! I was skeptical but tried it. I have a hose head that has a "mist" setting. I keep it on constantly and move the clay bar with NO problems or mishaps! As long as the water source is constantly misting the surface and I keep the bar moving, it just gliiiiiides over my paint as if i'm using the expensive lubricant.
I can't say it would work with other brands of clay bars...I've got no experience with them.

 

mtucker. Want a cheap replacement for the recommended lubricants? Try 10 parts water and 1 part Armor All in a spray bottle, it's slick as Owl snot. Spray it, clay it and rinse. Ok, it's not as cheap as sundog's water but it's close.

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How about just some car wash soap in some water w/a spray bottle. That is what Zaino recommends with their clay bars. Nice and slick.

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Thanks for all of the great answers guys. But since I am new at this, I'm a little more confused. If you use something like soapy water for a lubricant, how does the clay grab or pull the grit out of the paint?

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1999 XLT SC, bright red, 4.2l, 5 speed, MAAP stainless nerfs, Prime Designs bug deflector, Astro Euro-Lid II, Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil and Transmission Fluid. Check it out at:
http://www.ownersite.com/OwnersitePu...fm?veh_id=3415

 

check this out:
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/cleanwitclay.html

After reading the article I've linked, be sure to back up to the Home page and snoop around in "Car Car Tips". VERY extensive info.......It'll answer more questions than you can come up with.

All the lubricant does is allow a "cushion" for the clay bar to float over. Those gritty pieces it's picking up poke waaaaaaay up thru that little cushion. Think of them as splinters in your clear coat. If you have soapy hands, you can still feel that little splinter, can't you?

[This message has been edited by sundog7 (edited 03-22-2001).]

 

I wnt to 3 parts stores looking for a clay bar today and only found Auto Zone to have the Maguires "Quick Clay" kit. I bought it and tried it on my hood. As mantioned before, no matter how much I kept the hood moist. the bar kept digging in and leaving nasty scuffs that were a bitch to get out. After my first unimpressed clay bar attempt, I layed on two coats of Blue Coral Autofom and it shined nice. Still have those darn water spots though. Followed directions to a tee. Is there a better approach??. Not really impressed, but maybe it was the way I "bared" it..........
Rick..

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That Autopia sites instructions are detailed well as I followed them. I just wonder if that $5 bottle of Maguires polish and shine that lubes the paint for the bar is just water. Not educated in this technique too well yet, will have to try again I guess!.
Rick..

 

Karick -

That's exactly the same thing that happened to me. The Meguiars kit really sucks (for lack of a better term). It smudged terribly (regardless of how much lube was there), and ended up damaging the paint on my hood where is smudged the worst. Not even 3M rubbing compound would take it out - it's like there's something embedded in the clear coat.

Nothing but Clay Magic for me now...

 

Yep, I'll be ordering the Clay Magic kit myself, soo much for the "discount" crap at the parts store. The only things I can seem to get a good shine with these days is Mothers Carnauba (smells good too!), or Blue Coral Autofom. I swear by em.. Clay Magic, here I come.......
Rick..

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"99" F-150 4x2,SC, med red / silver, 4.2L, auto, 3.55's, 265x16's premium snd w/cd, 4 wheel antilocks, leer "too heavy" matching cap, Mobil 1.
"Gutless thing!!"

 

"Mothers" has the best Clay bar kit on the market. Comes with everything you need from the pre wax stripper to slimy lubricant to the finishing wax.

I have been using this "Mothers" clay kit for years and is by far the best kit on the market....no fuss no muss and easy to find!

 

I second the Mothers kit(HAS EVERYTHING!) The showtime quick detail spray is almost too slick though,lol.
The paint felt slick as oiled glass when I got done. Nice stuff!!,,,,,98

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