If you’ve ever run your hand across a freshly washed car and still felt tiny bumps or rough patches, you’ve encountered bonded contamination that no shampoo can dissolve. Clay mitts paired with the right lubrication spray are the detailer’s secret weapon for turning “clean” into glass-smooth, ready-for-wax perfection—without the kneading, dropping, and constant re-shaping of traditional clay bars.
This guide walks you through everything that separates a great clay-mitt-and-lube kit from a mediocre one, why the chemistry of the lubricant matters as much as the mitt itself, and how to avoid the rookie mistakes that leave holograms or marring behind. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for (and what to ignore) the next time you add-to-cart.
Top 10 Clay Mitt And Lube Kit
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Nobu’s Garage - Clay Mitt & Clay Bars Auto Detailing Kit with Waterless Car Wash Ceramic Detail Spray - Car Detail Spray & Lubricant, Quick Detailer Cleaner & Luber - Automotive Claybar Glove
Overview: Nobu’s Garage bundles a 24-oz SiO₂ ceramic detail spray, a dual-sided clay mitt, and three 100 g clay bars into one $25.99 kit that lets you decontaminate paint, glass, chrome, and wheels without a hose. The spray doubles as a waterless wash and short-term sealant, while the mitt covers large panels and the traditional bars sneak into emblems and door-handle pockets.
What Makes It Stand Out: Competitors usually sell each component separately; here you get a full clay system in one Prime box. The mitt’s microfiber backing lets you flip and buff without grabbing a second towel, and the ceramic-infused lube leaves behind six months of water-beading protection rather than the typical week-long gloss of standard quick detailers.
Value for Money: At $1.62 per ounce you’re paying quick-detailer prices yet receiving three clay media (mitt ≈ 30 uses, three bars ≈ 6 cars) and a sealant—roughly $4 per full decon job versus $10-12 if bought à la carte from big-box brands.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: One-shelf solution; mitt speeds SUVs/trucks; SiO₂ boosts shine and hydrophobics; safe on clear-coated, single-stage, PPF, and glass.
Cons: Scent is strong; mitt must be kept spotless or it will marr soft paint; bars are small (100 g each) and wear quickly on heavy rail dust; spray trigger occasionally clogs if not wiped clean.
Bottom Line: Weekend detailers looking for a turnkey, paint-safe decon kit that also lays down ceramic protection will struggle to find a better twenty-six-dollar bundle. Wash, clay, and seal in under an hour—no hose, no separate lube, no brainer.
2. Torque Detail Clay Mitt & Clay Lube Combo - Reusable, Premium Clay Bar Mitt & Clay Lubricant - Decon Your Exterior Surfaces Clay Mitt for Car Detailing (Clay Lube & Clay Mitt)
Overview: The Torque Detail Clay Mitt & Clay Lube Combo streamlines paint decontamination by swapping the traditional clay bar for a microfiber-lined mitt that glides over paint, glass, metal, and plastic. One side is coated with a polymerized rubber layer that pulls embedded brake dust, rail dust, tree sap, and tar from the clear coat, while the plush backing doubles as a general-purpose wash mitt. A 16 oz spray bottle of high-lubricity clay lube is included, so you can start deconning right out of the box.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike a clay bar that must be kneaded and reshaped after every panel, the mitt stays flat and wide, cutting a full-car session to under 20 minutes. If you drop it, simply rinse—no trip to the trash can and a fresh $15 bar. The synthetic clay surface is bonded to heavy-duty microfiber that survives 20–40 full-vehicle cycles, making it the only decon tool most weekend detailers will need for two years.
Value for Money: At $31.99 you get the mitt plus matching lubricant; buying a name-brand clay bar and quick-detailer separately runs $35–$45 and lasts half as long. Factor in the time saved and the eliminated risk of marring from a dropped bar, and the combo pays for itself on the second wash.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: 3× faster than clay bar; reusable; drop-safe; generous lube included; works on all exterior surfaces.
Cons: Not as aggressive as fine-grade clay on heavily contaminated paint; mitt cuff can bunch on small hands; lubricant scent is strong.
Bottom Line: For enthusiasts who want glass-smooth paint without the hassle of traditional clay, Torque Detail’s mitt is the smartest $32 you’ll spend—just mist, wipe, and revel in a slick, contaminant-free finish.
3. Mothers California Gold 3 Clay Bar Complete Kit, 3 80-gram Clay Bars + 16 oz. Instant Detailer + Microfiber Towel — Removes Contaminants, Restores Brilliance & Smoothness of Paint (07240)
Overview:
Mothers California Gold 3 Clay Bar Complete Kit is the gateway drug to “glass-smooth” paint. The box hands you three 80 g bars, a 16 oz bottle of Instant Detailer lube, and a plush 16”×16” microfiber—everything needed to turn rough, contaminated clear-coat into a mirror-ready canvas in one afternoon.
What Makes It Stand Out:
You get three bars instead of the usual single, so you can dedicate one to wheels, one to lower panels, and still have a spare. Mothers’ clay is noticeably softer and more elastic than bargain brands, folding without crumbling and grabbing particles without marring. The included Instant Detailer doubles as a quick-detailer after waxing, stretching the kit’s utility.
Value for Money:
At $23.88 ($1.49 per ounce of detailer), the kit costs less than a single professional clay treatment. Factor in three bars and a quality towel, and the per-use price drops below three dollars—exceptional for enthusiast-grade decontamination.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: pliable clay safe on all paints; generous 3-bar supply; detailer leaves slick gloss; clear pictorial instructions.
Cons: bars arrive lightly oiled—first-time users may over-lube and waste product; towel linted on our black test hood until laundered; no storage box means bars can dry if left open.
Bottom Line:
If you want pro-level smoothness without pro-level cost, this kit is the smartest twenty-four bucks you’ll spend on your paint. Buy it, clay twice a year, and your wax will bond—and shine—like never before.
4. Wontolf Car Clay Bars Auto Detailing and Clay Luber Synthetic Lubricant Kit, Premium Grade 4 Clay Bars, Clay bar Lubricant Tablets 10 Pack(1pc=16 fl oz), Car Wash Kit for Detailing Cleaning
Overview:
Wontolf’s kit bundles four 100 g synthetic clay bars, ten effervescent lubricant tablets (each makes 16 oz of luber), a 16 oz spray bottle, and a microfiber towel—everything you need to decontaminate paint, glass, metal, or plastic without buying separate products. At under fourteen bucks it’s positioned as an entry-level “one-and-done” box for weekend detailers who want pro results without pro prices.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The dissolving tablets turn ordinary tap water into slick clay lube in seconds; no measuring, no gallon jugs, no spills. The ultra-fine fiber-reinforced clay is softer than traditional medium-grade bars, letting you clay delicate paint, headlights, or even carbon fiber without marring. The generous 400 g total clay and ten refills mean you can clay multiple cars or motorcycles for years before restocking.
Value for Money:
Comparable name-brand clay plus 16 oz lube alone costs $20-25. Here you get four times the clay and ten bottles-worth of lube for $13.99—roughly 60 ¢ per full detail session. Even if you never use the last two tablets, the kit still undercuts budget store offerings while including a plush microfiber.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: ultra-soft clay conforms to curves; tablets store tiny yet make abundant lube; works on paint, chrome, glass, even furniture. Weaknesses: tablets can leave faint residue if you use hard tap water—distilled is better; spray bottle feels thin; no storage case for leftover clay, so keep it sealed in a zip-bag.
Bottom Line:
For the price of a deli sandwich you get enough clay and lube to keep an entire fleet glass-smooth. Beginners get foolproof lubrication, veterans get bulk quantity, and everyone keeps extra cash for wax. Highly recommended.
5. Chemical Guys CLAY_BLOCK_KIT Clay Block V2 and Clay Luber, Clayblock and Clay Super Lube, 16 fl oz
Overview:
Chemical Guys’ CLAY_BLOCK_KIT marries the brand’s popular ClayBlock V2 with a generous 16 fl oz bottle of Clay Luber, giving weekend detailers a one-box solution for paint decontamination. The synthetic-clay face is affixed to a ergonomic foam grip, letting you clay like you would wash—with a comfortable block instead of a floppy bar.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The block’s rigid backing removes the “oops-I-dropped-it” fear that ruins traditional clay; simply rinse and keep going. Paired with the high-lubricity Clay Luber, the kit promises mirror-smooth paint in less time and with less fatigue. Chemical Guys also claim one block tackles 15–25 full-size vehicles, turning the $28 spend into pennies per car.
Value for Money:
At $27.99 you’re paying roughly $1–$1.50 per vehicle over the block’s rated life. Factor in the included lubricant and the fact you won’t trash a dropped bar, and the kit undercuts buying separate mid-grade clay and quick detailer.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: faster coverage than clay bars; forgiving on beginners; excellent lubricant prevents marring; long service life.
Weaknesses: block is bulkier in tight spots; initial cut isn’t quite as sharp as premium fine clay on soft paint; synthetic face can load quickly on heavily contaminated trucks—keep a spray bottle handy.
Bottom Line:
If you want near-pro decontamination results without the clay-bar learning curve, this kit is a smart buy. It’s fast, economical, and nearly foolproof—perfect for maintaining daily drivers and show cars alike.
6. Adam’s Clay Mitt Kit (Green) - Car Detailing Clay Bar Kit W/Detail Spray Lubricant for Auto Detail Paint Decon - Quickly Removes Debris from Your Vehicle Exterior Paint, Glass, Wheels, Chrome & More
Overview: Adam’s Clay Mitt Kit turns the once-tedious clay-bar chore into a 30-minute glove swipe. The $33.99 bundle pairs a medium-grade Moya-clay-lined microfiber mitt with a 16 oz bottle of iconic Adam’s Detail Spray, giving you everything needed to strip embedded grime from paint, glass, wheels and chrome without buying separate lube.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike tiny clay bars that vanish after one drop, the oversized mitt covers 5-6 cars and simply rinses clean if it hits the floor. The ergonomic cuff keeps it glued to your hand while the spray doubles as a drying aid and gloss booster, eliminating extra products from your detailing tote.
Value for Money: At roughly the price of two traditional clay bars, you get a reusable mitt plus a $12 Detail Spray, effectively paying $20 for a tool that outlasts half a dozen bars. Factor in the saved hours and the 110% money-back promise and the kit pays for itself after the first full-vehicle decon.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: 70% faster than clay bars; rinses and re-uses; works on every exterior surface; includes versatile lubricant/sealant.
Cons: Medium-grade may leave faint marring on soft paints (follow-up polish recommended); mitt is bulky in tight gaps; not color-coded so you must keep wheel and paint mitts separate.
Bottom Line: If you want glass-smooth paint without the kneading, dropping and waste of old-school clay, Adam’s Clay Mitt Kit is the smartest $34 you’ll spend in your garage.
7. Chemical Guys OG Clay Bar and Lubber Synthetic Lubricant Kit - Light/Medium Duty Clay for Removing embedded dirt from Paint, Glass, and Metal, Essential Detailing Accessory - 2 Items
Overview:
Chemical Guys’ OG Clay Bar & Lubber Kit bundles a 100 g light/medium clay bar with 16 oz of synthetic lubricant to strip embedded contamination from paint, glass, and brightwork. Marketed as the gateway step before polishing or coating, the kit promises pro-level smoothness without pro-level skill.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The synthetic Lubber dries sticky-free, so you’re not chasing smears, and the clay’s medium aggressiveness walks the line between safe and effective—one pass pulls rail-dust specks and tree-sap dots you thought were permanent. Chemical Guys also color-code their bars; OG yellow is soft enough for weekly wipedowns yet stout enough for neglected winter paint.
Value for Money:
At $24.99 you get two full retail-size products that, used correctly, will decon 3–4 average cars. Paying a detailer for a single clay treatment costs the same, so the kit essentially pays for itself on the first Saturday you spend in the driveway.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: generous clay size, slick lube reduces marring, safe on glass/metal, clear how-to video online.
Weaknesses: resealable pouch invites drying if not stored perfectly, light-duty bar struggles with heavy overspray, scent of lube is love-it-or-hate-it bubble-gum.
Bottom Line:
For weekend warriors who want glass-smooth paint before sealant, this kit is a no-brainer—effective, forgiving, and cheaper than a single professional clay service.
8. TOLDATLI Clay Mitt Auto Detailing 2 Pack, Fine Grade Microfiber Car Clay Bar Mitt, DIY Detail Tool & Kit Car Detailing Alternative (Blue)
Overview:
TOLDATLI’s two-pack clay mitts turn the messy, finger-cramping ritual of traditional clay-bar decontamination into a glove-on, wipe-off job. Each 8”×6” mitt combines a plush microfiber face for dusting with a fine-grade polymer-clay underside that shears away bonded metal dust, sap, and industrial fallout. At $6.50 apiece you get enough material to dedicate one mitt to paint and the other to wheels or glass, all while skipping kneading, dropping, or re-spraying clay lube every few passes.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The glove format gives constant, even pressure across curved panels, cutting shoulder fatigue in half versus pinching a tiny clay bar. TOLDATLI embeds true detailing clay—not synthetic rubber—into microfiber, so the mitt retains the same shear strength as a mid-grade bar yet can be rinsed, air-dried, and reused for 30-50 full vehicles. A built-in hanging loop prevents the sour-sponge smell that ruins cheaper mitts.
Value for Money:
Two pro-level decon tools for $12.99 undercuts single traditional clay bars from big brands, and you’re still spared the cost of separate clay lubricants because the mitt works with plain car-shampoo solution.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: huge time saver; conforms to mirrors and bumpers; safe on clear coat, glass, and wheels; lasts 10× longer than clay bars.
Cons: clay layer can tear if snagged on sharp wheel weights; mitt becomes slippery when over-saturated; no color coding to avoid cross-contamination.
Bottom Line:
For weekend detailers who want showroom-smooth paint without the arthritis, TOLDATLI’s twin-pack is the smartest $13 you’ll spend—just rinse carefully and they’ll outlive most of the products on your shelf.
9. Clay Mitt, AutoCare Fine Grade Clay Bar Mitt Surface Prep Mitt Finish for Car Detailing Alternative Novel Detailing Tool & Kit
Overview: The AutoCare Clay Mitt transforms the tedious clay-bar process into a quick, ergonomic swipe-and-glide operation. Measuring the size of a standard wash mitt, it sandwiches a fine-grade polymer clay layer between plush microfiber and elastic cuff, letting you decontaminate paint, glass and chrome in one pass while your hand stays dry and comfortable.
What Makes It Stand Out: Speed is the headline—users routinely report cutting a two-hour clay session down to 45 minutes thanks to the 7” x 5” working surface. Unlike traditional clay that you fold, knead and eventually toss, the mitt rinses clean with water, air-dries and is ready for the next panel. Its synthetic clay composite is color-safe and embeds mild abrasives that shave off overspray, rail dust and sap without marring the clear coat.
Value for Money: At $13.99 the mitt costs about the same as a single mid-grade clay bar, yet it covers roughly 25 full-size vehicles before the polymer layer loses bite—five to six times the lifespan. Factor in the supplied 30-day no-quibble guarantee and you’re buying years of contaminant removal for the price of two car-wash tokens.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: huge time saver; ergonomic cuff; works with plain water or quick-detailer; reusable; safe on all finishes.
Cons: can’t be dropped—picking up grit risks scratches; not aggressive enough for heavy industrial fallout; cuff may feel tight on XL hands.
Bottom Line: If you value your weekend more than your elbow grease, the AutoCare Clay Mitt is the smartest $14 you’ll spend in your detailing kit. It won’t replace a heavy-cut clay for severe contamination, but for 90 % of garage perfectionists it delivers showroom-smooth paint in half the time with zero kneading fatigue.
10. XINDELL Clay Mitt Towel for Car Detailing- 3Pack Fine Clay Bar Infused Mitt | Car Detailing Glove & Towel Kit Quickly Removes Debris from Your Paint, Glass, Wheels, & More-Clay Bars Auto Detailing Kit
Overview:
The XINDELL Clay Mitt 3-Pack swaps the classic knead-and-fold clay bar for a synthetic clay surface bonded to a microfiber mitt and towel. Glide the mitt over paint, glass, wheels, or chrome with your favorite clay lube and the fabric pulls embedded grit out of the pores, leaving a glass-smooth finish ready for polish or ceramic coating. Each mitt is washable and reusable, so one purchase replaces multiple single-use clay bars.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Traditional clay demands constant remolding, dropping risks, and a trash can full of crumbled residue. XINDELL laminates the clay material to stretchy microfiber, so you simply rinse and continue—no wasted product, no panic when it hits the floor. The three-pack bundles two mitts plus a dedicated towel for final wipe-down, giving pros and weekend detailers a complete decon station in one $16 purchase.
Value for Money:
Comparable synthetic mitts sell for $12-$15 each; here you get three tools for $16, or roughly $5.33 per usable surface. Factor in 20-plus washes per mitt and the kit undercuts premium bars on a per-detail basis while saving half an hour of kneading time.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Faster than clay bar; drops rinse clean; generous three-piece kit; safe on clear coat, glass, and wheels.
Cons: Clay layer is thin—aggressive overspray or rail dust may require a second pass; cuff elastic runs snug on XL hands; storage instructions are sparse (air-dry thoroughly to prevent delamination).
Bottom Line:
For anyone who hates the mess and waste of traditional clay, XINDELL’s mitt set is the easiest, cheapest gateway to showroom-smooth paint. Keep a traditional bar in the drawer for heavy industrial fallout, but this trio will handle 90 % of weekend details with zero kneading and almost zero risk of marring.
How Clay Mitts Revolutionized Decontamination
Traditional clay demanded patience: warm water, constant folding, and the inevitable heart-stopping plop onto the pavement. Clay mitts swap that anxiety for a wearable, textured surface that covers more real estate in less time while staying securely on your hand. The result is faster paint correction prep, lower fatigue, and fewer consumables in your detailing caddy.
Why Lubrication Is Non-Negotiable
A clay mitt without proper lube is like sandpaper on water spots—abrasive particles skate across the paint, micro-marring the clear coat. A dedicated clay lubricant creates a thin, slippery barrier that allows the mitt’s polymerized rubber face to shear contaminants off rather than grind them in.
Synthetic Clay vs. Natural Clay: What’s in the Mitt
Natural clay is mined, refined, and formed into pliable bars; synthetic clay is engineered from butyl or microfiber-infused elastomers. Synthetic fibers can be molded into mitts, sponges, or towels, offering consistent grit level, longer life, and the ability to be rinsed clean mid-session—something natural clay never mastered.
Understanding Grit Levels: Fine, Medium, Aggressive
Manufacturers rarely stamp “fine” or “medium” on the packaging, but the color and texture telegraph the story: tight, shallow dimples are usually fine grade (safe for soft Honda paint), while deeper, crater-like pores signal an aggressive cut reserved for heavily oxidized F-150 clear coats. Choose the least aggressive grade that still removes bumps in two light passes.
Key Components of a Clay Mitt and Lube Kit
Look for: (1) the mitt itself, (2) a dedicated lubricant with high-lubricity polymers, (3) a microfiber towel for residue wipe-down, and (4) a storage pouch that keeps the mitt dust-free between details. Premium kits throw in a spray trigger with an adjustable fan pattern and a small bottle of iron remover to tackle embedded fallout before claying.
Must-Have Features in the Mitt
Surface Texture and Durability
A dense microfiber backing fused to a polymerized clay face resists tearing when you bear down on door edges. Check for uniform cell structure—random pinholes snag on sharp seams and shorten lifespan.
Elastic Cuff and Ergonomic Fit
One-size-fits-all rarely does. A tapered cuff with double-stitched elastic prevents the mitt from rotating on your hand when you reach across a roofline, reducing the chance of dropped edges marring the paint.
Rinse-Ability and Reuse Count
Quality mitts rinse clean under a sharp stream, releasing trapped metal particles instead of hiding them. Expect 30–50 full-vehicle decons versus 3–5 for a traditional clay bar.
Decoding Clay Lubricant Formulas
Polymer-Based vs. Surfactant-Based
Polymer lubricants (think glycerin plus acrylic resins) leave a slick, self-leveling film that flashes off slowly, ideal for hot days. Surfactant-based sprays rely on slickening agents like coco-betaine; they’re cheaper but evaporate quickly in direct sun, forcing you to work panel-by-panel.
Added Gliders and Slickening Agents
SiO2-infused lubes double as a short-term sealant, adding gloss while you clay. Overdo it, though, and the residue can interfere with coating adhesion later—always panel-wipe with isopropyl if you plan to ceramic-coat immediately after.
pH Balance and Paint Safety
A neutral pH (6.5–7.5) ensures rubber trim and fresh clear coat stay unbothered. Acidic lubricants (pH <5) can etch soft German paint, while alkaline sprays (pH >9) dull single-stage lacquers on classics.
Scent, Residue, and User Experience
Citrus or “new car” fragrance masks chemical odors but can trigger headaches in closed garages. Residue that beads water is pretty; residue that smears under a towel is a time-waster. Test-spray a small window and wipe—if it flashes clean, you’re golden.
Working Temperature Range and Seasonal Considerations
Some lubes thicken below 50 °F, clogging the sprayer; others evaporate above 90 °F before you finish a hood. Look for “stable from 40–100 °F” on the label, or keep a spare bottle in a warm cooler during winter details.
Common Contaminants You’ll Remove
Rail dust (ferrous shards from train brakes), paint overspray, industrial fallout, tree sap, and dried bug proteins all embed in clear coat. A clay mitt shears them level, restoring optical clarity and allowing sealants to bond mechanically rather than over uneven craters.
Step-by-Step Decontamination Workflow
- Wash and rinse thoroughly.
- Chemical decon with iron remover; rinse again.
- Dry lightly—surface should be cool and touch-damp.
- Mist lubricant generously; glide mitt in straight-arm, low-pressure passes.
- Feel with bare hand; re-clay until no grit is detected.
- Final-wipe with plush towel, then proceed to polish or seal.
Top Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Rinse the mitt every panel, never let lube dry on the face, and store slightly damp in a sealed zip-bag to prevent the polymer from curing out. After every fifth use, soak in a bucket of APC (all-purpose cleaner) diluted 10:1, agitate with a soft brush, and air-dry away from direct UV.
Environmental Impact and Disposal
Synthetic mitts last longer, reducing landfill waste versus single-use clay bars. When the polymer face finally tears, most brands are landfill-safe (no heavy metals), but check local regs; some areas classify used mitts as auto-shop waste due to trapped metal particles.
Cost vs. Value Analysis
A $40 kit that decons 40 cars equals $1 per vehicle—cheaper than a single tunnel-wash swirl fest. Factor in time saved (half versus clay bar) and the mitt’s ability to double as a pre-wax applicator, and the ROI becomes obvious even for weekend warriors.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Marring and Micro-Scratches
Usually caused by insufficient lube or a contaminated mitt. Re-lubricate, rinse the face, and finish with a light polishing foam to restore gloss.
Streaking Residue
Switch to a lower-nap towel or increase wipe pressure. If streaks persist, the lube may contain too much SiO2—follow with an isopropyl wipedown.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use car shampoo as a clay lubricant in a pinch?
Yes, but only high-suds, pH-neutral formulas at 1:16 dilution; dedicated lube is slicker and safer. -
How often should I clay my daily driver?
Typically twice a year or when the “plastic-bag test” feels gritty after a wash. -
Will a clay mitt remove existing wax or sealant?
It will thin most sacrificial layers; re-apply protection afterward for best durability. -
Is claying safe on matte or satin finishes?
Use only ultra-fine grade mitts and minimal pressure; test on an inconspicuous area first. -
Can I machine-wash the mitt?
Hand-rinse only; detergents and heat can degrade the polymer face and elastic cuff. -
What’s the difference between a clay mitt and a clay towel?
Towels cover larger areas quickly but offer less tactile feedback; mitts conform better to contours. -
Do I need to polish after claying?
Not always; if no marring is visible, skip straight to a finishing sealant or coating. -
How do I know when the mitt is worn out?
When visible tears appear or contaminants no longer release after soaking—time for a new one. -
Can I use the same mitt on glass and wheels?
Yes, but rinse thoroughly between surfaces to avoid cross-contaminating soft paint with brake dust. -
Does claying reduce the thickness of my clear coat?
Negligibly—clay shears contaminants, not paint; marring comes from poor technique, not the clay itself.