Can clay bars go bad/expire???

[AutoApollo]

Hey guys, approximately 6 months ago I bought some cheap bluemagic clay. (Set of 5 bars.) The first two months or so they seemed to be performing ok and I haven't clayed a car since. I went to go clay my other car today and it was smearing a thin layer of clay over the paint??? How odd, I tried another unopened bar. Same thing. Can anyone explain??

[rmagnus]

Sounds like you didn't have enough lube on the car when working the clay bar. I've never had a bar go bad. Once they get a lot of grit in them dedicate them to wheel cleaning or trash can.

[ronkh57]

Not enough lube, wrong solution used as lube, or surface too hot. One of those is probably the answer.

[mwoolfso]

Not enough lube, wrong solution used as lube, or surface too hot. One of those is probably the answer.

+1

[AutoApollo]

Sounds like you didn't have enough lube on the car when working the clay bar. I've never had a bar go bad. Once they get a lot of grit in them dedicate them to wheel cleaning or trash can.

That's the thing, I used a TON of lube. Specifically detailer spray and it was still grabbing the paint like crazy. Mind you I clayed this car last year so the paint and the paint didn't feel that bad.

[rmagnus]

That's the thing, I used a TON of lube. Specifically detailer spray and it was still grabbing the paint like crazy. Mind you I clayed this car last year so the paint and the paint didn't feel that bad.

I always use DAWN in a water spray bottle for lube. Just a small amount is needed. Also spray the bar directly on first use of it it starts to drag. When workin in the sun you have to work small areas. I've used off brands before but try to stick with Meguiars medium clay bar. They all work.

Go buy a new bar and see if you get different results.

[ronkh57]

Go buy a new bar and see if you get different results.

And new lube, and do it on a cool surface.

I'm still bettin on Wrong lube since you said you used a ton, or a hot surface.

[detailsbydennis]

Could be solvent residue on the finish.

[AutoApollo]

And new lube, and do it on a cool surface.

I'm still bettin on Wrong lube since you said you used a ton, or a hot surface.

Literally used the lube provided with the mothers clay bar kit. Also it was done in my garage and the paint was cool to the touch. Maybe i shouldn't have cheaped out to save a few bucks :/

[derass]

Maybe i shouldn't have cheaped out to save a few bucks

What do you mean by this? The Mother's kit? The Bluemagic clay?

I've been quite happy with the Mother's kit. I did once run into a problem using it on a hot surface, but that was my fault not the product's.