You can do it both ways as many have said above. I usually /always wash after claying even if I use a quick detailer as a lube.

I would probably wash more carefully if I didn't use a lube

 

instead of clay lube and QD why not just use body shine? quick and whatever is left on the paint will not hurt your paint or your sealant.

 

what is "body shine"?

Clay lube included with most kits is in fact a quick detail spray. None of it will hurt your paint.

 

body shine is made by the auto wax company. the same company that invented the clay bar. its just sold through auto magic which is a sister company of the auto wax company. intrested in it pm me

 

Ah! #49. it's a quick detailer and clay lube.

 

Well, I guess my solution is somewhere in the middle here. You see, most of my need to clay bar comes from tree sap and the like, and is only on the horizontal surfaces of the car. I use a pressure washer with a "pressure dial down" so as not to strip paint. After clay barring the horizontal surfaces, I soap them down (but not the other surfaces), and blow the whole thing down with the pressure washer on low pressure but a "tight" fan spray that sweeps any residue off.

Works great.

Thanks,
Richard

BTW, I am not a guest. It is just that this board will not accept my valid CC payment to renew my membership. I guess their renewal site has gone the way of their spell check!!!

 

To each their own. I always wash (with car soap) after claying.
It's not like I claybar every weekend so I figure it helps assure the very cleanest surface moments before waxing or in my case Zaino-ing.

God Bless America

 

Just to clearify to keep facts straight here

Clay was invented in Japan in 1987. Many companies have copied it. The Auto wax company although they sell it and had Clay Magic and Body Magic designed for them did not invent it That said the Auto Wax company does sell some nice products.

But I'm still an Optimum guy