The Secret Sauce: Goodbye to graphite

From the Editor: BlueLine Racing posted an article explaining his recipe for graphite-free lubrication back in Feb 2025. The article got a lot of attention but also attracted a lot of drama, so they chose to delete the thread entirely. I didn't realize it was removed until it was brought to my attention (h/t DCR). Thankfully, the Internet Archive had a copy of the original post.

The original post has been rewritten & edited as a How-To guide so that it may hopefully live on drama-free because it's really great information and inspiration for modders looking to experiment.

Why graphite can fall short

We all know a good chunk of performance gain comes from friction reduction, not hidden mechanical changes. And graphite has long been the standard lubricant in diecast racing, but it has one main drawback: It attracts dirt and debris that can leave cars dirty and inconsistent

So naturally it makes sense you'd want to find alternatives to graphite, and the result was experimenting with various sprays and oils. 

However, it should be noted that many hosts and events prohibit use of spray or oil-based lubricants. This guide will be helpful if you're looking to find speed beyond what dry graphite mixtures can provide but it might not always be allowed, so just know that good old fashioned graphite will still need to remain a staple in your toolbox.

A recipe for success: Silicone spray and oils

This guide is intended primarily for stock cars. Using these methods on modified builds probably won't hurt but you'll need to experiment and do your own testing to see how much it can help (or harm).

Prep: Remove any existing graphite

If you have a car that you used graphite on prior, all graphite residue must be removed before adding any sprays or oils. If your car is new off the card you may not need to clean it but it probably won't hurt.

To clean your car:

1. Rinse with warm water, adding a small drop of dish soap
2. Gently flush the wheels and hubs.
3. Allow the car to dry completely before proceeding.

Step 1: Apply low-viscosity silicone spray

Key requirements:

• Must be low-viscosity
• Must be safe for plastic
• Apply sparingly - less is more here
• Search for some spray brands

Application method:

• Lightly spray the wheels and inner hubs, or use a small paintbrush to control application
• Avoid oversaturation

Step 2: Patience...let time do the work

• Let the car sit 3-5 days minimum
• Run the car approximately 10 times down your track
• Do not rush to Step 4!

Cars treated this way have been shown to improve with age, sometimes running faster months later than they did initially. As Yoda said, "patience, you must have patience!"

Step 3: Add oil in tiny, tiny amounts

Once the silicone has fully cured, apply a high-quality oil lubricant. A small amount of oil lasts far longer than you might expect. Trust the science.

Recommended options:

• Maximum Velocity oil
• Derby Dad oil

How to apply:

• Use a syringe for precise application
• Apply the smallest amount possible
• Run the car extensively after application

Maintenance:

• Reapply oil after 50-100 runs
• Do not reapply silicone
• If the car slows down, it has likely been over-lubed - rewash and start over

What this recipe won't do for you

Using the sprays+oils can help make a fast car faster and can improve a slow-ish car, but it will not turn a dud into a winner. You still need to do lots of testing and research to find a good stock car to start with. Don't expect your Weinermobile to start blazing a trail just because you've sprayed it.

Likewise, if you're doing a custom build or mod, do all your speed testing before you start adding the lubricants. Get as much speed out of your cars as you can naturally, then apply the lube. Reducing friction is very important but there are also lots of other factors that play a role in being fast.

All in all, lubrication enhances performance - it does not replace fundamentals.

As mentioned before, make sure you read all the restrictions and rules for any event you enter. Many hosts and tournaments don't allow spray oil lubricants, but if they do, the recipe above might just help you squeak out a victory.