The CLP Balancing Act: Cleaning, Lubricating, and Protecting Without Compromise

When it comes to firearm maintenance, the industry often debates the effectiveness of CLP—Clean, Lubricate, and Protect—products. While CLPs are designed to be an all-in-one solution, many fall short because of the inherent conflict between their core functions. Cleaning agents tend to strip away lubrication, while lubricants can attract dirt and reduce the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors. And in many cases, protectants create a barrier that limits a cleaner’s ability to reach built-up fouling.

This struggle has led many gun owners to use separate products for each function—solvents for cleaning, oils for lubrication, and dedicated rust inhibitors for protection. But what if a CLP could truly balance all three?

The Science Behind CLP Formulation

To understand why most CLPs struggle, let's break down the competition happening at a molecular level:

Cleaners Need to Break Down Fouling

• • Most CLPs include detergents or solvents that dissolve carbon, lead, and powder residue.
  • However, aggressive cleaning agents can also strip away lubrication, leaving metal surfaces bare and unprotected.

Lubricants Must Reduce Friction Without Attracting Debris

• • Good lubricants create a slick barrier to keep metal parts moving smoothly.
  • The challenge? Many traditional lubricants are thick or sticky, which attracts dust, carbon, and grime, negating the benefits of a clean firearm.

Protectants Need a Stable Barrier to Prevent Corrosion

• • Anti-corrosion additives typically form a molecular shield over the surface to block out moisture and oxygen.
  • However, this barrier can sometimes prevent cleaners from penetrating and removing existing fouling.

SGO’s Molecular Layering Solution

Unlike standard CLPs that struggle to balance these functions, SGO’s CLP uses a unique molecular layering approach to ensure that each component works in harmony rather than competing against each other.

Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDP) as the Protective Barrier

• • ZDP forms a large-molecule protective layer over metal surfaces.
  • This shields against moisture, oxidation, and corrosion without creating a thick, sticky film.

Polyetheramine (PEA) as the Cleaner

• • PEA has a smaller molecular structure that allows it to permeate through the ZDP layer.
  • This means the cleaning agents can dissolve fouling without disrupting the protective barrier.

Friction Modifiers for Silky-Smooth Operation

• • The final layer consists of friction modifiers that sit on top of the ZDP barrier.
  • This ensures buttery-smooth cycling, reducing wear and extending the life of moving parts.

Why SGO’s CLP Stands Out

By layering its molecules in a way that allows cleaning agents to penetrate without stripping away protection, SGO’s CLP eliminates the typical trade-offs seen in other formulas. It keeps firearms cleaner, smoother, and better protected without reapplying multiple products.

• No Residue Build-Up – Protects without leaving a gummy film.
• Deep Cleaning Without Stripping Lubrication – PEA dissolves fouling while ZDP stays intact.
• Optimized for Extreme Conditions – Works in high heat, cold, humidity, and storage.

Final Thoughts

For years, shooters had to choose between superior cleaning, long-lasting lubrication, or unbeatable corrosion protection—because no single CLP could excel at all three. But SGO’s molecular layering technology changes the game. It’s the first CLP that truly balances all functions, ensuring peak firearm performance without compromise.

If you’re tired of CLPs that underperform or require constant reapplication, it’s time to switch to SGO’s CLP—where science meets performance.