Care of matt paint

[Spudler]

Just bought a new bike which has matt black paint-work. The owners manual covers how to take care of solid and metallic paints but not matt finish. I'd rather not risk taking the advice of someone from the dealership guessing what products to use etc.
Anyone had experience or may be able to recommend products (if any) that can be safely used on this finish?
Thanks in advance.

[belleair302]

Don't laugh but I believe a mild washing up liquid dissolved in water and a microfibre is your best bet. Car wash shampoo's offer too much shine. Rinse both before and after cleaning, use a microfibre to dry and then dress, yes dress with something like Meguiars Gold Class Trim Dressing to protect the matte finish.

I know that the car cleaning world is discussing which chemicals best deal with this and are busy trying to produce something suitable.

I cannot believe that I suggest washing with washing up liquid but I have!!!

[paintman]

As its a brand new bike then you would be best getting something in writing from either the manufacturer or their authorised dealer outlining the care of that paintwork.
Should cover you for any 'let's wriggle out of the warranty' issues if you use something they don't like & have problems with the paint!

Edited by paintman on Friday 5th March 00:23

[PJ S]

Whilst bel is correct to a degree, "proper" shampoos will add nothing to the paintwork, but merely serve to just remove the grime and rinse freely away.
To that end, Bilt Hamber Auto-wash, and Dodo Juice Born To Be Mild are the ones to opt for.

[Ti22]

Swissvax now produce shampoo, wax and paint cleanser specifically for the mare of matt paintwork.

www.swissvax.co.uk

[Spudler]

Many thanks guys. Good point about something in writing from dealer or Harley to cover my ass.

[PJ S]

Paint is paint at the end of the day - and as long as you're sensible and use benign products (or dilutions) then you have nothing to worry about.

[kds keltec]

PJ S said:

Paint is paint at the end of the day - and as long as you're sensible and use benign products (or dilutions) then you have nothing to worry about.

Phil not with Matt lacquers is that entirely true,

When lepsons refurb wheels in matt and satin black finish if you use a wax or paint cleanser, you end up with a patchiness finish on matt and the satin can end up like gloss finish .

Pre cleaners this covers most products will make matt turn to satin , due to the light cut/polish in paint cleansers (HD cleanse / Lime prime etc) and oils left behind.

And of course you allready know this Phil but alot reading may not many so called pure waxes/sealents have fine polish / solvents and oils in them .

Even shampoos can have quick type wax in them or even silcone which will all have an effect on matt black finish if only a temporary one .

Oh and the product Phil you kindly had sent direct from maker for me to try out is full of silcones , painter from lepsons was near me when i gave him a demo of how well it looked and felt , and hour or so latter he came back from painting 60 odd wheels and said dont get that stuff near me and dont come over to the paint section if you have been using it .



Kelly

[PJ S]

Should've pointed out I was referring to shampoos - decent/proper ones - as waxing matt lacquers is defeating the purpose of the paint effect.

Interesting to hear you mention the use of silicones in that product - and as Dom will point out, not all silicones are of the bad variety - but I'll have to have a chat and find out a bit more about its composition and reasons for using the ingredients it does.
Mind you, still a superb product, and any good painter will make sure the panel (and surrounding ones being blown into) will be properly prep'd before getting stuck in.

[Wheelrepairit]

No idea about the matt paint, but just to say that is one sexy baby bike.

My god, that thing is beautiful.