How do you get your paint shiny?
#1
Aspiring curmudgeon
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Saint Louis
Posts: 2,686
Bikes: Guerciotti, Serotta, Gaulzetti
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 111 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times
in
12 Posts
How do you get your paint shiny?
I recently bought a vintage Peugeot on CL. The paint is a little dull. What do you use to get your vintage steel bikes spiffed up?
#2
Senior Member
Clean with microfiber towels and diluted Simple Green. Apply Klasse High Gloss Sealant 1-3 times as you see fit. Enjoy.
#3
Junior Member
Same as my car, polish and/or wax. Takes a lot less time to wax the bike.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wherever
Posts: 16,755
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 132 Times
in
78 Posts
Easy. After cleaning, I use this stuff. Been using Meguiar's on my cars too since the early 80's.
Meguiars #6 Cleaner/Wax cleans and protects in one step! This liquid car wax is superior to other liquid cleaner waxes because its by Meguiars.
This paint is forty years old.
Meguiars #6 Cleaner/Wax cleans and protects in one step! This liquid car wax is superior to other liquid cleaner waxes because its by Meguiars.
This paint is forty years old.
#6
Senior Member
Wax alone doesn't shine the paint, only protect it. You need to use polish or a combined cleaner wax as footboy does.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 8,016
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 629 Times
in
355 Posts
If it's really dull (oxidized) I start with fine cut rubbing compound, then McGuires Show Car glaze, then wax. The "cleaner wax" products are a combo of rubbing compound and wax, and work fine on most paints that are only mildly oxidized.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Pinole, CA, USA
Posts: 17,414
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 443 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 27 Times
in
25 Posts
I refuse to buy Meguiar's because of all the hype....even if it's true. I used to use Wax Shop products, but they seem to have disappeared from the market. Wax Depot is offering Wax Shop "replacements".
You'll know what I mean about the hype if you read car magazines, go to car shows or watch car related tv. They even have their own tv show now (Car Crazy, hosted by Barry Meguiar).
You'll know what I mean about the hype if you read car magazines, go to car shows or watch car related tv. They even have their own tv show now (Car Crazy, hosted by Barry Meguiar).
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Tewksbury, MA
Posts: 76
Bikes: Giant TCR, 03 Haro V3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That paint is looking sharp! I bought my 80 Centurion several months ago and while I wipe is down it has not had any intensive polishing and waxing done yet.
I am assuming that tearing the whole thing down to frame only is the best way to polish and wax. Sounds like a winter time project.
I am assuming that tearing the whole thing down to frame only is the best way to polish and wax. Sounds like a winter time project.
#10
Retro Grouch
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Santa Cruz
Posts: 2,210
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Pledge furniture polish. A quick spray and wipe and you frame will look amazing; since it's not a wax, you can reapply with no buildup.
#11
Senior Member
[QUOTE=Grand Bois;17054571]I refuse to buy Meguiar's because of all the hype....even if it's true./QUOTE]
Knowing nothing about the hype, I tried the product. It's pretty amazing.
Knowing nothing about the hype, I tried the product. It's pretty amazing.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 8,016
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 629 Times
in
355 Posts
[QUOTE=Roll-Monroe-Co;17054994]I started buying when I started building guitars. Only then did I move on to using it on my car, bikes, etc.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 431
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I clean the frame with simple green then spray the frame, rims etc with lemon pledge.
You can use expensive Car Wax but it does take time, builds up and you need to use a tooth brush to get the residual wax out of the nooks and crannies.
Lemon Pledge works Great, I know guys that have expensive classic cars and motorcycles that use lemon pledge.
It smells good too but can sometimes attract bees...
You can use expensive Car Wax but it does take time, builds up and you need to use a tooth brush to get the residual wax out of the nooks and crannies.
Lemon Pledge works Great, I know guys that have expensive classic cars and motorcycles that use lemon pledge.
It smells good too but can sometimes attract bees...
#14
Banned.
Join Date: May 2011
Location: on the beach
Posts: 4,859
Bikes: '73 falcon sr, '76 grand record, '84 davidson
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 59 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 21 Times
in
16 Posts
might have to pick up some lemon pedge now. i looked around the house, and i didn't find any dimethicone nor polydimethylsiloxane.
#15
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,691
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 510 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7287 Post(s)
Liked 2,361 Times
in
1,380 Posts
I use Finish Line Super Bike Wash. I think it might have waxed dissolved in it somehow. I spray it on, and the dirt jumps off and runs away. It doesn't seem to attach lubricants, either, so I use it everywhere. It works much better for me than Simple Green does.
The other cleaners in this vein work as well. Another such product is called Muc-Off.
The other cleaners in this vein work as well. Another such product is called Muc-Off.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Hurricane Alley , Florida
Posts: 3,910
Bikes: Treks (USA), Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn letour,Raleigh Team Professional, Gazelle GoldLine Racing, 2 Super Mondias, Carlton Professional.
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times
in
22 Posts
Scratch X and then wax.
#17
Retro Grouch
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Santa Cruz
Posts: 2,210
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Not sure what "pedge" is, but Leamon Pledge coats the frame with a thin film of silicone that really makes paint on metal shine. As they say, don't knock it if you haven't tried it..
#18
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Port Orange, FL
Posts: 55
Bikes: 1990 Trek 970, 95 Schwinn Searcher, 2012 Trek Wasabi cruiser
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Liked 23 Times
in
7 Posts
I think the Scratch X helps repair a damaged clear coat. It was the only thing that worked on my dull, spotted finish to bring the original paint color back.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Washington County, Vermont, USA
Posts: 3,787
Bikes: 1966 Dawes Double Blue, 1976 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1975 Raleigh Sprite 27, 1980 Univega Viva Sport, 1971 Gitane Tour de France, 1984 Lotus Classique, 1976 Motobecane Grand Record
Mentioned: 77 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 758 Post(s)
Liked 647 Times
in
343 Posts
I prefer Leamon Pedge.
__________________
www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Cowan Heights, CA
Posts: 977
Bikes: Wizard, Eisentraut, Paramount, Litton, Turner, Surley, Trek, Kona, Landshark, Hujsak, Masi, Tesch, Holland, Retrotec, Spectrum
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 37 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Be careful with Simple Green. It can do nasty stuff to aluminum and definitely strips the wax.
#21
Banned.
Join Date: May 2011
Location: on the beach
Posts: 4,859
Bikes: '73 falcon sr, '76 grand record, '84 davidson
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 59 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 21 Times
in
16 Posts
and i wasn't knocking it. i was just having fun with the names of its contents.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 431
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I mix my simple green 1 pt simple green and 3 parts water, you don't want to use full strength.
I also use orange or lemon oil on antiques, (or even pure cocoanut oil).
Lemon pledge is the best thing for paint on my bikes and my newest Peugeot is 25 yrs old.
It does provide a protective coat and dirt and mud etc slide right off, when I am done riding I have an old rag soaked with lemon pledge in a plastic bag and a 2 minute wipe down always keeps it shiny and looking new.
Simple but effective.
I also use orange or lemon oil on antiques, (or even pure cocoanut oil).
Lemon pledge is the best thing for paint on my bikes and my newest Peugeot is 25 yrs old.
It does provide a protective coat and dirt and mud etc slide right off, when I am done riding I have an old rag soaked with lemon pledge in a plastic bag and a 2 minute wipe down always keeps it shiny and looking new.
Simple but effective.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Beautiful Long Beach California
Posts: 3,603
Bikes: Eddy Merckx San Remo 76, Eddy Merckx San Remo 76 - Black Silver and Red, Eddy Merckx Sallanches 64 (2); Eddy Merckx MXL;
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 143 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
[QUOTE=Grand Bois;17054571]I refuse to buy Meguiar's because of all the hype....even if it's true. QUOTE]
You won't use something that works because there's too much hype? That's ridiculous.
You won't use something that works because there's too much hype? That's ridiculous.