Preserving decals and polishing clear coat
#1
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Preserving decals and polishing clear coat
Trying to finish up my Schwinn 11.8 voyageur in chrome. I have the frameset stripped, and want to clean/polish as much as possible. I have a couple questions regarding this process:
- I want to preserve the original decals (what is left of them) if possible. Is there a mild method for cleaning that would leave them in tact? How does one, efficiently, clean/polish in between the lettering? I have heard of people using clear nail polish to protect. Is this standard? What other methods, outside of spray clear can be used to protect the decals from further damage? They are pretty fragile on this bike.
- The chrome is finished in a clear coat, which has some yellowing due to age. I usually use Nu Finish, and then a liquid wax (happen to have turtle wax currently) for some more shine. Will I need to use a cleaner wax or actual compound to rub out the yellowing? Any tips or hints would be appreciated.
Thanks all in advance.
- I want to preserve the original decals (what is left of them) if possible. Is there a mild method for cleaning that would leave them in tact? How does one, efficiently, clean/polish in between the lettering? I have heard of people using clear nail polish to protect. Is this standard? What other methods, outside of spray clear can be used to protect the decals from further damage? They are pretty fragile on this bike.
- The chrome is finished in a clear coat, which has some yellowing due to age. I usually use Nu Finish, and then a liquid wax (happen to have turtle wax currently) for some more shine. Will I need to use a cleaner wax or actual compound to rub out the yellowing? Any tips or hints would be appreciated.
Thanks all in advance.
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Yellowed clear coat over chrome will not rub out. All you can do is remove it.
When something survives undamaged, whole, it is not “in tact” but “intact”—one word, unbroken.
When something survives undamaged, whole, it is not “in tact” but “intact”—one word, unbroken.
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Thanks!

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I just polished and left it.
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In tact, we a have a polite tool to keep our well-bred, gentlemanly bona fides intact.
__________________
● 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 ●
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Looks like cc came off with wear from chain.
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