lostarchitect 

I recently picked up a '78 Raleigh Competition--Cool bike. Almost none of the parts are original and I plan to strip it down and build it back up with an IGH. But more on that later.

The paint is generally intact but very dull. I took off the band-on shifters, and the paint under there is markedly glossier and nicer looking.

My question here is what would you do to attempt to revitalize the paint? Given that the paint is generally all there, I don't want to re-paint the bike. Here are a couple (bad) photos that should give you a general idea of what I'm dealing with. When I brought it home I thought it was just a film on the surface of the frame, but after a quick cleaning, it appears that the paint itself is dull and hazy looking.

What would you do? What products would you use? Thanks!

ColonelJLloyd 

I've acheived pretty impressive results with Meguiar's Scratch X 2.0. You rub it in with a terry cloth or old t-shirt, remove it and then wax the frame.

eippo1

I've had some good results using Turtle Wax Color Back and then following up with some Pedro's Bike Lust. It made a neglected Raleigh shine again. If there are some surface issues, then some gentle use with rubbing compound also helps.

cudak888 

Meguiar's Scratch X, Fine Cut Cleaner, or KIT Scratch Out.

-Kurt

T-Mar

I use Meguiar's Fine Cut Cleaner. It may be the old version of what CJL is using.

20grit

I use Meguiars Mirror Glaze #7 on musical instruments. Seems like Meguiars makes good stuff in general.

cudak888 

Meguiar's claims Fine Cut is better for non-clearcoated paint jobs, while Scratch X is for clearcoats.

I've tried both products on both types of paint - I've yet to see a short or long-term difference between the two.

-Kurt

lostarchitect 

Cool guys, thanks for the advice! Looks like I'm off to Auto Zone for some Meguiar's products.

ColonelJLloyd 

Get in the zone, dude!