What have you found that can help make an old dull frame sparkle? Car wax maybe?

FIRST a through cleaning.

I use WD40 to remove grease/oil then windex to remove any residue - followed by
Meguiar's Scratch-X - the best I know of - (this is a polishing compound which removes micro-scratches that dull what otherwise could be a mirror like surface) followed by a high quality car wax. Again I favor Meguiar's for the wax too, but there are other good waxes.

I also use Meguiar's products. If the paint is really oxidized and dull, I'll use Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. If the paint is decent but just needs a bit of cleaning up, Meguiar's Cleaner Wax gets the job done nicely.

Second the recommendation of a paint polish or "cleaner". The cleaner is also abrasive, follow up with a good wax. I'm doing the same right now with a new paint job on my Cdale.

I've also gotten good results with DuPont rubbing compound, followed by DuPont #7 polish, and then your favorite wax.

Just be very careful with rubbing compound and anything more than a mild abrasive - I've polished down into the primer before.

Definately be careful. I take a section like the underside of a chainstay to practice on. Grab an old clean sock and wet it with your cleaner/polish. Use a part of your hand where you can feel good contact with 180deg of tube. Now, go back and forth 4 times using light but firm pressure (slowly). Let it dry, clean the dust off with a damp towel. Now, under good light you can see how much you have done and judge the need to go further. Dont lose count or you can burn through your paint. And that doesnt feel good.

I'm looking to polish my frame too. Questions: 1) I'd prefer not to abrade any paint at all and can live with less than perfect shine -- ok to go straight to the wax step? 2) avoid decals or don't sweat it? 3) what if the paint (patina) is cracking or bubbling -- stiil ok to wax?

Clay bar

1) Just go lightly with Scratch X and then buff.

2) If the decals have been clear coated, no big worries. If not be as gentle as possible with them.

3) Yes, waxing these areas and often will help protect them from further degradation.

I really like Meguiar's #6 . Seems like a good idea to start with something light and then go with a heavier abrasive if needed and the paint is really oxidized.

+1 on the #7 ...cheap, readily available, and does a good job. Be real careful around decals ( as stated elsewhere in this thread) and pinstriping. I use final glaze rubbed very lightly on these areas. Wax when done.

Very similar to examples above.

- Thorough rinse and cleaning.
- Apply Simply Green liberally, let soak for a bit.
- Rinse and clean.
- Windex to remove grime. WD-40 on stubborn areas, I try to avoid it, but it tends to happen.
- Another rinse and clean.
- More Windex.
- Meguiars Scratch-X.
- NuFinish car polish.