Cleaning of flat finishes

1890 Views 30 Replies 9 Participants Last post by jeeps84, Jan 7, 2006

pickle.of.doom

Discussion Starter · Dec 28, 2005

The "Flat" types of finishes seem to be getting more and more popular nowadays, with bikes like the Ducati Monster's with the dark finish, the Honda 599's and 919's, the new VFR's and such, got me wondering about something.

What types of cleaners and polishes and waxes are you supposed to use on these types of finish. I know for me I use Honda spray cleaner for the quick cleans and bust out a nice clear coat polish and wax for the good ones. But with a flat finish it wouldn't seem like you would want to use a wax, and they don't have clear coats really, so what would be the way to take care of these finishes? Even the Honda spray cleaner is a wax really.

1 - 20 of 31 Posts

Gas Man

· #2 · Dec 28, 2005

Good question POD!

jappysRR

· #3 · Dec 29, 2005

Honestly the best thing to clean those types of wheels with is good ol' fashion vinegar and water. It smells like hell, but it takes all the road grime off, grease, tar etc. but the best part it wont leave that white film on the finish. It works like a charm, I promise. Oh and also, you can't beat the price. A whole gallon of vinegar is about $1.29. Take it from the TWF Martha Stewart herself!

Gas Man

· #4 · Dec 29, 2005

Yeah but I think he's talking about the plastics!

jeeps84

· #5 · Dec 29, 2005

You clean and polish the same as any painted surface.

pickle.of.doom

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 29, 2005

Yeah plastics and the tank. Is wax bad for the flat finishes ya think Jeeps?

jeeps84

· #7 · Dec 29, 2005

pickle.of.doom said:
Yeah plastics and the tank. Is wax bad for the flat finishes ya think Jeeps?

I've never owned a bike with the flat finish but, have seen a Monster waxed. I couldn't tell the difference afterwards thou.

pickle.of.doom

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 29, 2005

Cool. My gf is sending my bro a package of cleaners for his 620 dark, and she was curious as what to throw in.

jeeps84

· #9 · Dec 29, 2005

pickle.of.doom said:
Cool. My gf is sending my bro a package of cleaners for his 620 dark, and she was curious as what to throw in.

Just leave out the pasty waxes. I now the Duc's have a ruff finish. We all know how wax is on ruff surfaces.

jappysRR

· #10 · Jan 2, 2006

even if it's a flat finish paint job, you can also use eye make remover pads. They wont leave that crummy film and also they're really gentle. they also work for removing ikky greasy dirty finger yukkies.

jeeps84

· #11 · Jan 2, 2006

jappysRR said:
even if it's a flat finish paint job, you can also use eye make remover pads. They wont leave that crummy film and also they're really gentle. they also work for removing ikky greasy dirty finger yukkies.

That's something I've never thought of.:dthumb:

Gas Man

· #12 · Jan 2, 2006

jappysRR said:
even if it's a flat finish paint job, you can also use eye make remover pads. They wont leave that crummy film and also they're really gentle. they also work for removing ikky greasy dirty finger yukkies.

While that's a great idea... I'm not going to be the guy using make up removed anything on my bike... :gary:

jeeps84

· #13 · Jan 2, 2006

Gas Man said:
While that's a great idea... I'm not going to be the guy using make up removed anything on my bike... :gary:

:lol: you just don't tell and do it in the privacy of your own home. :runaway:

larryg

· #14 · Jan 5, 2006

For Kawasaki at least, the flat finish is actually a clear coat. I believe they tell you to use their "wipe down" which is similar to the Honda polish.

Larry

pickle.of.doom

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 5, 2006

Thanks Larry! :dthumb:

Gas Man

· #16 · Jan 5, 2006

So tis a clear coated dull finish... interesting...

buellx1

· #17 · Jan 5, 2006

a treu flat finish is only a normal paintjob with a clear coat and the addition of a dulling agent int he clear coat. treat it as you would a regular paintjob

R1up0n1

· #18 · Jan 5, 2006

buellx1 said:
a treu flat finish is only a normal paintjob with a clear coat and the addition of a dulling agent int he clear coat. treat it as you would a regular paintjob

:iagree: The finish is just a flat color, with clear coat on it.

buellx1

· #19 · Jan 5, 2006

no
its a normal paintjob, the clearcoat has a dulling agent in it to make it matte or flat. my last car was matte blue

R1up0n1

· #20 · Jan 5, 2006

buellx1 said:
no
its a normal paintjob, the clearcoat has a dulling agent in it to make it matte or flat. my last car was matte blue

i like my $hit to shine.:2cents:

1 - 20 of 31 Posts

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