Wax or Not?

[Swede]

I have a 2008 Vivid Black Ultra. I've got a friend who is a body and fender guy. He has helped me get scratches out of my scoot that I couldn't believe you could rub out. Used Meguire's 83 and 84, I think and in some cases a compound he brought home from work. He says that with the clear coat on bikes that you should just use soap and water to wash it and if you want to polish then just use Meguirre's #7. That's what I have been doing on occasion and it seems to work well. There's a lot of discussion here about waxing and I haven't done that. So my question - with clear coat, is it really neccessary to wax or is the # 7 polish enough?

[Rockerbox1]

keep in mind, any polish, (regardless of how light) is an abrasive

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by Swede

I have a 2008 Vivid Black Ultra. I've got a friend who is a body and fender guy. He has helped me get scratches out of my scoot that I couldn't believe you could rub out. Used Meguire's 83 and 84, I think and in some cases a compound he brought home from work. He says that with the clear coat on bikes that you should just use soap and water to wash it and if you want to polish then just use Meguirre's #7. That's what I have been doing on occasion and it seems to work well. There's a lot of discussion here about waxing and I haven't done that. So my question - with clear coat, is it really neccessary to wax or is the # 7 polish enough?

Yes. Wax seals and protects. Some now also include some UV protectant. Polish contains no protection qualities, if it's real polish.

The trick here, is that the car market has managed to misuse the word "polish" in wax products. Polish is an extremely mild abrasive, and compounds vary from light to heavy cutting. Each one has a job. One doesn't do all.

This "Polish/wax" stuff on the market is lame in both senses. It barely polishes anything because it's not a real polish, and it's basically just a wax/protectant.

And again.....it's not paint, the clear is powdercoat. It has similar, but different properties then paint.

Wax is good. What people make the fatal mistake of doing is using improper items to wax their bike/car with, or don't wash it first, and end up rubbing a bunch of road dirt around, with the wax. Result: Swirl marks and scratches.

Things that are bad:

1.) Wax applicating pads that were used more then once, or that are dry. They should be washed afterwards, if not tossed. They're cheap, and you wax a vehicle, at the most 2 times a year. Any more is a waste, with today's modern waxes.

2.) Towles in the garage, unless they're washed after EVERY use. Towels snag and hold abrasive material.

3.) Papertowels, or related items that are compressed wood pulp. Papertowels cam scratch CHROME.

I use Meguires polish, compound products if there's paint damage (swirls, light scratches) Turtle Wax Ice synthetic wax, and for days that the bike has light dirt, a quick wash, and Maguires detail spray afterwards.


Hope some of this helps....

[Scrinch]

I heard about Pledge on another site and I gotta say it is easy, cheap, and works on everything but the tires and seat. After thorough washing, spray on Pledge, wipe off excess with micro cloth, then polish with second micro cloth. Nice lemon smell.

[Swede]

Dave - when I looked at the Meguires #7 it doesn't show any compound in it but it must or like you say it wouldn't polish. I think I'll try some of the Turtle Wax Ice next time and get some Meguires detailing spray. I have used Purple Slice and Plexus for light dust with good results. I always use micro fiber towels. Black doesn't stay clean very long with all the dust here in AZ. But I do get to ride all winter with no ice!

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by Scrinch

I heard about Pledge on another site and I gotta say it is easy, cheap, and works on everything but the tires and seat. After thorough washing, spray on Pledge, wipe off excess with micro cloth, then polish with second micro cloth. Nice lemon smell.

PLEDGE has no wax/UV resistence qualities, although it does result in a nice finish and lemon scent.

Basically, it's a low-grade petroleum based fluid, propelled with butane, that you're using on your bike.

http://www.fsafood.com/msds/vault/002/002858.pdf

The MSDS sheet basically says it's Silicones, water and Isoparrafinic hydrocarbons. Isoparaffinic Hydrocarbons are used in the manufacture of liquid imaging toners, paint formulations, charcoal lighter fluid, furniture polishes and floor cleaners.

I've heard a lot of guys say they use it, and nobody's ever stated that it was related to any known damage, however, I'm just telling you what it is and giving you the facts.

[Monk]

This is what I've found works best for me...

Can't wait to get it dirty for next time!

[Swede]

I could use a couple of those in my garage but storage is tight - oh what the heck - send 'em on over, I'll worry about storage later!

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by Swede

Dave - when I looked at the Meguires #7 it doesn't show any compound in it but it must or like you say it wouldn't polish. I think I'll try some of the Turtle Wax Ice next time and get some Meguires detailing spray. I have used Purple Slice and Plexus for light dust with good results. I always use micro fiber towels. Black doesn't stay clean very long with all the dust here in AZ. But I do get to ride all winter with no ice!

Dark green, blue and black are a b*tch. As stated, the towels you use are as important as the wax, to prevent swirls. Microfiber is great. I also wash mine after every use, including any towels that got used to dry the car/bike.

Meguiars refers to most of their products as "cutter" (graded by numbers) and "Glaze", again...graded by numbers.

#7 is a non-drying oil. One of the many things it can be used for is to make paint look wet, thus the name: Show Car Glaze. After you apply it.....rub your fingers on it and see how it smears... It works best on single stage paints, like Acrylic Enamel, and not modern clear coated paints of today. It's been around forever.

#26 Yellow Wax, (which is a polymer/synthetic for the most part), dries clear, it does not turn white. It turns the surface very dark and deep.

Most any new wax that's synthetic, or a polymer, has one of the highest adhesion qualities, and that's what determines how long a wax lasts....

[kerrycorcoran]

Originally Posted by Monk

This is what I've found works best for me...

Can't wait to get it dirty for next time!

NICE!!