Quick Tips to a Better Detail Job
- Wash your motorcycle thoroughly. Use bug and tar remover and other specially formulated chemicals to treat problem areas.
- When using a buffer make sure your polish and waxes are compatible. Chemical bases differ, and some chemicals react adversely when mixed.
- Use several terrycloth towels when hand waxing. Don't apply towels used for buffing the sides and rocker panels to the upper body surfaces. Avoid introducing road oxidants and corrosives to the upper panels.
- Wax your motorcycle in the shade. Many polishes and waxes have chemistry that will evaporate rapidly in direct sunlight. A hot paint surface is also more vulnerable to damage.
- Apply polish to the cloth or bonnet. Pouring it onto the painted surface may cause uneven chemical action, including stains.
- Avoid use of any product that seals paint permanently. Such materials may prevent normal expansion and contraction of paint and seldom offer protection against UV radiation. Auto painters lament the fish-eye effect that results when repainting finishes sealed with permanent protectants.
- Invest in the miracles of modern science. Special detailing chemicals not only leave more time for recreation, but they often provide superior results.
- Allow vinyl surfaces to breathe. Most vinyl has a chemically engineered top-coat that needs protection. Choose your vinyl treatment carefully.
- Use a small detail brush to reach difficult areas. A freshly polished finish draws attention to those small crevices and crannies that you miss. A few extra minutes makes the difference between a show-stopper and a shoddy job.
- Pay attention to quality. There's a reason for higher priced products and all waxes are not the same the longest lasting stuff may not serve your paint finish best. Look for breathable Carnaubas and anti-oxidants. They can extend the life of your motorcycle's finish.
When your cycle's paint finish comes back to live, a sparkling surface with deeply colored lustre, there's an incentive to complete the detailing chores. Here, too I recommend fast, high quality chemical products for highlighting the trim.
- Flat stainless steel and chrome moldings respond readily to the gentle buffing action of the orbital machine, and the balance of this hardware will polish easily by hand. Rubber and vinyl, the two most vulnerable materials after paint, require a hand-applied combination cleaner/protectant product that will counter oxidation.
The principal cause of oxidation on your cycle's painted surfaces and rubber is sunlight. Use of a protective UV-blocker agent on vinyl, leather and plastic trim extends the life of these materials. We heartily recommend 303 Protectant for this job.
A gentle cleaner, 303 provides a protective barrier against oxidation without damaging vinyl's topcoat chemistry. Sensitive vinyl surfaces must flex and breathe. Any coating that either draws away the special surface chemistry or seals the topcoat from breathing will eventually cause embrittlement. Avoid silicone oils and other chemistry that leave a "wet" look on vinyl. 303 Protectant delivers the best protection.
