Frame polishing
Moderator: robbosmans
WW team,
I have a carbon bike with tiny miny micro scratches I'd like to remove. What polishing methods and materials do you recommend that don't damage the paintwork and/or the frame?
I have a carbon bike with tiny miny micro scratches I'd like to remove. What polishing methods and materials do you recommend that don't damage the paintwork and/or the frame?
2020 Scott Addict RC / 2021 Trek Emonda SLR / 2023 Specialized Tarmac SL8
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Check out some car detailing channels for detailed guides and processes.
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I use Autoglym polish and it works a treat. You can buff out a surprising amount of wear and tear.
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What he said.Steve Curtis wrote: ↑Mon Oct 17, 2022 2:04 pmCheck out some car detailing channels for detailed guides and processes.
I've done this on one of my bikes and used the 3 step process with Sonus products. I do have a polishing machine so that makes short work of it and the end result is excellent. Doing it by hand is just more labour intensive.
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Hmmmm, out of curiosity was this a new bike or old?
I took delivery of a new bike recently and noticed within a few days that it has a lot of micro scratches. I'm confident they were there to begin with as I only used a micro fibre cloth to wipe some finger prints away, didn't ride it through any rain or anything, and noticed they're also in places I didn't touch at all.
Pretty unhappy too as I'm still waiting on an answer from the brand after 1.5 months AND I paid for custom paint... :/
Try a one step polish with fillers.
Meguairs has tutorials on using ultimat polish by hand..try on a car first /panel no one can see.
If you do get the micro abrasions sorted..seal with a ceramic DIY spray [turtle wax]...re-apply based on use.
Can use a carnuba wax over ceramic coat for added longevity.
Just waxed..no effects from phone 20FE
Meguairs has tutorials on using ultimat polish by hand..try on a car first /panel no one can see.
If you do get the micro abrasions sorted..seal with a ceramic DIY spray [turtle wax]...re-apply based on use.
Can use a carnuba wax over ceramic coat for added longevity.
Just waxed..no effects from phone 20FE
Bike was bought 2 year ago as new, now needs some TLC to shine again. Especially the head tube and down tube.
2020 Scott Addict RC / 2021 Trek Emonda SLR / 2023 Specialized Tarmac SL8
Automotive clay bars..e.g. Mother's with their lube or a pH neutral soap and water (must use something to lubricate).
As it is a new frame...doubt you'd have to polish.
Not sure how ipa will react to clear coat as i've never used it.
Pan the detailer's channel is excellent for those things/ detailing
I spot polished some blemished high wear areas with basic auto wax product, looked better than new. So I wonder if, assuming normal wear and tear and not gouges, how far you go is more a question of how much better than OEM/stock do you want it to be.
I use a cheapo Aliexpress mini polisher.
https://m.aliexpress.us/item/2255800446 ... 6cdb02aed0
Along with car polish. I prep the paint by cleaning first with a clay at and treat the paint like a car finish and not polish too heavy as to burn the paint. Takes out all fine scratches and brings the paint to a mirror finish.
There are other less expensive polishers along with mini ones available in the States at much higher prices. Yeah, a bit extreme the the results are astounding.
https://m.aliexpress.us/item/2255800446 ... 6cdb02aed0
Along with car polish. I prep the paint by cleaning first with a clay at and treat the paint like a car finish and not polish too heavy as to burn the paint. Takes out all fine scratches and brings the paint to a mirror finish.
There are other less expensive polishers along with mini ones available in the States at much higher prices. Yeah, a bit extreme the the results are astounding.
- Factor Ostro VAM Disc
- Factor LS Disc
- Specialized Aethos Disc
- Sturdy Ti Allroad Disc
- Guru Praemio R Disc
- Factor LS Disc
- Specialized Aethos Disc
- Sturdy Ti Allroad Disc
- Guru Praemio R Disc
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Meguiar's Cleaner Wax is a good all arounder. I'd try that before I went for a complicated multi-step, multi-product process.
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Cleaner ... B0002NYE5M
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Cleaner ... B0002NYE5M