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Pre-Wax CleaningPre-Wax Cleaning & Polishing by David W. Bynon Copyright (c) 2002 -- All Rights Reserved Every surface of your motorcycle is exposed to environmental forces that attack the pristine finish. Oxidation, swirl marks, fine scratches and other blemishes, not to mention the bonded contaminants that regular washing can't remove, keep your bike from looking its best. Ride after ride, harsh road conditions degrade your bike's condition. Without special attention to remove contaminates, swirl marks and other minor blemishes, even the finest wax can't restore your bike’s to its original finish. There are two ways you can determine the condition of your bike's painted surfaces. Visually, you will notice specs of dirt, blemishes and dull areas. With your hand (after washing), you will feel contaminates. These are all indicators that it is time to deep clean the paintwork and apply one or more coats of wax. In general, there are two kinds of pre-wax cleaners. The first is a polish, which is a cleaner with a mild abrasive (compound). The abrasive compound in polish helps to remove dead paint (caused by oxidation), tar specs, water and acid rain spots, bug remains, and other contaminates. Polish also smoothes the paint surface, improving gloss. Used properly, a good polish will also remove swirl marks and other minor paint blemishes. The second type of pre-wax cleaner is a true cleaner, not an abrasive. These products use citric acids to deep clean the paintwork and remove wax. To properly apply a pre-wax cleaner (or polish), first thoroughly wash and dry your bike as usual. Using a terrycloth applicator, apply your pre-wax cleaner to one surface at a time (tank, faring, bags). The best method is to pour a quarter size dab on your applicator, rubbing it into the paintwork in a strait line (front to back) with medium pressure. When the surface becomes slightly tacky, gently buff the panel to a high-gloss with a clean terrycloth towel. Rub your hand across the clean surface to determine if it needs a second cleaning. The paint should feel silky smooth. If you feel small bumps, you need to clean again. You’ll know it’s clean when a clean terrycloth towel “squeaks” when rubbing the paint. When your applicator pad gets gummed up, rinse it out and squeeze out the excess water. Remember, the pre-wax cleaner is removing dead paint and contaminates, so rinse your pad. Most pre-wax cleaners and polishes dry to a light film. It should buff off with minimum effort. If the film does not buff off easily, you may be using too much cleaner/polish, you may be letting it dry too long, or your buffing towel may be dirty. Don’t let the cleaner/polish sit for more than 1-2 minutes before buffing off. If you get streaks, re-apply a smaller amount of your cleaner/polish and re-buff with a clean, dry terry cloth towel. Pre-wax cleaners should be used on paintwork only. Do not use these cleaners on satin black or anodized engine parts. It will create a gloss on these parts or dry white in the cracks. Once cleaned, its time to wax your bike's paintwork. If you want a show bike shine, you will be applying two coats of wax. If not, a single coat will suffice. |
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