Any tips on cleaning matt paint?

wavefront
wavefront Posts: 397
edited June 2013 in Workshop
I've a black and white frame, but in a matt finish. Whilst I love the look, it's very hard to keep clean, as dirt/grease rubs into the matt white areas and doesn't come off in the usual wash, and even rubbing hard with a cloth they won't come off. I had to resort to a very gentle cream cleaner which removed the grease stains, but am concerned about what this might do to the paint over time.

Anyone else have light coloured areas on a matt finish? How do you clean the grease marks off??

Comments

  • smoggysteve
    smoggysteve Posts: 2,909
    Got to love all them in fashion black matt painted frames that all the manufacturers are making right now. God they look great don't they? Then it comes to keeping them clean and looking new. F@ck!! Bet you wish you got that shiny multi coloured frame instead now huh? Problem with matt paint is just that. That are a b!tch to keep clean and er matt. every scratch ad imperfection is magnified compared to the good old brightly coloured frames. best you can do is use wet wipes and a low pressure hose to remove the dirt and stay away from anything abrasive.
  • pnev
    pnev Posts: 236
    Brake and clutch cleaner :-)
  • Bozman
    Bozman Posts: 2,518
    Hot water and fairy liquid then foam degreaser for the tough bits
  • thebadgerboy1982
    thebadgerboy1982 Posts: 266
    I use baby wipes and muc off degreaser. Then a bit of kitchen roll to stop any smears. I try to keep on top of it and clean after every wet ride and most dry ones.
    Thebadgerboy1982@gmail.com
  • kentphil
    kentphil Posts: 479
    Not sure if this video is any help on BMW matt paints:

    http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=715291
    1998 Kona Cindercone in singlespeed commute spec
    2013 Cannondale Caadx 1x10
    2004 Giant TCR
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    SmoggySteve wrote:
    Got to love all them in fashion black matt painted frames that all the manufacturers are making right now.

    Worlds stupidest idea ever!

    I have one of those Scott CR1 SL frames in matt black. One day it will replace my Ribble Gran Fondo on the commute. Before that happens, I will have it gloss lacquered. Not only will it look much better then but I'll be able to touch it without the finish instantly marking and me having to clean the whole silly thing before it's even got built up let alone got dirty on the roads!

    So, strip the frame and get it lacquered asap. You'll thank yourself (and me) in the long run!
    Faster than a tent.......
  • patrickf
    patrickf Posts: 536
    Rolf F wrote:
    SmoggySteve wrote:
    Got to love all them in fashion black matt painted frames that all the manufacturers are making right now.

    Worlds stupidest idea ever!

    I have one of those Scott CR1 SL frames in matt black. One day it will replace my Ribble Gran Fondo on the commute. Before that happens, I will have it gloss lacquered. Not only will it look much better then but I'll be able to touch it without the finish instantly marking and me having to clean the whole silly thing before it's even got built up let alone got dirty on the roads!

    So, strip the frame and get it lacquered asap. You'll thank yourself (and me) in the long run!
    Rolf, are you going to be lacquering the frame yourself or are you planning on taking it somewhere?

    I'd be very interested in seeing how it looks.

    Not quite sure how well the paint job will hold up on this bike.
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    Well that's the thing isn't it! I'm not taking any chances on my own efforts - I'll find somewhere that will hopefully give some warranty on the finish (as a mark of confidence in its durability more than anything). As I'm in Leeds, I might try Bob Jackson first but don't wait for me - it may be some time before I do anything; I'm not in any rush to build the frame up!

    FWIW, I'm not convinced that the paint job would hold up that well unlacquered. It's clearly pretty minimalist in terms of quantity!
    Faster than a tent.......
  • smoggysteve
    smoggysteve Posts: 2,909
    KentPhil wrote:
    Not sure if this video is any help on BMW matt paints:

    http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=715291

    If you listen to the commentary near the end as they are washing the car. Mentions do not use abrasive compounds as they permanently scratch the paint and you cant get it out. So if its like that with the bike. Once you scratch it, your f@cked. On a car you sit in it, on a bike you are going to be in contact with the frame from time to time so its going to scratch. If you are riding it in a way where you are too careful as to not do, whats the point of having the thing?

Categories