Dull Paint ... Suggestions?

[MacDragon]

I have a 2000 standard and the paint finish is very dull... The paint appears to be in good shape and I want to bring back the original luster.  Should I just use Turtle Wax or equivalent?  Any suggestions would be great.

[rodeo1]

first you need to rid the paint of that dull oxidation. use rubbing compound and a polisher if you have had any experience with one. if not use a rag and rub by hand, but keep rubbing till the dullness turns into a sort of half arsed shine, then clean it up and go after it with a good carnuba wax (not turtle wax) any of the mirror glaze products are good, just look for carnuba on the label.

[BradValk48237]

Before you go all the way to rubbing compound... especially if you have not used it before.. Try Meguires Cleaner/wax..... it does a good light cleaning and might solve your problem.. If it does, follow with a carnuba/deep crystal.... If not, then the compound... be careful on the plastic if you do and watch the edges of things- Especially if you are using some kind of mechanical wheel- can burn thru clear and into the paint.....

B

[Farther]

The paint on my Standard is very soft so I would recommend the cleaner/wax product  too. 

[Bad On 3]

Be CAREFUL  be careful!!!!!!! you can do more damage than good ---try the cleaner wax polish if that dont work take the bike to a body shop or detail shop and let someone with experience buff your paint !!! they can take off the dull and bring back the shine --if you use rubin compound and use it wrong you will leave scratches all over the paint --spend a few bucks and get it done-- it will look like new --then just need to keep wax on it !!!

[blackvalk]

I don't know which site this advise was on, but I have tried Meguiars Ultimate Compound by hand and Meguiars Hi Tech Yellow Wax #26.

It makes my black tank sparkle. Deep Deep Shine.

[scoot]

The other thing to try is Maguire's Clay bar. You use it with a good cleaner as a lubricant. It will take off all the pollutants as oxidents that dull the finish. It will leave a nice smooth finish. Then use a good polish / cleaner, and then wax it to finish it off. Take your time, do it by hand. High speed isn't always the best way. It will shine nice when your done.

[MacDragon]

Thank you all for the replies... Sounds like Mcguires is the way to go... I'll do it by hand and if it isn't to my satisfaction... I'll bring it to my clean up guys at my work.  (Car business/Dealership)  They will buff it up real nice.   Want to attempt it myself first.  I can get it done for free... I'm the Business Manager.  Pics when I'm done... Just put on the Windshield and Lowers today.  Kuryakyn ISO Grips Sunday. 

[paps350]

You have the ideal solution. Take it to work and let the experts look at it and at least they can advise you what needs done and the best product to use and if someone volunteers to do it for you by all means let him, or at least let him give a quick class on doing it yourself. As others have stated be very careful with compound and a buffer. Sound to me all that may be needed is a good cleaner which can be done by hand.

[Ricky-D]

If the black Valkyries are clear coated or not.

Depending on what method Honda used to paint the black Valkyries should certainly have some bearing on the process chosen to use in the attempt to regain the lustre.

Most clear coated paints do not not have such a thick coat of clear that lend them to electric buffing and will easily cut through to the base coat which is usually a dull finish color. Dull for the characteristics of better adhesion of the clear coat.

I would suggest hand application of whatever process or material is decided upon.

Protect what you have!  Do you know if the paint is original, or a repaint?

***

[MacDragon]

If the black Valkyries are clear coated or not.

Depending on what method Honda used to paint the black Valkyries should certainly have some bearing on the process chosen to use in the attempt to regain the lustre.

Most clear coated paints do not not have such a thick coat of clear that lend them to electric buffing and will easily cut through to the base coat which is usually a dull finish color. Dull for the characteristics of better adhesion of the clear coat.

I would suggest hand application of whatever process or material is decided upon.

Protect what you have!  Do you know if the paint is original, or a repaint?

***

Paint is deffinitely original... My brother bought the bike new with 1 mile on it in 2000.

[doubletee]

As suggested, wash thoroughly, clay it by hand, then use Griot's Garage Machine Polish #3 (or other  brand's comparable product) with a random orbital. Follow up with a good coat of wax.

Do not go all the way to rubbing compound. Start with the mildest polish after claying and progress to more aggressive ones, but only if needed. Sometimes two rounds with the least aggressive polish is needed.

I use the above process and products on my black Valk and black car, too. There are no swirl marks and it provides a deep gloss finish.

[MacDragon]

As suggested, wash thoroughly, clay it by hand, then use Griot's Garage Machine Polish #3 (or other  brand's comparable product) with a random orbital. Follow up with a good coat of wax.

Do not go all the way to rubbing compound. Start with the mildest polish after claying and progress to more aggressive ones, but only if needed. Sometimes two rounds with the least aggressive polish is needed.

I use the above process and products on my black Valk and black car, too. There are no swirl marks and it provides a deep gloss finish.

Thanks for the info... I'll be working on it Thursday...( I have three 12 hour work days coming. )