Author Topic: Best Wax(?)/ polish for protection on new paint(black) (Read 3273 times)

rider123 · « **on:** October 27, 2005, 02:40:05 PM »

Hi I just bought a new 2005 bandit black and I was wondering what would be the best wax/polish to use to protect the finish? I can already see some little swirls forming and I would like to get the paint protected now before it really goes to hell. I understand ther are some polishes/protectants that are specifically for black paint and whatnot are they recomended? Or is it better to just get some standard turtle wax or McGuires? Thanks.

Kamzilla · « **Reply #1 on:** October 31, 2005, 12:27:06 PM »

I use Honda polish and wax almost exclusively. I've tried other stuff before, but their products seem to work best. YMMV

PaulVS · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2005, 01:02:47 PM »

I've seen several online tests that show Zymol to be the best in both durability and shine.

http://www.zymol.com

Note: They make some ridiculously expensive wax that is like $125 per bottle... but the $12 stuff is what won the internet tests I've seen.

jeepskate99 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2005, 01:44:20 PM »

Quote from: "PaulVS"

I've seen several online tests that show Zymol to be the best in both durability and shine.

http://www.zymol.com

Note: They make some ridiculously expensive wax that is like $125 per bottle... but the $12 stuff is what won the internet tests I've seen.

I have a 2004 black Bandit and use this. No swirls, Great on windshield believe it or not, and splattered bugs wipe right off.

aussiebandit · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2005, 06:58:01 AM »

I've found that good quality Furniturerpolish in an aerosol can does the trick (Mr Sheen).....and for those on a budget even the generic brands work good....just make sure you use a SOFT cloth.

For cleaning the screen (and my visor) I user plexus. Yes it's expensive, but a little bit goes along way. On the rubbery bits (NOT TYRES or SEAT) I use Armoural.

Daytona · « **Reply #5 on:** November 02, 2005, 01:53:27 PM »

Hey It just got delivered by fedX!!! I got the gunfighter cause the Boss won't ride with me anyway! So will be riding on it to the pit today! Keep the post up, i wish i had a reason to ride for more than 30 min! Will be @ the zuki dealer in Deland this sat, so hope to meet up with other Bandit or just other bike riders. By the way i read where folks were saying about their products they use for cleaning/ waxing their bikes! Remember the clear coat is the life of about all paint finishes these days! If you are interested i work in as bad a conditions for a paint finish that can be! Lots of blowing silica that will even scratch glass! A quick blow off with air and drench with plain old armoral cut 50/50 with H2o and don't touch it till it gets sticky dry, then buff with a cloth. Works great on all stuff on the Bandit, plastic,vinyl, aluminum, paint, rubber, it will desolve bug guts and will make your header pipes,or chrome as bright as any polish. Don't get it on your brake rotors etc! it will make the brakes nill for a few miles[/size]. My 98 has never seen wax, has 35k on the odometer, i get told all the time it looks like a new one! with little effort i have maintained all my stuff with the Po man's cleaner polisher and have always had better than average looking cars etc when selling or trading. [/b][/i][/color]

A pic of my new seat and bike she isn't bad for a commuter! Hey click on the link or pic but its big so beware if you have dial up!!!! Hey is this a heck of a world or what? With stuff like this pic hosting anything is possible, what a great pic with my cheap camera, check out my 7k mile stinkoe's (tires) my rebar guards, and my new seat!! rite down to the stitching! More Rodney King's to come with this stuff from anywhere! U never know who's watching?? Hey Pete which Forum should this be in???

http://img38.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture0058zz.jpg

land_shark · « **Reply #6 on:** November 02, 2005, 02:51:31 PM »

Quote from: "Kamzilla"

I use Honda polish and wax almost exclusively. I've tried other stuff before, but their products seem to work best. YMMV

I use this stuff for everything.....everything

The only thing I won't do is run it in my gas!

stripes1976 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 04, 2005, 11:17:28 PM »

from personal experience i find i differs on what wax you use as to where in the world you are!
In the Uk i find meguiars cleaning range far superior to anything else.

rider123 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 08, 2005, 03:27:23 AM »

Thanks guys I'll try some of those products. I did find however a nice waxlike product called NU Finish which comes in a bad 70's style orange bottle for that nostaglic feeling, that puts a protective coating on the paint to help divert contaminants away from the paint and protect it from UV rays. It puts a very good shine on there but is not as good as carnuba wax, however it's really more of a protectant than a wax which I want to seal the paint. If you look at certain angles on the paint you can see the layer because it looks like an oil slick rainbow or something. Water beads off the bike like crazy!! So does that enivitable bird doo doo from those POS birds that wait untill you freshly wash your bike to park there asses over it when you're done.

It bills itself as a "once a year" car polish. While I think thats stretching it a bit, in 1 month and 3 washings it hasn't faded or become weird like carnuba wax. YOu can also apply it in the sun or shade. THis sort of car polish is more for people like me who are ok with the bike being shiny but still want to ride and not baby it everyday. It seals the paint and protects it. Also you can use any other product such as carnuba wax on top if you like so it's good as a first layer then you can forget it and use your normal polishing products. Ok, I'm lazy!! The bottle says you should do another layer in a month so I'll do another layer this weekend to really seal it. I believe it's silicone based. Once this stuff is on you can use a shop towel and just dust the bike off it's so smooth. But as I said carnuba wax and other products probably shine better but there's nothing thats says you can't use both!

PeteSC · « **Reply #9 on:** November 08, 2005, 11:52:49 AM »

I used to use Nufinish. It did last a long time. At one point, I think consumer Reports even recommended it.

IF YOU CAN FIND THE TURTLE WAX product with pigment in it, it also makes the bike look great, for about a month.
They bring it out every couple of years or so. 'Color' something.
Usually it's in white, green, red, tan, black....a handful of colors.
I think it's just normal turtle wax, with some dye in it.
The dye does leave a transparent, but slightly hued wax job. It covers mild scratches, and does make the bike look pretty good for almost a month.
It comes and goes on the market. I bought my last bottle on closeout for half price.