How do you protect drab/ flat/ matt paint?

[FrankBlack]

This has no doubt been asked before but I couldn't find anything on the forum. What are people using to clean and then protect flat/ matt paint finishes? I'm told by the dealer only to wash the paintwork on my Nightster (flat 'denim' silver and black) but it tends to look pretty crappy when it dries. Anyone use wax, for example? S100 wax is only beeswax and carnauba wax, so I can't imagine it'd do any harm (?). Or can it?

[scotty-j]

use either spray quick detailer or an easy to remove wax that way you do not end up polishing the clear coat. it is the exact same clear as the rest of the bikes except it has a flattening agent mixed in it. if you decide to use a wax make sure it is a liquid/soft wax with no cleaner in it (cleaner is actually a fine rubbing compound) and remove it slowly and gently as to not buff and polish...i have friends that have satin clear on their cars and trucks and they only use spray detailer, that is what i would use.

turtle wax platinum spray detailer works real good, won't streak if applied in direct sunlight either !


this weekend i seen a e-glide in denim blue that had the sides of the tank near the seat that were shiny, the guy was quite large and i'm sure his jeans over time buffed the satin clear back to a gloss.... it looked like ass.

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

But, correct me if I'm wrong, there IS NO CLEAR COAT - that's the whole point.

You CAN'T protect the paint because to protect it would be to wax or coat it, which would defeat the flat look/purpose.

I was under the impression the paint is supposed to "wear" on those models, that's part of the pseudo-bobberesque mystique.

Scotty, Satin isn't the same as flat... unless I'm missing something here.

[screech69]

what Kev said, supposed to wear out like an old pair of jeans!

[FrankBlack]

Originally Posted by scotty-j

use either spray quick detailer or an easy to remove wax that way you do not end up polishing the clear coat. it is the exact same clear as the rest of the bikes except it has a flattening agent mixed in it. if you decide to use a wax make sure it is a liquid/soft wax with no cleaner in it (cleaner is actually a fine rubbing compound) and remove it slowly and gently as to not buff and polish...i have friends that have satin clear on their cars and trucks and they only use spray detailer, that is what i would use.

turtle wax platinum spray detailer works real good, won't streak if applied in direct sunlight either !


this weekend i seen a e-glide in denim blue that had the sides of the tank near the seat that were shiny, the guy was quite large and i'm sure his jeans over time buffed the satin clear back to a gloss.... it looked like ass.

Thanks Scotty. There's a certain amount of, er, 'mystique' surrounding this 'denim' finish, at least around the dealerships I've been in. Most sales people just look blank when asked what you use on it i.e. 'dunno'. I've heard the 'it wears like jeans' description too, whatever that might mean. "Looks like ass" is perhaps a more accurate description!

Anyway, I just tried some S100 wax on it and it looks fine - better than before actually. No streaks and still flat looking - well, a nano-pube more satin than before. Water beads on it now, rather than leaving streaks.

[Nightster Man]

As usual Kev is the man.

Per my owners manual "The denim finish has qualities which differ from high gloss finishes on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Like denim fabric, Denim paint will burnish or mar with age and use, thus adding character and personality to the finish of the motorcycle."

"If scratched, the color coat of paint does nick/scuff and these marks can not be rubbed out."

"If polished, the finish will become less matte and more glossy over time."

The manual also indicates how to clean.

"For heavier deposits: Use grease cutting dishwashing detergent and a clean H-D wash-mitt. (Dilute the detergent per the instruction provided by its manufacturer.) Rinse thoroughly with clean water."

"For lighter deposits, use glass cleaner (ammonia based) and H-D Soft Cloth. This helps remove finger prints and light soil."

"For final detailing use H-D Gloss with H-D soft Cloth."

I have used the glass cleaner between washes and it works well. I have not used the H-D gloss, not sure if I would like the look.

[FrankBlack]

Thanks NM. I've used the glass cleaner and it works fine. Just wanted to know if there was a product recommended for protecting the finish. I'm not very convinced of the 'wears like a pair of jeans' advertising slogan, as it sounds like spin put on something that isn't very durable. I think the wax I'm using will be good as long as I don't let it build up. The alkalinity of the glass cleaner should help cut any wax build up.

[XLNT]

I don't have the "denum" finish myself, but a buddy of mine has used "Lemon Pledge" furniture polish on his since new. (This is what the stealer recommended) It has not changed the appearance of the finish, and offers a little protection for bugs, etc. Because it has oils in it, it takes off some of the grime as well. Good luck. Ride On!

[warren]

Originally Posted by Kev M

But, correct me if I'm wrong, there IS NO CLEAR COAT - that's the whole point.

You CAN'T protect the paint because to protect it would be to wax or coat it, which would defeat the flat look/purpose.

I was under the impression the paint is supposed to "wear" on those models, that's part of the pseudo-bobberesque mystique.

Scotty, Satin isn't the same as flat... unless I'm missing something here.

these guys are basicly correct...but no wax or compound should be used,im familure with satin clear,it used on the clading on mercedes and such.you rub it enough with your bare finger and it will start to shine and you cant reverse it to match the rest then it will start to look spotty,just clean it with mild soap and water.these kind of finishes wont maintain that new look long.

[citified]

I just use a regular car wash soap and a shammy to dry. easy as pie