Isn't metalized plastic like the fake chrome plated plastic trim they put on cars? I have used Maguire's on my cars with Steel, painted plastic and paintyed fiberglass panels with no ill efects... so far no ill effects on my S2R either. I was under the impression that nearly any automotive wax was OK for paint on metal or plastic.

 

honda spray polish.. do everything cleaner
mcguiers gold class wax

 

The paint is all the same.It is just prepped differently than metal.Treat it just like regular paint because that is what it is.I like Meguiar's paste wax personally.I also use Race Glaze in between waxes.It is the best hand polish I've come across in ten years of painting.

 

I use S100 for cleaning and Meguiar's Gold Class to wax. The tank could be made out of metal, plastic, CF, silly putty etc..... and it shouldn't matter as long as it's painted over. I think the metalized plastic is that plastic/chrome stuff someone else mentioned. Wow, haven't thought of Race Glaze for a while! Used to use that when I worked in auto body during high school/college. Great stuff!

 

meguiars soft wash gel.......for washing
mothers showtime......for detailing or quick wipe over
meguiars scratchX.....for polishing........this stuff is orrrrsome!!
meguiars gold class wax.........for er ..waxing.

 

This may have been covered before elsewhere, so forgive my ignorance if that's the case. Do you treat a "Dark" finish any different that the gloss finishes?

 

This may have been covered before elsewhere, so forgive my ignorance if that's the case. Do you treat a "Dark" finish any different that the gloss finishes?

Not really...once upon a time you had to make sure the wax was clear coat safe, but almost everything in current production seems to be now adays. For us darkers its a non issue anyway, we don't have a clear coat, you could use that can of wax your dad has had in the garage since the 50s to no ill effect (not that I recomend this).

The one caution I have on the darks is to be careful around the tank stickers, they aren't cleared over like the regular paints, so you will snag your buff cloth on the corners, and if are not careful could mess up the sticker.

 

Just be careful. You could have a shiny black tank instead of a dark if you're not careful... ;D

 

plastic tank cleaning and waxing?

Sorry guys, I'm sure it is somewhere....but havn't found in a couple nights. Is my plastic tank really black glossy plastic or is it plastic painted over? I want to use armour all on it if plastic or wax it if paint but don't know which it is.

(Black glossy 2007m695)

 

Re: plastic tank cleaning and waxing?

Sorry guys, I'm sure it is somewhere....but havn't found in a couple nights. Is my plastic tank really black glossy plastic or is it plastic painted over? I want to use armour all on it if plastic or wax it if paint but don't know which it is.

(Black glossy 2007m695)

It's paint with clear coat.

 

I use Meguiars wax on the painted body work of the bike and to wash it I use Turtle wax clear car soap. Just as an aside I have found the best thing to rinse a motorcycle with after it is soaped up is a garden sprayer. It provides a nice gentle stream of water right where you need it.

 

Any auto shampoo i find available at the time and then sonax hard wax (in a spray can) or johnson's polish wax. Either choice makes the bike look hot.

+1 on the gardener sprayer (mine is a gardena adjustable flow sprayer)

 

Treat it like any automotive paint. Just watch where you're spraying the hose when you rinse, especially if you have an open airbox.

Wax with any automotive grade wax. Good to go.

You can take out any swirls with 3M polishing compound (looks grey in the bottle, not the stuff in a can), but use a soft t-shirt and your elbow-power instead of a machine. It's worked great on all my bikes for knee rubs, etc.