K2 / Proflex Riders Group

General => Tech Forum => Topic started by: colinv on February 21, 2005, 08:42:30 am

Title: Cleaning
Post by: colinv on February 21, 2005, 08:42:30 am

Just wondered what you guys use to clean your carbon k2's, some of them in the gallery are gleaming, I'm a bit worried what to use incase it upsets the carbon.

Title: Re: Cleaning
Post by: Simon on February 21, 2005, 08:51:39 am

After cleaning I used to polish it off with a spray of WD40 (obviously avoiding brake components)this gave a nice deep shine.
I've since lacqued my frame.
Simon.

Title: Re: Cleaning
Post by: colinv on February 21, 2005, 09:04:28 am

I've not had any other finishing to my frame so will the WD40 be ok on it? can I use any types of wax or polishes?

Title: Re: Cleaning
Post by: Ionit on February 21, 2005, 11:18:03 am

If you want to a gleaming shine, you need to Wax. I would not worry about chemical reaction with the Carbon/epoxy. Waxing is a common practice when using epoxy based thermoplastics. It is used in the epoxy resin itself as a separating agent from the mold. I would choose this method before any other extremely involved method such as using lacquer, urethane, or any other pintable plastic coatings. My carbon 4500 for example had the unfortunate process of slowly peeling away.
I used Polyurethane, it was a mistake.
wD40 although fast and easy is to my opinion a temporary fix; whereas Buffing and waxing fills the nicks and scratches making a permanent shine.

Title: Re: Cleaning
Post by: Old Proflexer on February 21, 2005, 12:49:27 pm

i used lemon scented pledge on mine after cleaning -

i may not go very fast but people say i smell great -

OP

Title: Re: Cleaning
Post by: shovelon on February 22, 2005, 02:14:30 am

My cleaning routine consists of wet napkins to soften and brush off mud. Then I use a few drops of Maguires plastic polish.

T.

Title: Re: Cleaning
Post by: colinv on February 22, 2005, 02:43:04 am

Thanks for all the replies, I tried PX-24 to clean it, its sometihng we use at work and has the same properties as WD40 but lasts longer as a lube and the bike looks great, I can't wait to get my new stickers from Alex and show the new look and forks in the gallery.

Title: Re: Cleaning
Post by: Dennis on February 22, 2005, 07:47:30 am

Pedro's bike lust works a treat (note the llinguistic influence from the european proflexers on me) on bare carbon, painted carbon, and even metal frames.

It produces a longlasting lustre and has the added benefit of making it real easy to wipe dirt and mud.

my 2quid.

[smiley=groucho.gif]

Title: Re: Cleaning
Post by: Simon on February 22, 2005, 07:54:27 am

Quote

works a treat (note the llinguistic influence from the european proflexers on me)

my 2quid.

[smiley=groucho.gif]

Dennis, I'm mighty impressed,my 2cents (hope thats correct :-[)
Simon.

Title: Re: Cleaning
Post by: kiwi on February 22, 2005, 07:32:07 pm

Quote

lustre

wow or is that how you lustre in the US too

Title: Re: Cleaning
Post by: kiwi on February 22, 2005, 07:33:17 pm

Quote

i may not go very fast but people say i smell great

I guess i will have to take their word on that :(