How to remove a scratch out of a bike [Archive] - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

View Full Version : How to remove a scratch out of a bike

Mike Phillips

10-28-2013, 01:47 PM

How to remove a scratch out of a bike (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/72313-how-remove-scratch-out-bike.html)

After we buffed out and sealed the paint on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 in this thread,

2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Show Car Makeover Pictures (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-autogeek-s-car-week/72151-2006-mercedes-benz-slk-350-show-car-makeover-pictures.html)

We had two more project to tackle, one was helping Miles dial-in and perfect his technique for using a dual action polisher and the other was removing an isolated scratch out of Matt's bicycle.

We started out using the least aggressive approach using Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover but that wasn't cutting it, (no pun intended), so we moved onto Wolfgang Uber Compound.

Matt brought his bicycle and his bike stand to hold it... pretty cool Matt...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2125/Bicycle_Buffout_001.jpg

AGO = OCD
Here's the offending scratch, Matt says the local bike shop did it while the bike was in for service but then denied it. They don't know Matt is a detailing enthusiast and as such has a keen awareness of the total condition of the finish on everything he owns including this bike.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2125/Bicycle_Buffout_002.jpg

Griot's 3" Mini Polisher + Uber Compound = Bicycle Buffer!
Here' we're using the Griot's 3" Mini Polisher with a Griot's 3" orange polishing pad and some Uber Compound to carefully work out the scratch.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2125/Bicycle_Buffout_003.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2125/Bicycle_Buffout_004.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2125/Bicycle_Buffout_005.jpg

Stop...
When Matt said to stop I stopped. His goal was to get the scratch to the point it was a lot less noticeable, not completely removed as a fingernail could still slide into the scratch you see below.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2125/Bicycle_Buffout_006.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2125/Bicycle_Buffout_007.jpg

That's just the results after compounding, by the time Matt polishes and waxes or seals the paint with a coating the human eye will likely not be able to see it.

Thanks for trusting Autogeek with your incredibly cool bike Matt...

:dblthumb2: :dblthumb2: :dblthumb2:

B53x11

10-28-2013, 01:55 PM

great work Mike! as a cyclist myself, I have often wondered how much of the auto detailing products would be safe for the finishes on high end bicycles. i have some carbon fiber bikes that i like to keep looking nice but have stayed with the bike specific products so far. i'm a little leery of putting something that may be too harsh on there. it could end up costing $$$$$.

swanicyouth

10-28-2013, 01:55 PM

Is that bike a single stage or a clear coat paint?

Mike Phillips

10-28-2013, 02:03 PM

Is that bike a single stage or a clear coat paint?

Basecoat/Clearcoat.

I'd say it was on the medium to hard side, too, definitely not on the soft to medium side of paint hardness.

It is a very beautiful metallic finish. Would look great on a car.

:xyxthumbs:

geekdout

10-30-2013, 01:16 AM

Mike Phillips

10-30-2013, 06:26 AM

Thanks for downplaying my OCD and taking the time to help me out. I have to admit I was kind of worried everyone might think who is the crazy guy who brought a bicycle to Autogeek. But everyone their is passionate about cars in general and I am sure many other hobbies, so it was easy for them to appreciate my passion for bicycling.
Thanks again Mike.
Matt

No problem Matt and thanks for trusting Autogeek with your very cool bike!

My motto is...

If it has paint... it gets polished....

Here's a kind of similar project I sanded and buffed years ago...

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/500/medium/OC4Nov016.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/500/medium/OC4Nov017.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/500/medium/OC4Nov019.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/500/medium/OC4Nov021.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/500/medium/OC4Nov023.jpg

:D

quiksilver_ben3

10-30-2013, 01:56 PM

:props: Fellow MTB'r.

57BORNTORUN

10-30-2013, 02:12 PM

I recognize that hand holding the Uber compound.One killer bike with hydraulic disc brakes.:buffing:

Justin M.

10-30-2013, 04:12 PM

Looks good as new :) I'm pretty sure I have some scratches that won't buff out on my old Klein hard tail haha. It has some miles on it!