Re: [CR] Waxing to protect paint?

(Example: Bike Shops)

From: "Eugene Powell" <radfin@SpiritOne.com>
To: Steve Whitting <ciocc_cat@yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To: <122808.12227.qm@web110614.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:09:58 -0700
References: <122808.12227.qm@web110614.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
Cc: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Waxing to protect paint?


The defining characteristic of "enamel", catalyzed or not, is that it dries (cures) by oxidation. That means oxygen must get in as well as solvents getting out. Anything you do that prevents this will affect the longevity of the finish. Ask you painter for recommendations when you can begin waxing or sealing. And be very careful with products that seal the insides of tubes, several customers over the years have ruined paint jobs by misapplying Framesaver or not cleaning up well enough afterwards. I generally recommend waiting six months just to play it safe. After a year a good quality epoxy paint should be fine, but check with your painter anyway.

Lacquer dries by evaporation, if the paint is dry enough to polish you can wax it or whatever. Due to VOC regulations few on this list will be encountering lacquer, and I'm not aware of it ever being an OEM finish on any bicycle.

Gene Powell Rad Finishes Portland, Oregon USA

On Jul 3, 2009, at 1:38 PM, Steve Whitting wrote:
> I've read various pros and cons over the years regarding this. I've
> read that some car waxes are supposedly unsuitable and that you
> should use something like "Pledge" furniture polish (if you're going
> to wax at all). I realize the type of finish (modern epoxy vs old-
> school) probably has a bearing on this. Comments appreciated.
> Steve Whitting
> "The Ciocc Cat"
> Prairieville, Louisiana USA
> Website at http://ciocc-cat.angelfire.com/

>

>

>
lacquer