Matte Gray Paint Care

[JRE]

For those with the matte grey paint, what are you using to keep it nice? I saw another related thread that discussed a few options - everything from lemon pledge to soap and water - but it was before the 2014 model was released.

 

[TimLaw]

Car soap and water...still looks new like the day I bought it.

 

[Tenerester]

Car soap and water...still looks new like the day I bought it.

DITTO!

 

[bigbob]

2014 ES and I use the "quarter" car wash. $2.50 and I stand back to keep pressure down, except the inside of the rear fender! Anytime above 25 F and then home to the garage!

 

[RED CAT]

I use the Do It Yourself Car Wash and then home to Plexus it. Not sure but I think Plexus leaves a small coating on. Anyhow it seem to shine up the spot where my knees rub.

 

[grouseridge]

Happy with the results of Collinite 845, it even makes the gray a little darker and it even goes on my windscreen too.

 

[fredz43]

I wuz thinking rubbing compound would be the best thing for it (he said whilst ducking)

 

[squarebore]

Paint it blue like all proper yamahas.

 

[Juan]

Blue paint??? Too common
I have always used just water to clean my 2013 matte grey S10. For soiled areas, first a light shower of water, then after some minutes of soaking I use a chamois. I have never used soap or cleaning material.

 

[Bushyar15]

Blue!?!!? If it was a "proper" Yamaha it'd be either White and Red or Yellow and Black!

I just hose mine off and dry it.

Paint it blue like all proper yamahas.

 

[klunsford]

Huh, I thought the normal color was dirt brown.... Didn't know you could wash it.... It's the world's largest dirt bike!

 

[JRE]

Interesting...this is an automotive article but it should be applicable here:

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/flat-finish-how-you-should-tend-to-matte-automotive-paint-161429/

Both BMW and Mercedes stress that anything that sticks to the paint surface, like dead bugs, tree sap, or bird droppings, should be removed immediately. Because rubbing aggressively can ruin the matte finish, the companies recommend dousing the item in insect remover or car-wash soap before gently rubbing it away. The key, Pennington says, is to avoid excessive friction when trying to remove anything stuck to the paint surface. Water spots should likewise be cleaned off quickly, even if they result from something as trivial as driving past a garden sprinkler.

As waxes and polishes are verboten, Pennington advises adding some UV protection and shine to matte paint with specially formulated spray waxes. Meguiar's own Ultimate Quick Wax, for instance, doesn't have any harsh cleaners that will damage matte paints, and it creates a protective coating over the paint surface.

 

[JRE]

Huh, I thought the normal color was dirt brown.... Didn't know you could wash it.... It's the world's largest dirt bike!

LOL, there's that. I'm kinda anal about keeping my stuff nice so that might drive me a little nuts. My DRZ is sufficiently dirty though, as that is almost exclusively ridden off road. That sits ok with me

I've seen this pop up in several discussions. Anyone every try any of their products?
http://www.drbeasleys.com/shop/car-care-products/matte-car-care.html

 

[Big Blu]

My '09 Triumph Scramble was matte kaki and was easy to care for. After a washing with a top quality car wash soap I'd use
Meguiars Quik Detailer mist and wipe on the matte finish. It seemed to put a nice glow on the finish.

Paul

 

[Lutsie]

I use the Do It Yourself Car Wash and then home to Plexus it. Not sure but I think Plexus leaves a small coating on. Anyhow it seem to shine up the spot where my knees rub.

Plexus doesn't have any wax in it. It is basically polycarbonate/acrylic safe cleaner(use it on my helmet). Honda polish has a little wax in it, but I do not know if it has any abrasives in it. Until I can find out I'm going to hold off using it on my es.

To the original post. I use car soap and water. I am still deciding on a matte safe wax. Did any one know if turtle wax ice is matte safe?

 

[Ron15S10]

I use the Honda spray polish for everything. I didn't think about the possibility of abrasives and initially used it on my '14 ES tank to remove the sticker. I don't see any signs of paint wear/issues where I've used it. But then, I've been using a soft micro fiber cloth to clean off with. I'd like to know as well though.

 

[JRE]

To the original post. I use car soap and water. I am still deciding on a matte safe wax. Did any one know if turtle wax ice is matte safe?

Check out my Dr Beasley link above. Be ready for sticker shock.

 

[JRE]

I use the Honda spray polish for everything. I didn't think about the possibility of abrasives and initially used it on my '14 ES tank to remove the sticker. I don't see any signs of paint wear/issues where I've used it. But then, I've been using a soft micro fiber cloth to clean off with. I'd like to know as well though.

I happen to have a can sitting on my desk that a friend brought into work for me (this is what prompted my initial query). The ingredients on the can are:
Petroleum distillates, carnauba wax, isopropanol, propane, isobutane. Nothing overtly abrasive and I'm guessing the last few ingredients are the propellants.

 

[oldbear]

Um...ya mean you guys WASH an S10? I thought that was why we had rain...... Seriously though, I'd just use car wash soap & water.

 

[BarkSlayer]

Mild car soap and water for me on the painted surfaces. I use HondaBrite or Bike Brite on the engine, then follow up with S100 engine cleaner if there's still any baked on dirt or grime on the blacked out parts.