The problem with Mer is its silicon based, the silicon bonds into the paint which means any future paint repairs will be very difficult. It doesn't give a bad shine but there are far better products out there. if you want to see your bike shine better than when it came from the factory then try this routine on the bodywork: Rinse off loose dirt with clean water Wash with a decent bodywork shampoo the rinse off with more clean water. Dry with a chamois or a terry towel Clay the bodywork to remove impurities using a quick detailer solution to lubricate it (it removes things like tree sap and insect remains and smoothes the paintwork) Wash and rinse again to remove the clay residue. Treat with a decent paint restoration polish (Meguiars Stage 1 Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner is superb) its similar to T Cut but not as harsh. - 1 coat. Polish with something like Autoglym Super Resin - 1-2 coats. Wax with something like Meguiars NXT Gen Tech Wax or any decent Carnuba based wax. - 2-3 coats. I guarantee it will shine like never before! you don't need to do that routine every time, I only do it after the winter to remove any nastys it may have picked up. Afterwards I wax every wash and polish and wax every 3 washes. Its a ball ache I know, especially if you don't particularly like washing your bike but the results speak for themselves. This was my 10 year old Celica GT4 after the above routine.
For bodywork i cleanse the paintwork with Swissvax Cleaner fluid, have been known to actually clay-bar the paint on occasions (too much time on my hands), and then apply a couple of wax coats of either Dodo-Juice Supernatural, or some Swissvax "Mystery" wax for some protection against the elements. On the wheels i've used Swissvax wheel wax, which is has teflon in it. It makes one hell of a difference, brake dust just doesn't stick to it.
Piss In seriousness, I do the following on my bikes: Jet wash to rid most of the grit and crap Bilt Hamber Surfex HD degreaser all over with a paint brush to agitate Jet wash to rinse off Ultimate snow foam with the jet washer snow foam lance, leave to stand 10 mins Jet wash to rinse off Hand wash with microfibre glove using Autoglym body shampoo and conditioner using the 2 bucket method Jet wash to rinse off Chamois and hairdryer to dry the bike whilst running for about 15 mins to rid of all moisture (or as much as possible) Autoglym Ultra Deep shine, 1 coat (fairings only) Autoglym Super resin polish, 1 coat (fairings only) Get my paraffin rag (keep in a ziplock back to re usability) and tub out, fairings off, clean under with the rag and elbow grease Use paraffin on the chain, wax chain, adjust chain ACF 50, use pump spray, not can version, coat the entire bike (avoiding disks, I use a tea towel). Let it soak Wipe excess down with ACF 50 rag (keep in a zip lock back so you can use it next time) Place fairings back on, enjoy.
As a 25 year old I do often ask my self if I should be in the club's drinking my money away instead and suffering with a hangover instead... But I've done that. I prefer to have a lovely bottle of wine and a home cooked meal with my other half, followed by waking up early, making the other half breakfast in bed allowing me a few hours to tinker and clean the bike before we go for a little ride haha. Too old for my age?
+1 on furniture polish, but find tesco own brand (not value) with beeswax is good on most things (wheels and bodywork) but is less smeary than mr s
+1 Poorboys Nattys Blue Wax is brilliant stuff. Use it on all paintwork and especially on wheels. Can use it as often as you like because its a wax only, no abrasive polish. Provides a protective coating makes cleaning dirt off easier.
Muc off damaged my black plastics and carbon Demon shine bike and car cleaner ruined my engine cases I should follow that up . Yes I followed instructions maybe it was because plastics were old
My bike gets really really dirty I just can't find something that shifts all the dirt off so I can then detail it
