Polished metal protectant

Caldwell105

Caldwell105

New Member
Just finished the wonderful task of polishing the forks on my 78' CB750 and getting ready to start on the engine. As I was finishing I was thinking about what is the best way to protect that nice clean look I just spent hours I will never get back on. So I figured I would put it out there for debate.
 
I've never personally used it, but there's a product called sharkhide that was originally meant to protect the finish of pontoons, but people have used it on many other things. I plan on picking some up once I get to the point of polishing. If you have a boating store near you it may be available there, otherwise you'll probably have to order it online.
 
I didn't have the best luck with the stuff so kind of was a waste for me but others seemed to have luck with it
 
First off, I have NO answer for this, so I will be keen to learn what others have experienced. For my part, I have yet to find anything that works well. That is, if you polish to mirror bright, I am still looking for a clear coat that keeps it that way without problems. All clears I have used substantially dull the look. Not saying that is awful, just saying it makes it a lot less bright. Also there is ALWAYS a corrosion problem (same as the factories have) (unless you passivate the aluminum first which (of course!) dulls the bright polish) but it depends on what you consider an acceptably lifespan. I haven't used Sharkhide either but heard good things - though the mfg claims it dulls the shine too. So for me it's either the scotch brite, a bath in the deadly chemicals and then 2K clear, or a bright polish and some not so onerous maintenance. I don't mind cleaning and polishing my bikes so much. ;D
 
I've seen Cerakote mentioned other places, but don't have any experience with it. I have a pint of the air dry clear on order that I plan to a engine project.
 
A few years back I polished my ATS Cup rims to mirror shine and the best way to keep them nice and shiny was to wash them with a dish washing soap once a week. Clear coat can provide good protection but will take away the polished look. Another option for high shine finish is chrome powder coat. I've seen car rims painted this way and it's nice, more durable than bare aluminum.
 
jpmobius said:
First off, I have NO answer for this, so I will be keen to learn what others have experienced. For my part, I have yet to find anything that works well. That is, if you polish to mirror bright, I am still looking for a clear coat that keeps it that way without problems. All clears I have used substantially dull the look. Not saying that is awful, just saying it makes it a lot less bright. Also there is ALWAYS a corrosion problem (same as the factories have) (unless you passivate the aluminum first which (of course!) dulls the bright polish) but it depends on what you consider an acceptably lifespan. I haven't used Sharkhide either but heard good things - though the mfg claims it dulls the shine too. So for me it's either the scotch brite, a bath in the deadly chemicals and then 2K clear, or a bright polish and some not so onerous maintenance. I don't mind cleaning and polishing my bikes so much. ;D
Click to expand...



I did the lower fork legs on this bike about a dozen years ago. There has been no degradation of the finish or clarity. I used Glisten PC, a Por 15 product. It is crystal clear and tough as nails. It's an epoxy. Yes they were mirror bright, then had to be primed. That killed some of the shine. There is no sign of corrosion under the clear coat. Looks good and no polishing. Plan on spraying it. Brushed on looks terrible.

http://www.por15.com/GLISTEN-PC_p_45.html
 
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