I have a Moots with some scratches on it. Is there a way to get rid of the scratches and shine up the frame?
You need to polish your downtube frequently and vigorously.
Isn’t there some sort of a buffer paste available? I believe I’ve seen it somewhere.
The Moots people recommend Pledge. I dunno if it’s good for scratches though. Probably depends on how deep. I don’t think there’s any kind of finish on there, so probably some polishing compound or some semichrome polish, but it might alter the surrounding texture.
Had this same question for Herbert about my Litespeed. Got several good ideas and here is what worked best with me:
Green “Scrubby” (Scotch-Brite is the brand I got I think.) -Followed By-
Grey “Scrubby” (Also Scotch-Brite but finer surface.) -Followed By-
“Stainless Steel Magic” Wipes…I think that is a brand name but anything that is used to clean stainless steel surfaces like in a kitchen.
Secret is to cut the pads into narrow strips and holding ends do it in a “sawing” kind of motion around the tube (as long as that is the way its brushed orginally.)
Maybe try a username search for my posts (MMAKBenton) and might find the original thread. Gotta go eat!
Michael
Yep on the scrubbys and then put some Lemon Pledge on a rag and wipe the whole frame down.
To make it a little easier on yourself stop by the hardware store any purchase a 12-18" strip of 1" velcro. The scotchbrite pads will stick to the velcro and give you a bit more to hang onto.
Velco is a nifty little tip.
I use pledge on my frames periodically. It also helps before going out to keep some of the dirt etc stuff from sticking so much.
Barbara l
To make it a little easier on yourself stop by the hardware store any purchase a 12-18" strip of 1" velcro. The scotchbrite pads will stick to the velcro and give you a bit more to hang onto.
Very cool idea with the velcro. I am telling you all that those Stainless Steel Magic wipes I bought are awesome. They come in one of those pop-top style plastic canisters and I use them to clean up unpainted metal (ti frame, components, etc) all the time. Has the same anti-dust and polish effects as Pledge. Here is a link to what the container looks like. Not sure how well it would work on paint…
http://www.magicamerican.com/magic_images/SSW35_big.jpg
Herbert’s big tip (think it was him) was to pick up the strip and move it between “sawing” or polishing motions. This keeps the brush marks going the right way (around the tube) rather than diagonal.
It all depends on how your frame is originally polished/brushed.
Michael
I’d be really careful about rubbing scotchbrite pads on your frame. If you’re looking for shine, I’m assuming you’ve got a polished rather than brushed frame.
I’ve got an old Marin Team Titanium MTB with a polished finish. Absolutely everything dulls the finish on it. I probably need some sort of ultra low abrasive polishing paste like was mentioned above. You’d hate to ruin that finish over a few scratches.
Bones,
Your Moots most likely has a very nice satin finish, which unfortunately though is a big harder to get back to look brand new. Give them a call for the best advise, they are all very cool.
Herbert
Litespeed