Denim Black Paint Care

D94

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Jan 31, 2015
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Hello all. I picked up a 2015 FLHXS this past winter, Denim Black w/ Red pinstripe. I've been seeing a lot of comments saying you can clean the denim with Windex. Is that right? Can you really do that? I bought the HD Denim cleaner to have on hand, but Windex sounds like the way to go if it doesn't damage the paint. Also, does anyone know how this paint holds up to gas spills at the pump? Sometimes stuff happens.... Any info would be great. Thx.
 
I use the H-D denim paint cleaner. Some formulations of Windex have ammonia in them. No way would I spray that on my bike.
 
Agreed. I was thinking the same thing. Can't be good. Thx..
 
My second bike has a custom satin black paint job and I refuse to use anything but "Rat Wax" detail spray and wash soap! Try it! You will be very impressed, I was super nervous but it does great!
 
I'm with hulkss, the cost isn't that much for the cleaner compared to how well it works and the amount there is. I am still on my first bottle after almost a year and I use it regularly. For a $20k+ bike I will spend a couple more dollars to keep it cleaned proper.
 
How happy are you guys with your denim black? The dealer warned me that it showed every drop of oil and every big gut really bad. I looked at a used bike and it looked awful! Streaks and spots every where.


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I don't have any personal experience with denim paint but I know a guy that has one and he said he'll never buy another one. Take that for what it's worth just one guys opinion.
 
I don't have any personal experience with denim paint but I know a guy that has one and he said he'll never buy another one. Take that for what it's worth just one guys opinion.

Not that my vote matters or even if there is a vote on the matter because it's all after the fact and totally irrelevant but I'm with Crumb. These types of paint jobs are a hard maintenance item. As a Street Rodder I know several guys with similar paint and it does require extra attention. Couple guys I know just use mild dishwashing soap such as Dawn and a clear water rinse which seems to do the Job. A couple also like the ArmourAll Auto Glass Cleaner for spot cleaning. I also use the same for spot cleaning regular paint and for windows both on my Hot Rod and house windows.

Blues
 
I almost never wash mine and only use the RatWax spray detailer and its clean in less than 5 minutes. Maintainance nightmare? No way! Its way easier to clean and detail than my vivid black SGS, hands down!
 
I had denim black two bikes ago. I loved it. I thought it was incredibly easy to take care of. I washed with a mild dish soap, and drying was Way easier than any other bike I've had... Like a quick ride to blow the water off and then a chamois to catch the stray streaks. You don't have to worry about buffing and streaks like on our pretty, shiny bikes.
It can scratch a little easier- and those scratches aren't going to buff out without dorking up the surrounding paint.
I spilled a little fuel while filling the tank once or twice- I figured that could be pretty damaging- so I used my water bottle to rinse the fuel off of the tank, finished my ride, and hit it again with a quick post ride bath.
Motorcycle armor sells a paint protector film for denim paint, but I have not seen it in person.
 
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Denim, satin, flat.... These are all still clear coated paint jobs just like a shinny, gloss clear coated paint job. It is the same clear but has a matte agent in it that causes surface tension to give the desired look (ie. Egg shell, satin, or flat). This can be washed with any soap that you use on a shinny paint. What you can not use is anything that is abrasive because this will actually buff, or polish the paint and cause it to be shinny in those areas. Do not put pressure with a rag when wiping or washing, do not use compounds, finishing glaze, Polish, swirl removers........ Micro fiber rags are safe and mild. Use a micro fiber rag with a mild detergent (car wash soap, dish soap...) and you will be fine. Dry with a chamois or with compressed air. Detail sprays can be good for touch up cleaning. Plenty of salesmen try to make these satin finishes seam way more complicated than they really are.
 
I was looking at a set of black rcx slip on's, and I asked them what I could wipe them down with before startup after install and cleaning. He said not to use Windex it causes fading over time, they use Wizards products says there good. I looked it up they make a denim paint cleaner as well. Any tried this stuff?
 
I tried the HD Denim cleaner today, left a lot of streaks. Anyone have this problem?
 
denim black here no issues. If really dirty i use meguires car wash cleaner and warm water. If it's just dusty, I use mequires quick detailer. No streaks and smells good. I just cant use windex...just sounds wrong. I do use it on the little bit of chrome I do have.

Only issue i have with denim black is I changed my seat and it is narrower and you can see the rub marks and there's nothing I can do. If it was gloss i would be able to buff the rub marks. oh wells. I rather deal with a rub marks than a ton of swirls with vivid.
 
Thx. I didn't know you could use the Meguiars quik detail in denim black. I love that stuff. I use it all the time on my cars which are all black works great. Used on my heritage as well, but all of these were gloss finish. Maybe I'll try that. The streaks are mostly on the saddlebags a little on the rear fender. Thx for the advice.
 
OK have to chime in here. I call total BS on the paint being hard to take care of, hard to clean, certain soaps... Guy's you take care of it like any other paint. My last couple of bikes have been denim black. Wash ,dry ,ride. done. I am sure that some have scratched or damaged there paint in a way. Understanding what the paint is and the way to take care of it simple. You use a micro fiber (everything) and if you're going to clean your bike in between rides or out on the road. Use a foam glass cleaner with microfiber. Which I use all the time as I am a glazier. I use dawn soap, as well as any no name soap. No wax! www.ratwax.net, or http://www.chemicalguys.com/Meticulous_Matte_Detailer_16_oz_p/spi_995_16.htm

Motor like any other motor, wheels the same, oil gets on paint and is bad....ahhh no. Have had blow by, many of times (use to) depending on the conditions of riding that would get on my bags wipe off with the microfiber in the saddlebag, Done. Gas bad on the tank ...ahh no. Now if you leave it there for hours sitting in the sun in the middle of Arizona...maybe something might happen. Same thing micro fiber and water ,wipe,done,ride.
Don't us a towel to wipe the paint, use micro fiber for everything. Preferably with no stitching you can buy at any custom, car shop or auto detail shop.
Don't hate on Denim Black...You be nice :)

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