How to Clean Motorcycles with Matte Finishes

Nowadays, most modern motorcycles have a matte finish. A matte finish on a motorcycle ensures a bold and modern look. However, it is not easy to maintain a matte finish on a motorcycle since it can easily get dirty. Marks left by water, fuel, and fingerprints are more obvious and look ugly on a matte finish. Therefore, it is important to clean it regularly. Read this article to learn how to properly clean motorcycles with matte finishes.

Before applying any cleaning product, wash your motorcycle to remove any dust, debris, oil, grease, and other contaminants. Take a bucket of warm water, a soft sponge, and microfiber clothes. Put water on the matte surface and start rubbing it gently with the sponge. Do not apply too much pressure when removing oil and grease to avoid scratching the surface.

If you still cannot get rid of the stains, mix a solution of mild soap and warm water and use it to wash the matte surface. Rub the surface again gently with a sponge.

• A pressure washer can damage the finish and cause further contamination
• Hot water can cause the paint to peel off
• Abrasive sponges can scratch the matte surface
• Acetone can damage the matte paint
• Do not use cleaning products with reactive chemicals without confirming if they are suited for matte surfaces
• Avoid any products with alcohol to prevent the paint from becoming brittle and cracked

After you have washed your motorcycle, dry it thoroughly using a microfiber cloth. Make sure there is no remaining moisture on the matte surface to prevent rusting.

There are several matte finish cleaning products available on the market. Try to buy ones specifically manufactured for matte surfaces that have good reviews and ratings online.

After the matte surface is dry, spray matte finish cleaner on the surface. Using a soft microfiber cloth, start rubbing the surfaces to remove any dirt, oil, grease, etc. Matte finish cleaning products can help give your vehicle a new look and smoother finish.

It is important that you buff the matte surface before applying wax as it removes the dust on it to ensure better cleaning.

Applying wax to the matte surface can provide it with a lustrous look. You can also protect the surface from moisture and fingerprints by applying wax to the surface. The wax available in the market is usually of two types, including liquid and paste wax.

Leave some moisture on the surface if you are using paste wax to avoid wax marks on the surface. It sticks better to matte surfaces in the presence of a certain amount of moisture.

Do not leave any moisture on the matte surface if you are using the liquid wax and dry it using a microfiber cloth to ensure a better finish. While using liquid wax, make sure that nothing gets in contact with the wax.

Cleaning a motorcycle with a matte finish is usually an easy task but you should still make sure to use the right cleaning products. Matte surfaces are less durable and can easily become dirty and scratched. Most cleaning products that can be applied to chrome and glossy paints cannot be used for a matte finish. Read the product descriptions, reviews, and instructions carefully before buying. Also, apply it to a small area of the matte surface to see if it can be applied. If you want to improve the aesthetics of your motorcycle, Viking Bags has several aftermarket parts you can buy, including saddlebags, sissy bars, crash bars, fairings, and sissy bar pads.