As a motorcycle owner, you want to keep your bike in pristine condition. Unfortunately, despite how well you take care of your bike, you can still get a few scratches on your bike. Luckily, there is a way that you can deal with scratches, and you can easily learn more about it in this post.
You will learn about the different ways that you can easily get scratches off your bike. We’ll show you how to get it looking good as new.
What causes minor Scratches on Motorcycle paint?
It is not uncommon for bikes to get some serious scratches from motorcycle paint. Light scratches or deeper scratches are a common problem that different factors can cause.
Bike’s color
First, the color itself may be to blame for the minor scratches. Some types of paint are more prone to scratching bare metal.
Therefore, you should try applying a thin layer on the scratched surface or painted surfaces.
Motorcycle Storage
Second, the way you store your motorcycle can also lead to scratches. If it’s stored in a place where other objects can rub up against it, you can get scratches on your bike.
How you clean your bike
Finally, it’s also possible that how you clean your bike is to blame. You could scratch your bike if you’re using an abrasive cleaner or a rough cloth.
Identify the type of scratch
Before removing scratches from your motorcycle, you need to take a look at the scratch and determine its type. Is it a lighter scratch that is only penetrating the clear coat? Is it a much deeper scratch that has made its way to the basecoat? Fortunately, you can repair both types of scratches, But you need to find out which is which first.
What are the different types of Scratches from Motorcycle paint?
Motorcycle riders can feel frustrated when they come back from a ride, only to find their bike with scratches. But why do these unsightly marks even happen? More importantly, how can you prevent these types of scratches? You can usually see two types of scratches on motorcycle paint: deep ones and superficial ones. Superficial scratches can usually be the result of road debris, such as sand or pebbles. These scratches usually only affect the paint’s top layer, which makes them easier to buff out.
Deep scratches, on the other hand, can make their way further into the paint, scratching the metal beneath. Therefore, these scratches are often the result of careless handling or accidents, making them challenging to repair. The best way to avoid both types of scratches is to invest in a good-quality motorcycle cover. A cover will protect your bike from both road debris and accidental bumps, helping your paint job look its best.
Find the right paint
Before you can remove scratches off your motorcycle, you need to identify the type of paint you have on your bike. This will determine the supplies you will need.
How to remove Superficial scratches?
Motorcycles are especially likely to get superficial scratches since they are exposed to the road. While these scratches do not make it past the first layer of the paint, they do look bad and can be a little hard to remove. You can take a few simple steps to remove superficial scratches off your motorcycle paint.
First, scrub the area around the scratch with a solution made of soap and water, allowing you to remove dirt or debris.
Next, apply a little bit of rubbing compound to the scratch and buff it out with a soft cloth.
Finally, you want to wax the area to protect the paint and restore the paint’s shine. You can easily take off superficial scratches from your motorcycle by following some simple steps.
How to remove Deep scratches from your motorcycle paint?
Nothing is more frustrating as a motorcycle owner than having to deal with scratches on your paint. While it is inevitable that you might see a few scratches on your bike while riding it over time, you can significantly reduce the damage to your paint while ensuring that it still looks fresh.
But if you do find yourself with deep scratches, you shouldn’t worry. There are some simple ways you can remove them and have your motorcycle looking fresh again.
First, try a mild abrasive cleaner like toothpaste or baking soda. Apply the cleaning solution to a soft cloth and, with circular motions, rub it into the scratch. Continue rubbing until they become completely invisible.
If the abrasive cleaner doesn’t work, you should instead use car wax or furniture polish. Apply a small amount of polish or wax to the scratches and buff them out with a clean cloth. This should easily fill in any remaining scratches, giving your paint more protection. All you need is a bit of elbow grease, and you can get those deep scratches to disappear. With all of that effort your motorcycle will be looking good as new in no time.
How to remove scratches from motorcycle paint by sanding?
A few things that you need to get started include a sponge, dish soap, water, and sandpaper.
First, wet the scratched area. Now, gently scrub the area around the scratch using the mild dish soap solution and your sponge.
Very Fine Grit Sandpaper
Next, you want to start using sandpaper of different grits, its best that you start with 600 and sand the scratch. Make sure you are using circular motions when using the sanding paper, and make sure that the paper is wet. By keeping sanding paper wet you can avoid damaging the surrounding paint. When the scratch is no longer visible, you can finish up by washing and finally waxing the scratched area. And that is all it takes! All you need is a little time and effort, and you can have your motorcycle looking brand new.
How to Prevent Scratches on Motorcycle paint?
No one wants to see their motorcycle paint get ruined by scratches and swirl marks. Luckily, there are a few simple things that you can do to prevent scratches from forming.
First, you want to wash your bike often to help remove any debris or dirt that could possibly lead to scratches. When you are cleaning, make sure you are using a soft sponge or cloth and avoid using any harsh cleaners or chemicals.
Second, you want to apply quality sealant or wax to your bike, creating a protective barrier. It can help repel water and dirt, making it less likely for scratches to occur. Finally, store your bike in a cool, dry place when you are not using it. It can help prevent the paint from fading or possibly getting damaged.
Just follow these tips, you can keep your motorcycle looking in great shape.