Topic: Question on clearcoating polished(not highly) aluminum...

[fishslayeryo]

Howdy all....
Just finished polishing my front forks to a brushed finish, about to what factory was. Was thinking about clear coating them with some 2k SprayMax clear coat. I know if it's highly polished it's not going to stick, but was wondering if anyone out there had done this with 2k and how it held up if at all. Just trying to keep it low maintenance if I can and it'll hold up. Thanks in advance for any input!

~Yo Han

Edit: added pix:)

[750 4ever]

You got the one looking good-Do the other one--don't put any spray on it --just get a good aluminum polish when you wash it just wipe them off -- I sprayed mine,they turned dull --went back work and took it all off,got  ''Simichrome polish'' they look like chrome...(comes in a tube kinda pink in color)

[BeSeeingYou]

I would sure like to know what Yamaha used to clearcoat the polished to chrome aluminum rims on my 75 XS650.  It's about 80% intact and and surface is still bright and shiny underneath. Having a hard time getting it off to restore the rims where it got scratched, nicked, and compromised. 

[Gregorymoto]

http://www.por15.com/PELUCID/productinfo/PELG/
Thats all you need

[ChuckG750f1]

I have gotten all the old clear-coat off of mine and left them unfinished.  It's easy to keep up with and I'LL NEVER have to strip it again.

[markb]

http://www.por15.com/PELUCID/productinfo/PELG/
Thats all you need

Looks interesting.  Anyone else use it and have an opinion?

[fishslayeryo]

Thanks all for the responses. +1 on the pelucid.

Noone has 2k SprayMax on their aluminum?

[grcamna2]

http://www.por15.com/PELUCID/productinfo/PELG/
Thats all you need

Greg, have you tried it on polished aluminum ?

[vames]

I put spraymax on lightly polished aluminum on my fork lowers and top triple tree. It definitely stuck well and it looks OK and it's held up ok -- maybe a few spots where it looks a bit cloudy now. I don't know if that's because of how I did it or the nature of the stuff. On my engine cases, I just polished it and didn't do the clearcoat -- it's really not that hard to go over it every once in a while with some Nevr Dull and Mothers.  Maybe 15 minutes once every three months and it'll stay clean and shiny. I'd say no reason to clearcoat.

[fishslayeryo]

Thansk vames! How long u had the 2k clear on those front forks?

[BeSeeingYou]

http://www.por15.com/PELUCID/productinfo/PELG/
Thats all you need

Notice that it says "interior surfaces".  To me that says not UV stable.  If it is some type of epoxy especially a clear type it will not hold up to UV exposure.

[markb]

Notice that it says "interior surfaces".  To me that says not UV stable.  If it is some type of epoxy especially a clear type it will not hold up to UV exposure.

Good catch.  I agree.

[ChuckG750f1]

It sounds like a Poly Acrylic (water based, not for exterior use).

[Hinomaru]

Howdy all....
Just finished polishing my front forks to a brushed finish, about to what factory was. Was thinking about clear coating them with some 2k SprayMax clear coat. I know if it's highly polished it's not going to stick, but was wondering if anyone out there had done this with 2k and how it held up if at all. Just trying to keep it low maintenance if I can and it'll hold up. Thanks in advance for any input!

Yo Han, no first hand experience with 2K products, however ...
 
I use Meguiar's #20 as it's only purpose is to provide protection. Works on bare polished aluminum, regardless of the level of polishing performed. It’s designed as sealer, not a polish. Wipe on, let dry, and wipe off as you would with any liquid wax product. If you don’t like it, #20 is easily removed with your favorite aluminum polish. Not exactly a dirt cheap product, but not too expensive.
 
http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+SEA+16

Here’s #20 applied to my low-buck K1 engine project:

(click on image for a larger view)

[vames]

Thansk vames! How long u had the 2k clear on those front forks?

On for about a year now. I haven't left it out in the sun for long periods of time, so can't attest to UV durability.

[fishslayeryo]

Thanks Hinomaru on the recommendation, will use that on my cases...that's a pretty engine! Wish mine looked like that:)

Vames, thanks for the response...she'll be in the garage when I'm not riding her, so might give it a shot.

Looks like the POR15 product is out of the picture. Thanks for all the responses!

[anders288]

The POR 15 that you want to look at is GLISTEN PC

[fishslayeryo]

The POR 15 that you want to look at is GLISTEN PC

Thanks! It reads well anyone used it before? Here's the writeup on there site for it, sound like it's made just for this:

GLISTEN PC is a High Gloss, Rock Hard, Water-clear topcoat designed for spray or brush application over all metal surfaces, including highly polished aluminum and chrome surfaces. GLISTEN PC will not leave brushmarks, and will dry in less than one hour, but will take 3-4 days to reach maximum hardness.

When GLISTEN PC is first dry to the touch, it will appear to be very soft. Avoid touching it for several days until it becomes hard and tough. Accidental contact could damage the surface before full cure has taken place. Like many other coatings, GLISTEN PC is a MOISTURE-CURED coating, which means it is strengthened by exposure to moisture. It will never crack, chip, peel, or yellow, and is very flexible as well.

Note: When applying over polished metals (aluminum, chrome, brass, copper etc) you must use AP120 metal prep according to instructions.

IDEAL USES: As a protective coating on aluminum wheels, chrome bumpers, marine railings, chrome or aluminum covers, grills, handles, ornaments, lights, etc

http://www.por15.com/GLISTEN-PC/productinfo/GPCGG/

[anders288]

  When I was looking for a coating I came up with the Glisten and Sharkhide coating I think the Glisten is a better answer
I bought a Qt. to use this summer.

[markb]

Any feedback on the Glisten PC product?

[anders288]

I bought some plan to use it over this winter.

[matt mattison]

I used the spray max 2k on my fork lowers. It applied and adhered as advertised. It dries very hard, which is good. However, if I was to do it over again, I'm just polishing it and leaving it alone. The clear coat sort of left my polish job look like a satin finish in the end.

[Trevdawg]

Helpful

[fishslayeryo]

Howdy fellas, see this got brought back. I never ended up clear coating the forks. Didn't want to deal with failing or yellow layer on top. So just polishing and protecting with MAAS rt now. Thanks for the feed back guys.

[markb]

I used the spray max 2k on my fork lowers. It applied and adhered as advertised. It dries very hard, which is good. However, if I was to do it over again, I'm just polishing it and leaving it alone. The clear coat sort of left my polish job look like a satin finish in the end.

That's actually more the look that I'm looking for.  I might have to experiment with it.  Still looking for feedback on the Glisten PC product.