Best stuff for cleaning black paint...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 1,429
From: pensacola fl
@Soundman5000
Polishing twice a year? Thats a lot for sure. Ive polished mine twice in 6 years. First when new and second when I wanted to remove the coating
I I have to politely disagree about not washing. Proper washing and drying is what keeps the paint right. Maybe the turtle wax wash is the problem
The house of rags has 30+ soaps on their website alone. Ive tried 12. You have me beat if you have tried all of those
Polishing twice a year? Thats a lot for sure. Ive polished mine twice in 6 years. First when new and second when I wanted to remove the coating
I I have to politely disagree about not washing. Proper washing and drying is what keeps the paint right. Maybe the turtle wax wash is the problem
The house of rags has 30+ soaps on their website alone. Ive tried 12. You have me beat if you have tried all of those
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 293
Likes: 206
From: California
Having a black and lava red Ultra, I've got a lot of surface area -- and this was a great concern.
I never, ever, use one of those "quick spray on wax-and-wash" waterless cleaners. Those just grind the grit and dust into the surface.
If the bike has been sitting in the garage, I use one of those microfiber dusters like you would use around the house -- and lightly dust off the horizontal surfaces. Then copious amounts of water for washing the bike, blow dry it, and use microfiber towels to wax and buff -- in straight lines. Better to put on several light coats without a lot of elbow grease than one thick coat and have to work at buffing it off.
Black paint is the softest of paints -- coming out of the stock paint booth. So if you have doubts about something hurting it, take the safe route. Try it in a small area before you damage the whole bike.
I do use the Pledge as a final touch. It has dust repelling ability and keeps the bike looking good.
Just my $.02.............
I never, ever, use one of those "quick spray on wax-and-wash" waterless cleaners. Those just grind the grit and dust into the surface.
If the bike has been sitting in the garage, I use one of those microfiber dusters like you would use around the house -- and lightly dust off the horizontal surfaces. Then copious amounts of water for washing the bike, blow dry it, and use microfiber towels to wax and buff -- in straight lines. Better to put on several light coats without a lot of elbow grease than one thick coat and have to work at buffing it off.
Black paint is the softest of paints -- coming out of the stock paint booth. So if you have doubts about something hurting it, take the safe route. Try it in a small area before you damage the whole bike.
I do use the Pledge as a final touch. It has dust repelling ability and keeps the bike looking good.
Just my $.02.............
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,165
Likes: 1,910
From: Doghouse... mostly
Just use the most prevalient Polishing Coumpound, not Buffing Compound, you can find then ask a Fella' that does that for a living.. Go to a car show this summer and ask around when you see a rod that's beyond perfect and all shiny and schitt!
Ask that guy!
Ask that guy!
Last edited by OldEnuf2NoBtr; May 22, 2026 at 11:02 PM.
Novice
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 15
Likes: 5
From: South
Painted parts, chrome and glass
Originally Posted by anubisss;[url=tel:1045506
1045506]is? I just gave the bike a very thorough cleaning on saturday after I got home from the mc show. I got some great chrome polish and sealer. When I got to the paint, I didn't do anything. I usually use pledge or eagle one nano spray, or honda lind polish. Any other suggestions of what is a good quick detailer for black paint? Maybe I should have posted this in the detailing section...
microfiber all the way.
i said glass meaning my mirrors btw.
Last edited by 2000roadglidefltr; May 23, 2026 at 06:54 AM. Reason: Addition
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 1,429
From: pensacola fl
Why use clay? Clay is an abrasive that can/will mar the paint. So, if the paint didnt need to be clayed you just made more work for yourself
Baggie test the paint, that will tell you if it needs to be clayed
Baggie test the paint, that will tell you if it needs to be clayed
Novice
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 15
Likes: 5
From: South
Clay occasionally
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,484
Likes: 2,529
From: Lititz Pa
Been ridding black bikes for years, colors were far and few but nice too. Black is just another color, use good wax and detailer in between
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