I am sick to my stomach. It actually was not a bad day today here by the windy city. I wanted to take the scooter out for a quick ride before I came into work tonight. As I was backing it out of the garage I bumped a shelf and a entire gallon of clear oil base wood finish fell off of a shelf, hit my handle bars, opened and covered the entire front of my bike, from the front of the frame to the tip of the front tire, from the handle bars to the bottom of my tire, the entire front end, covered in oil base wood stain. I am actually sitting here at work sick to my stomach. I got as much of it as I possibly could. I used every rag and towel in my house, I couldn't even take a shower right now unless I dried off with cloths cause I have no towels, the least of my worries to say the least. I have NO IDEA what I am going to see when I get home in the morning, none! The entire front end, all the chrome, oil filter, oil cooler, frame, bars, controls, tire, wheel, everything, soaked. Just shoot me......Any idea's how to get this crap off, what ever I missed when I get home in the morning and have this crap all over my baby, my pride and joy? Or is it pull everything off and have it replaced? $$$$$$$ I CAN NOT believe that happened! I am, I am litterally sick to my stomach...

 

Ummm. Why didnt ya hit it with some soap and water and rinse good?

 

well if sh-t is ruined then i would call the insurance company. like the guy above why didnt ya use soap and water ?. i would tell your boss you dont feel good and get back home and get after it while you can

 

Mineral Spirits will clean it off as good as new... Then some wax.

Get yourself some clean towels (hand size). Wet one with the mineral spirits, wipe to remove any of the stain, and then wipe with a dry towel. You may need something like a paintbrush to get into tight areas. Follow by polishing and waxing. Trust me, it will be as good as new for the painted and metal surfaces.

Some of the plastic and rubber stuff might absorb the stain and may not clean up as well.

Other than the work you've created for yourself, its really not that bad.

EDIT: The spray bottle idea in post #9 is a good one.

 

sorry dude, that blows.

 

Will the mineral spirits cut the paint too? I don't know for sure but you might want to call a paint store and ask. Of course it had to be oil base, otherwise it would be simple. Sorry bro....good luck.

 

Go home sick and get to it...the more it cures the harder to dissolve. The weather might be working in your favor.

 

Mineral spirits will not harm the factory urethane finish. It might if you left it on there for hours and hours, but even then, I'm not sure it would hurt.

Now would I recommend washing your bike with mineral spirits as an everyday measure? Probably not! But you've had a significant accident, and it's going to take significant measures to undo it. But it is possible. Just be thankful it wasn't a gallon of lacquer. Then you might be SOL.

As for soap and water - not a chance.

 

+1 on taking the day (night) off and taking care of the bike. I think you already know soap and water ain't gonna do squat. I guess you could claim it on your insurance, but I'd try to clean it up myself and the sooner the better. I imagine it's cold in IL so with any luck, it will be slow to set up. I'd get some solvent, a spray bottle, a bunch of different soft bristle brushes and some soft rags - maybe that big bag of microfiber clothes that Costco sells for cheap. Then I would start from the top and work my way down, spray, scrub and wipe. I'd try to minimize the time the solvent is on non-metal parts. After you get a section done, wash with hot soapy water. It's going to take some time, but if you get at it in time, you should be able to get it off.

What a drag, sorry for your trouble. And I know the sick to your stomach feeling. I had that same feeling this summer when I forgot to set the brake in my Porsche and watched it roll out of my garage, across the street and into a tree.

 

Damn bro sorry to hear that! I can't imagine! Don't have any better ideas than already given, I think the mineral spirits will be your best shot too. I'd be to sick to go to work! Good luck with it and hope you have much success!