Winter paint protection?

[Johnno260]

Hi I have had a little look at solutions for this as I have noticed the weather/crud from the roads has taken a toll on my bike.

The paint is ok just some hard to shift grease I need to attend to, but I have noticed the decals are taking a pasting from this weather, I clean the bike thoroughly before I take care of myself but there is some proper hard to shift grime now.

So my thoughts are prevention, a winter bikes off the cards I don't have a budget for it, I have seen some articles about waxing the frame, is this worth it and is it effective at protected the paint work?

If it is what brands do people recommend? I have seen muc off have some but it's not cheap, most places saying a carnauba based product is best.

I know the bike will take some scrapes and chips along the way but I am quite proud of my Merida and want it to last well, anything I can do to keep it looking fresh and lasting longer is a plus in my eyes.

I have some carbon as well so it would need to be a product suited to that as well.

 

[Drago]

Auto Balm.

 

[screenman]

A paint sealant is better than any wax, but anything is better than nothing.

 

[fossyant]

Mr Sheen - also coats the frame with silicone which makes washing easier. For my MTB's it's a quick hose, spray of muck off, then go get myself clean and then wash the bike with warm soapy water.

 

[simon.r]

I've not used it on bicycles, but ACF50 and Scottoiler 365 are popular with year round motorcyclists.

 

[Drago]

ACF50 is highly excellent, but must be used with care as it'll act as a solvent and cause further grief to the OP's decals.

 

[mustang1]

3M clear tape (like a car bra).

 

[raleighnut]

I use this then clean the braking surfaces with washing up liquid

EDIT - I obviously rinse that off afterwards.

 

[Drago]

I used the Simoniz shampoo on the car. It beads water like you wouldn't believe.

 

[Johnno260]

ok cheers guys I would rather stick with something simple like the wax or what @raleighnut suggested I don't want to mess with anything that could be solvent based it needs to be idiot proof with me I am afraid.

 

[screenman]

Paint sealants are as easy to apply as wax and offer more protection, I work with them most days.

 

[fossyant]

Mr Sheen !! £1 a tin

 

[screenman]

Mr Sheen !! £1 a tin

Paint sealants are not a lot more.

 

[Johnno260]

ok thanks guys, I thought it a decent question to ask given the time of year, hopefully this will help others as well.

 

[Globalti]

Mr Sheen or any wax furniture polish is what shops use. Not only does it leave wax on the paintwork, it also cleans off grime very nicely. I use it on the insides of the house windows because it clans superbly and next time you clean off the grey film, the cloth glides over the glass nicely.