trapezeartist Posted April 25, 2021 Report Share Posted April 25, 2021 It has been my habit to use WD40 to finish cleaning my bike. So I wash it, dry it, then go over everything with a light spray of WD40 and absorbent paper. It certainly takes off the last film of grime nicely, but I’m beginning to suspect it of slowly making the paint and stickers lose their gloss. Could I be right? How do others get a nice finish? I’ve just got a new bike so would like to start off doing it right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faussy Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 (edited) Silicone spray is usually the go to for leaving a nice shine after a wash (gt85 is pretty popular) although it won't really remove any residual grime as you call it as it wouldn't be as liquid as wd40 (unless you properly douse it in it) I wouldn't say the wd40 is actively dulling your stickers. Although the silicone can revive dulled stickers through scratches that looked beyond restoring Edited April 26, 2021 by faussy 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazzaecowarrior Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 Hi there. I've always been wary using wd40 on my bike. Im sure it can swell rubber. I use gt85 with straw attachment for accuracy after I've washed the bike to displace any water. I remove flywheel cover. Fire bike up. Let it run for ten mins. Spray gt85 over engine area once engine cool enough. I then spray chain and linkage area. Avoid all brakes obviously. It leaves a nice sheen on plastics too. This has worked for me. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trapezeartist Posted April 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 As it happens I'm using GT85 instead of WD40 at the moment (because they were selling it cheap in Aldi!). Perhaps I'll stick with it. And silicone spray is already on my shopping list. Thanks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Intotrials Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 WD 40 is not the best thing to use, it can attack rubber parts and though classed as a multi purpose lubricant does not work all that well in certain circumstances. No problem if you use it for cleaning/freeing or dissolving rust or short term lube. But not ideal on, rubber, plastic, chains and bushes as a lubricant. For a good shine on the plastics and to help stop the mud sticking use a silicone based spray (just avoid any of it near your brakes!!) then use the appropriate lubricants for the chain and other areas. I use a water proof grease in any bush/bearings this seems to hold up better than normal grease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
technowaldo Posted April 27, 2021 Report Share Posted April 27, 2021 Rhino shine after you wash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trapezeartist Posted May 3, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2021 I spent a bit of time working on the new bike this weekend and finished with a generous spray of silicone everywhere (except the tyres and brakes 😁 ). It is GLEAMING! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rr62 Posted May 3, 2021 Report Share Posted May 3, 2021 I’ve used this for years on plastics - gives a really rich shine and dead cheap... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cmarler Posted June 22, 2021 Report Share Posted June 22, 2021 You guys wash your bikes? Here in the states we treat our trials bikes like we treat our women. We turn them upside down, and put them away dirty. Come to think of it, That might explain the performance of each of them so I think I'll take your advice and hit her with some silicone spray tonight after my wife's shower Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon v8 Posted June 23, 2021 Report Share Posted June 23, 2021 I've been using WD40 for years, there is no problem with it at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moomoo Posted June 23, 2021 Report Share Posted June 23, 2021 I've used Mr. Sheen for years on just about everything, even as a car polish but not in a sunny spot or hot car body. It tends to build up a coating that protects. Obviously not on brakes and stuff!🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PakJeem Posted September 22, 2021 Report Share Posted September 22, 2021 After drying with compressed air I use WD -40 on engine parts, rear brake spring, spoke nipples. Not on painted parts or plastic. I also use it as a tire lube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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