Clean oil residue from paint work

rkinsella · 26 Aug 2021

Folks,

I need to prepare my (new & expensive) bike (yes - I know, not a car) for protective stickers.
These are clear hardwearing stickers that protect the frame from scraps, bumps and the like.

Online video's suggest using 'alcohol wipes' to make absolutely sure that there is no oil residue. I have alcohol hand-wipes (usually with Aloe Vera) and glasses wipes, but I am not sure these are the right things.

I figured that this must be a common enough problem for cars - is there a standard brand, I should be looking for?

Ray K

Burnerman · 26 Aug 2021

Have you thought about using bog standard meths, Ray?
John

rkinsella · 26 Aug 2021

Methylated spirits - I have no idea, does that damage paint?

Burnerman · 26 Aug 2021

Not if the paint is well cured - obviously not the best if you sprayed the bike a couple of days ago!
Motor factors will stock Panel Wipe too, which does the same thing.
I wouldn’t leave any solvent wet on any paint though, just wipe it away with a clean cloth once it’s done its job.
John

Lazzy · 26 Aug 2021

rkinsella said:
Methylated spirits - I have no idea, does that damage paint?

that's a bit oily. I would probably use acetone (nail polish remover) simply because I have some.
edit. Oops I meant w/spirit was oily not meths.

Keithmac · 27 Aug 2021

Brake cleaner on a rag is best bet, then wipe down with clean lint free cloth.

Burnerman · 27 Aug 2021

Nail polish remover (acetone) and brake cleaner (toluene) are both very aggressive solvents.
If you must use them, go sparingly and immediately wash the paintwork afterwards.
John

Nozzle · 27 Aug 2021

White spirit,
Then Washing-up Liquid
Then Panel Wipe

Meths is alchol based. To get rid of oil, you use a thinner oil (white spirit is petrolium), then a detergent.

Nozzle

Clean oil residue from paint work

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