DH killed my bike paint

[Beane]

We just got back from a long road trip with the bikes on the roof. We bought some covers this time to keep stuff off the fronts of the bikes. Unfortunately the velcro tabs that keep the covers on the bikes rubbed on my downtube (right near head tube) and left some unsightly marks. DH thought that gently sanding with extremely fine wet sandpaper would get them out. Needless to say, now there is a big dull patch where the clear coat came off (or at least thats what it looks like)... anybody have any ideas?

p.s. we drove ~15 hours each way and the weather was so cold and wet that we only rode once! :mad: never again!!

[Zen]

I think it's too late now.
What should have originally been done is to wax the marks off, not sandpaper:confused:

[SouthernBelle]

Or a pencil eraser.

The clear-coat should be touch-up-able. Go by a body shop and ask.

[Trek420]

Of course if it's steel, get it repainted. And you get to pick a new color :D

[redrhodie]

(((Beane)))) that's very sad. I'm sure your DH feels terrible, especially since he was trying to protect it. This stuff happens. You can always repaint, but maybe call the factory and see if they can offer any advice on how to touch it up.

[Beane]

We'll take it to a shop or call the folks at waterford/gunnar, but I doubt it can be fixed... He does feel bad and I wouldn't mind a repaint at some point... I could just put a sticker over it too.

is there any reason having the clear coat slightly abraded a bit would make it more susceptible to rust?

[Mr. Bloom]

I was apparently responsible for a microscopic scratch on Silver's Madone:eek:...I think she's forgiven me...it's been 9 months:o

[Trek420]

We'll take it to a shop or call the folks at waterford/gunnar, but I doubt it can be fixed... He does feel bad and I wouldn't mind a repaint at some point... I could just put a sticker over it too.

is there any reason having the clear coat slightly abraded a bit would make it more susceptible to rust?

Ah, waterford/gunnar. So they are steel. :) I would not feel too bad then, I think the bike will be fine. The spot is on a place few will see it. You could repaint if you want or save that for a latter point. I repainted .... when I ran my steel bike into the carport. :eek: Don't do that. ;)

Don't put a sticker on it, just watch it for any sign of wear. Don't leave the bike out in the rain ;)

It sounds like a design flaw on the cover, a bike cover that causes damage? What one are you using?

[kat_h]

Polish it with a fine car polish (or toothpaste).

[crazybikinchic]

I was streching after doing some indoor training. When I took my foot off the seat of the bike, I came down on my top tube and scratched my bike.:(:(:( I appologized profusely to my bike and was nearly late to work because of it. I asked my LBS what to do and they said to cover it with clear nail polish. It is not beautiful, but it does the trick.

[Thorn]

Bummer...(I fear the my baby's first ride on the bike rack). I'd call and talk to Waterford. They have a vested interest in your bike looking great--after all, you're a rolling advertisement! :D

If you haven't found it, here's their care and feeding guide.....

http://waterfordbikes.com/images/upload/Waterford%20Bike%20Care%20Guide.pdf

Hopefully a nice waxing will make it pretty again.

[Blueberry]

We've gotten some pretty good results with clear nail polish. Get it as smooth as possible when you paint on - the brush strokes will smooth out some as it dries. DH chipped my Trek 520 (completely new, and unridden) when putting fenders on it. I don't even notice the chips now (and most importantly, the steel is protected).

Good luck! Maybe nailpolish and/or wax now, and start saving for a new paint job when your ride gets more chips/road wear.

Remember - the most important thing is that you're out there riding and enjoying it!!

CA

[sandra]

Our Saris bike rack rubbed a spot on hubby's brand new Trek Pilot on the hour and a half drive home from the bike shop. I know it makes you sick, but I guess it happens.

[rij73]

I would go for a careful application of clear nail polish. I have touched up a few nicks on my frame that way. Makes them much less noticeable!

[bean fidhleir]

If you haven't cut completely through the clear coat, you can "slick it up" again using 12000-grit MicroMesh and distilled water. Airlines use MicroMesh to polish out the scratches on the windows left by 600mph dust abrasion, and fiddlemakers use it to polish the varnish to a brilliant shine.

If you have cut completely through, do the clear nail polish (or an automotive clearcoat rattle can) and then, *after it's hardened up*, use the 12000 micromesh with water to smooth out any brushmarks.

https://www.micro-surface.com/default.cfm?page_id=200

[Beane]

I think the micro-abrasive and water is what he thought he was doing... I'll probably take it to the lbs to see what they suggest.

[Blueberry]

It's kind of hard to tell, but it looks like you're pretty darn close to being down to steel. I'd call the manufacturer and see if they can help you match the paint. Or clear nail polish will repair until you can get it repainted. But....I don't think it will cover that up:(

[KnottedYet]

I'd call Waterford, too. They were very helpful when I was asking questions about my paint on my Waterford X-12.

(and they understand bike love... sigh)

Your bike will be ok. Really. My bike sends hugs to your bike. :p

[bean fidhleir]

ooOOOoooo +1 on nearly being down to the steel :( Yes, a call to Waterford seems indicated.

[Beane]

After talking to the kind folks at Waterford/Gunnar, we bought a can of Rust-oleum crystal clear enamel, carefully taped the bike, and then applied a light layer of the spray. You can definitely tell if you look at or touch it (there's even a tiny dog hair stuck in there...), but certainly it's better than it was. Thanks to everyone for their helpful comments!

[Blueberry]

Wow! That looks great!!

I'm glad it worked out so well - it's definitely a good tip to keep in mind. Glad it wasn't as deep as it appeared!!

[KnottedYet]

Oh, much better! Glad you called Waterford.

[sandra]

Much improved. I wouldn't know it if you hadn't told us!

[sgtiger]

Beans, it looks great! I can't tell where the scratches were from that photo. I love that deep shade of purple BTW.

Thanks for sharing the tip about the Rust-oleum. I have some dings on my bike that I've been wondering how to treat. Must add that to my shopping list.

[Thorn]

Nice job. Glad to hear the guys at Waterford came through for you.