"Milky" paint?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
"Milky" paint?
This bike, a Diamondback (Centurion) Expert TG maybe isn't quite C&V material but I figured y'all would be helpful. The original vivid orange paint has faded in most places to a kind of milky orange. In the photo below, you can see the true color underneath where the brake housing ran, in contrast to the current color. My question is: has the paint irreversibly faded, or is this distortion something I can remove? Soap and water does nothing, and that's all I've tried so far.
One thing that puzzles me is that the way the housing was protective suggests damage from light. Also consistent with this notion: the undersides of the tubes look much better than the tops. Yet the bike has basically not been ridden since the 90s and I'm pretty sure (it's been in the family) that it was always stored indoors, so it doesn't perfectly add up.
One thing that puzzles me is that the way the housing was protective suggests damage from light. Also consistent with this notion: the undersides of the tubes look much better than the tops. Yet the bike has basically not been ridden since the 90s and I'm pretty sure (it's been in the family) that it was always stored indoors, so it doesn't perfectly add up.
#2
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,808
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
i would try to find a solvent that attacks wax, and doesn't attack paint. Ammonia might do it. Obviously this will help only if there's a coat of wax on there, which I don't know.
After that, i'd try a polishing compound, again starting with something mild (like toothpaste). maybe there's a weathered layer that will come off to reveal better paint beneath?
After that, i'd try a polishing compound, again starting with something mild (like toothpaste). maybe there's a weathered layer that will come off to reveal better paint beneath?
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.
#3
Senior Member
Strip it down to the bare frame and try rubbing this stuff on it:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Turtle-Wa...torer/16767855
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Turtle-Wa...torer/16767855
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: City of Angels
Posts: 4,870
Bikes: A few too many
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 2,180 Times
in
1,183 Posts
OP,
You nailed it right with the sun fade....It does look like the bike has sat out in the sun for quite a while and the paint has faded, you could try a very light color sand with a 1200 grit wet and dry paper with a good polish after, but it is unlikely that the color will come back.....Probably not much you can do to bring the color back it .
Good luck, Ben
You nailed it right with the sun fade....It does look like the bike has sat out in the sun for quite a while and the paint has faded, you could try a very light color sand with a 1200 grit wet and dry paper with a good polish after, but it is unlikely that the color will come back.....Probably not much you can do to bring the color back it .
Good luck, Ben
Likes For xiaoman1:
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
OP,
You nailed it right with the sun fade....It does look like the bike has sat out in the sun for quite a while and the paint has faded, you could try a very light color sand with a 1200 grit wet and dry paper with a good polish after, but it is unlikely that the color will come back.....Probably not much you can do to bring the color back it .
Good luck, Ben
You nailed it right with the sun fade....It does look like the bike has sat out in the sun for quite a while and the paint has faded, you could try a very light color sand with a 1200 grit wet and dry paper with a good polish after, but it is unlikely that the color will come back.....Probably not much you can do to bring the color back it .
Good luck, Ben
#6
Senior Member
It might be milky wax, though I kind of doubt it. If so, naphtha will remove wax. If that is too scary sounding I'm sure the auto parts store has some sort of wax remover. Always test on a small spot when using any solvent.
It looks like sun fade to me as well, but hard to tell from photos. If the paint hasn't been cleared, you could try a medium polishing compound followed by a fine polishing compound. Again, test on a small spot first.
EDIT Almost certainly that frame has been clearcoated. Nothing you can do about the paint fade, short of a refin. IMO best to just live with it. It's character.
It looks like sun fade to me as well, but hard to tell from photos. If the paint hasn't been cleared, you could try a medium polishing compound followed by a fine polishing compound. Again, test on a small spot first.
EDIT Almost certainly that frame has been clearcoated. Nothing you can do about the paint fade, short of a refin. IMO best to just live with it. It's character.
Last edited by Salamandrine; 08-29-20 at 06:07 PM.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 936
Bikes: 1968 Raleigh Super Course, 1972 Raleigh Professional, 1975 Raleigh International, 1978 Raleigh Professional, 1985 Raleigh Prestige, 1972 Schwinn Paramount, 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8, 1960 Carlton Franco Suisse Peugeot PX10, 1972 Motobecane Le Champ
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 322 Post(s)
Liked 690 Times
in
351 Posts
I’d just live with it too. I really appreciate bikes that show their age as long as they’re not actually damaged or abused, especially since you plan on riding it.
Last edited by Pcampeau; 08-29-20 at 06:08 PM.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: San Mateo,Ca.
Posts: 3,985
Bikes: TRIMMED DOWN THE HERD
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1090 Post(s)
Liked 935 Times
in
600 Posts
100% paint fade. I have a couple of bikes with that in some spots. Not much you can do other than a complete repaint.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 9,517
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 1,760 Times
in
634 Posts
I would agree paint fade just clean it up as is with dish soap and give it a light coat of wax and leave alone nothing wrong with a bit o f vintage petina on a bike if everything else is good.
Likes For zukahn1:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
Posts: 14,252
Mentioned: 415 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3807 Post(s)
Liked 3,331 Times
in
2,173 Posts
-----
the accepted term for the type of finish the cycle wore ex-works is "pearlescent"
there are a number of products made to care for automotive finishes which claim to restore "sun damage" and "sun fading"
one quality brand available everywhere is Meguiars
there are lots of other good ones but some have only limited distribution
-----
the accepted term for the type of finish the cycle wore ex-works is "pearlescent"
there are a number of products made to care for automotive finishes which claim to restore "sun damage" and "sun fading"
one quality brand available everywhere is Meguiars
there are lots of other good ones but some have only limited distribution
-----
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 9,517
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 1,760 Times
in
634 Posts
-----
the accepted term for the type of finish the cycle wore ex-works is "pearlescent"
there are a number of products made to care for automotive finishes which claim to restore "sun damage" and "sun fading"
one quality brand available everywhere is Meguiars
there are lots of other good ones but some have only limited distribution
-----
the accepted term for the type of finish the cycle wore ex-works is "pearlescent"
there are a number of products made to care for automotive finishes which claim to restore "sun damage" and "sun fading"
one quality brand available everywhere is Meguiars
there are lots of other good ones but some have only limited distribution
-----
#12
weapons-grade bolognium
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Across the street from Chicago
Posts: 6,344
Bikes: Battaglin Cromor, Ciocc Designer 84, Schwinn Superior 1981
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 985 Post(s)
Liked 2,378 Times
in
891 Posts
Guessing a white undercoat for a pearl or metalic finish. UV - maybe stored outside or by a window.
color is gone. Good bike - i owned one of those BITD.
color is gone. Good bike - i owned one of those BITD.
#13
With a mighty wind
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,586
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1086 Post(s)
Liked 859 Times
in
488 Posts
This was my project today.
I just got a pink bike from '87. It is definitely faded, especially noticable when I removed the fork and saw the over spray on the steerer.
I gave it some elbow grease with the same polishing compound you'd use on a scuffed car door. Then I waxed it with a Canuba Wax can, like turtle wax. It looks really good, very clean and great shine now.
However, it's not as bright as it was 34 years ago and there's nothing I can do about it. Do you need it look good or brand new?
I just got a pink bike from '87. It is definitely faded, especially noticable when I removed the fork and saw the over spray on the steerer.
I gave it some elbow grease with the same polishing compound you'd use on a scuffed car door. Then I waxed it with a Canuba Wax can, like turtle wax. It looks really good, very clean and great shine now.
However, it's not as bright as it was 34 years ago and there's nothing I can do about it. Do you need it look good or brand new?
#14
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,103 Times
in
1,367 Posts
Definitely faded. DAMHIK
I need to get this bike out of here but I’m hesitating to put it on CL for fear it will land in the Wacky thread
I need to get this bike out of here but I’m hesitating to put it on CL for fear it will land in the Wacky thread
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 9,517
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 1,760 Times
in
634 Posts
I see nothing wacky or bad wouldn't see any issues selling this one for $259-300 as is locale sale. I know since it bit special bike you would likely want more and keep it if you can' get a better price.
#16
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,103 Times
in
1,367 Posts
Oh it works great, it's all there. But relevant to the discussion, see the down tube
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 9,517
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 1,760 Times
in
634 Posts
Ok I'm missing something I see minor issues but not the down tube. took second see it know some one nearly sawed it half then quit leaving a no value frame and fork. So now really only $50 for parts.
Last edited by zukahn1; 08-29-20 at 08:53 PM.
#18
With a mighty wind
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,586
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1086 Post(s)
Liked 859 Times
in
488 Posts
I used to have a truck I bought used from the Wyoming Fish and Game. You could totally nsee where the badge was for as long as I owned it. It was just less faded where it had been.
#19
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,103 Times
in
1,367 Posts
lol what. The paint, man. Look at the down tube. It's the same model as the OP's. You should see how great the color is under the BB shell...
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: City of Angels
Posts: 4,870
Bikes: A few too many
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 2,180 Times
in
1,183 Posts
Best, Ben
#21
Senior Member
Is there really no hope?
Rubbing compound is a mildy abrasive material (very fine) used to remove exactly this type of faded paint without damaging the underlying, undamaged paint. It is like waxing a surface except the abrasive removes the faded paint.
You will lose any glossiness the surface has but that can be restored by polishing or by overcoating with clear.
If it does not work, if the damage goes all the way thru the color coat, you haven't lost anything except time.
It would have to be "a labor of love", as it would not be economical from a cost of labor perspective.
Rubbing compound is a mildy abrasive material (very fine) used to remove exactly this type of faded paint without damaging the underlying, undamaged paint. It is like waxing a surface except the abrasive removes the faded paint.
You will lose any glossiness the surface has but that can be restored by polishing or by overcoating with clear.
If it does not work, if the damage goes all the way thru the color coat, you haven't lost anything except time.
It would have to be "a labor of love", as it would not be economical from a cost of labor perspective.
#22
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,846
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2297 Post(s)
Liked 2,054 Times
in
1,254 Posts
Sometimes it's just a bike. Looks like a good ride but if you just need that original colour and finish, maybe it's not the right bike.
#23
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,103 Times
in
1,367 Posts
That's basically how I plan to write my ad copy. It's a fast bike but hardly collectible.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
#24
Junior Member
Thread Starter
OK mystery solved. I got a little mixed up about the bike's history. It was locked up outside for several years (my brother had it during some of the time I thought it was just sitting in a garage). That explains the sun fade! I gave it new cables and housing, it rides very nicely. Will enter a new life as a back up bike, paint as is. Thanks y'all.
#25
Senior Member
I have a 1991 Diamond Back Axis, in that same Orange color. it is the same way, i was chalking it up to sun fade also.
__________________