isuckatbiking

Hello. Had a quick question. I was wondering, is it okay to use nail polish on a matte finish bike?

The top portion of my fork has paint chips. Saw this was a common problem with a few cannondale bbq bikes.

With the weather getting warmer, I'm getting my bike prepped and ready to go. Thought this would be a great time to just get this issue remedied.

The only thing I'm unsure about is whether its okay to the bikes finish to use nail polish. I know glossy finishes have no problem with nail polish but wanted to make sure there weren't any abrasive ingredients that might harm the finish.

What I had in mind was to use black to cover the chipped spots and then use a nail polish clear coat. Then I thought, wouldn't nail polish clear coat remove the nail polish? I ask because I remember I used to use nail polish clear coat (or was it nail polish veneer) to remove paint.

Below is a photo for reference on what I mean.

motorthings

you could also get some matte finish touch up paint.

06SpiceRed

What he said ^^

They make a matte clear nail polish. I had to use it for frame touch up around the fork as well on one of my frames. If you are are keen on doing an overall preventative coating, I would just pick up a spray can of automotive matte clear and evenly spray the whole fork.

dtrain

+1 on the matte touch-up paint. You don't what shiny black spots.

You didn't use clear coat to remove anything..that was a different product.

isuckatbiking

Thanks for the replies guys.

Thoughts on this?

Birchwood Casey Flat Black Touchup Paint Pen for iPhone Repair Anodized Aluminum | eBay

And to be clear, do I still need to buy a clear coat after applying the above? If so, can anyone point me in the right direction

06SpiceRed

Are the chips white? What you might be able to get away with if its tiny chips is filling them in with a black sharpie then using the matte clear polish over it. It can really go a couple ways, if use just the matte clear paint, it can rechip depending on how thick you apply it. If its light, then I would just add a layer of matte clear over the matte paint to add a little barrier so to speak.

Also depending on where you are, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or and Model/Hobby store should have what you are looking for for next to nothing. This way you might not need to wait to order it online and you can see in person what it looks like.

isuckatbiking

Yeah, unfortunately the chips are white. I was actually thinking about going the sharpie route but figured I spent a good amount of money on the bike that I shouldn't cheap out now.

The only thing I'm puzzled about is, if I purchase a matte touch up pen/brush (or whatever) would a matte clear coat still be required? Do they sell the matte clear coat in a pen form as well?

Will be checking out a hobby store + michaels when I get a chance.

06SpiceRed

If you go with just the brush/pen route while skipping the matte clear coat, it could certainly work and hold up decently well however since its in a "active" area on the bike with the rotation and all applying the clear would certainly erase any doubt if it would rechip. You could always start with one, and see how well it holds up. If it does, fantastic! If it starts to slowly rechip away add a touch of clear for insurance. When ive done touch ups Ive gone both routes, using clear and skipping it. The times I tend to go and apply the clear in addition to the paint is when I know its gonna be in a "active" spot or a place that see's frequent position changes like the drop outs and such from wheels going in and out.