Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Polishing instructions for motorcycle frames (Kawasaki Ninja zx6r)
Intro / synopsis: Suggestion is to use an angle grinder to remove old paint, then wet sand, then polish. Key is sanding in an even stroke in the same direction.
Q. I own a 1994 zx6r and I am wondering if I can polish the frame of my bike and if so what is the best way to go about it. It is a dull gray color now and I want it to be as bright as possible to look a little better so I was wondering if you could advise me in the right direction to get me started and have my bike looking better.
Justin David Maclean- Charlottetown, P.E.I., Canada
2002
A. I polished the frame on my 2001 zx6r. Other people might tell you to use oven cleaner but that ends up messing up your engine cases and plastics.
Use an angle grinder [on eBay or Amazon] with scotch bright pads. Do yourself a favor and take all of your plastics off and cover them. There will be a lot of dust. After you get all of the paint and primer start with wet sanding. Start with 400 and work your way to 1500. Use 400, 600, 800, 1500. Then use a jeweler's rouge (polishing/buffing compound) [affil links] to even out the very fine scratches. Then use Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish [on eBay or Amazon] or use this other product called Wenol Auto (blue) [on eBay or Amazon] which works just as well. My frame came out like a mirror. I always get compliments. Personally my bike looks better than some of the professional one. The key is to sand in an even stroke in the same direction.
Jason Fischetti- Springfield, Pennsylvania
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