Howdy buckaroos, I’ve been riding and loving my Flaanimal (in PSL orange). Over time, my bike has accumulated some gross chain grease stains on usual areas and I can’t get them off. I typically use a dry lube like T9 or Rock n Roll Gold and occasionally Dumonde Tech. To clean the areas that got some chain marks on them, I’ve used a mild detergent like Dawn and a diluted citrus degreaser—I am careful about using anything too aggressive. Using a blue paper towel or cloth shop rag, I vigorously rub with reasonable and sturdy pressure, and I can barely get any of the chain grease off. What’s more, I’ll get some orange from the Cerakote on the rag which has me kinda worried. That may be because I am effectively polishing the chainstay—I’ve noticed that some areas that get regular contact start to get polished like the top tube. Nonetheless, I am a bit concerned about the stains and the Cerakote coming off. I haven’t had these issues on powder-coated bikes. I would appreciate some suggestions. Thanks a ton!
Answer
Ted,
It may not be entirely possible to removed chain grease stains from Cerakote. Cerakote is ceramic particles suspended in a polymer and may have more poreosity than other coatings – meaning that if you get chain grease in it and it soaks into the pores it may embed beyond a detergent’s ability to penetrate and remove it.
Areas such as chainstays that are subject to grease would be better to protect with a 3M clear vinyl such as ClearBra, or any mainstream chainstay protector.
It is also a useful idea to wipe down the bike when cleaning with Bike Lust or even a spray on car wax as a protective layer. That will help seal pores in the coating and provide a sacrificial layer for dirt and contamination to stick to and then wash off.
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