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SOHC.co.uk Forums => Recommended Sources for Parts and Services => Topic started by: Orcade-Ian on March 23, 2021, 06:27:39 PM

Title: Rub N Buff
Post by: Orcade-Ian on March 23, 2021, 06:27:39 PM
Might be of some use to some folk:

I did a BMW boxer gearbox (80's) for mate recently - new bearings and lots of careful measurement and shimming.  When he brought the box round before the work, it looked like new, so I asked him how it was so good.  "I use Rub N Buff paste on the castings and as long as they have been cleaned, they end up like this" was his reply.  I bought some (about £10 for a tiny tube from ebay) and tried it on this latest bank of spare carbs for a 400/4. You only use TINY amounts and I applied it with an old toothbrush and buffed it with a rag.  It's really a craft type product and Silver leaf was the shade used - lots of other colours available including gold and pewter.

Might be a bit too blingy for purists but looks well enough.

Apparently this gearbox had been done years ago and ridden in all weathers and occasionally hosed down but looked like new castings.

Before and after on a carb body

[attach=1]

[attach=2]

Ian
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Orcade-Ian on March 23, 2021, 07:54:16 PM
Yes, it's quite impressive and my mate rides this BM in all weathers here in Orkney and just hoses it down.  He has a lot of other bikes, Z1's and the likes that you could eat your dinner off! Also a Tractor that went down to a display at Ford in Dagenham a few years ago.  You folks ought to come and see some of the stuff up here and in Shetland.

I've tried removing this stuff to see what happens and you can get rid of most of it with thinners and probably petrol - but even if they flood it shouldn't come into contact with the finish and you could always touch it up in places.

Ian
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Johnny4428 on March 23, 2021, 09:04:10 PM
That’s impressive stuff! Never heard of it Ian. Have to get some of that for the 750 carbs. Should be back in the land of the living shortly after I get this Lister out of my psyche.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: K2-K6 on March 23, 2021, 10:06:42 PM
Looks impressive result on the carbs.

It's predominantly carnuaba wax with petroleum distillate (seems like turpentine) with kaolin clay and dye of choice for colour.

Probably the carnuaba and real turpentine that are most expensive components. 
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: AshimotoK0 on March 24, 2021, 01:08:51 AM
Bought a tube to try Ian ..thanks.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: royhall on March 24, 2021, 04:13:02 AM
Think I may try that also. Have you guys been getting it off eBay. What's the best price?
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: AshimotoK0 on March 24, 2021, 08:08:49 AM
This is where i ordered it :-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Amaco-RubN-Buff-Silver-Leaf/274314036494?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Orcade-Ian on March 24, 2021, 08:50:44 AM
Hi Ash,
Yes, that's about the going rate it seems.  But I will repeat, you only need REALLY TINY  amounts to do the job - I bought 2 tubes but might have to leave one to someone in my will.   8)
Johnny, it was Leslie A who put me on to it and you know his superb standard of work.
I'm looking forward to doing the Del Orto carb on this Ducati Elite - but lots of other stuff to attend to first.

Ian

Just completed the manifold plate and linkage, using the same stuff and zinc plated the fittings with the Gateros kit.

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Laverda Dave on March 24, 2021, 12:48:52 PM
Just placed my order for a tube via the link provided by Ash.
The results look very impressive.
Thanks for posting Ian.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Johnny4428 on March 24, 2021, 12:58:43 PM
Nice work Ian! Yes gathered that would be Leslie when you said being able to eat your dinner off some of his machines. Cheers!
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: royhall on March 24, 2021, 05:53:41 PM
Got mine from here and they have more colours.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274288120398 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274288120398)

I went with Silver Leaf, Pewter (might be better than Silver leaf?) Gold leaf and Antique Gold. £10.03 if you order 4 or more. Expensive? yes but I like to experiment with different looks and I'll find some use for them all eventually.
Got mine from the same place, they are going to be wondering why after selling 2 in the last 3 months there's now a run on it. ;D
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Orcade-Ian on March 24, 2021, 06:21:44 PM
I wondered about that too Roy and I ought to contact them to see if they will give a preferential rate to SOHC/4 forum members or give a donation to Steve. 

I hope everyone is as impressed as I am with the results - I've done a test on the crankcases on this Ducati, which I'd had vapour blasted and it has lifted them to another level and being carnauba wax based it should afford a bit more longer term protection to otherwise virgin metal.

Ian
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: mike the bike on March 24, 2021, 07:08:41 PM
Clicking on that link led to a seller that had sold out.  There's 9 others though, so I bought one.  I look forward to having a go.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: royhall on March 24, 2021, 07:32:13 PM
I wondered about that too Roy and I ought to contact them to see if they will give a preferential rate to SOHC/4 forum members or give a donation to Steve. 

I hope everyone is as impressed as I am with the results - I've done a test on the crankcases on this Ducati, which I'd had vapour blasted and it has lifted them to another level and being carnauba wax based it should afford a bit more longer term protection to otherwise virgin metal.

Ian
It will also be a mystery to them why everybody is suddenly buying the same colour.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: K2-K6 on March 24, 2021, 08:52:56 PM
"It will also be a mystery to them why everybody is suddenly buying the same colour."

That's gonna screw up their stocking rate if they've got it on automatic replenishment setting  :) two weeks time and a whole pallet will turn up at their address  ;D
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: royhall on March 25, 2021, 06:36:47 AM
"It will also be a mystery to them why everybody is suddenly buying the same colour."

That's gonna screw up their stocking rate if they've got it on automatic replenishment setting  :) two weeks time and a whole pallet will turn up at their address  ;D
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: K2-K6 on March 25, 2021, 08:05:14 AM
Extending the experience of longevity for carnuaba wax in this product, something like this also looks attractive for chrome finished parts of these bikes
 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mothers-Brazilian-Carnauba-Cleaner-California/dp/B0002U1TVW/ref=asc_df_B0002U1TVW/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309775958298&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15506001129147191001&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045909&hvtargid=pla-421986683506&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

With many chrome surface finishes being slightly porous (seen in spotty corrosion propagating marks) the wax would appear to be have good potential here too.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: royhall on March 25, 2021, 08:09:07 AM
There's going to be a run on Mothers 05500 now. I think I will buy a pallet of some product and put on here that its fantastic and watch the cash roll in.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: AshimotoK0 on March 25, 2021, 09:45:41 AM
Brilliant post this Ian .passing/sharing  on hints/advice tips and tricks is what these forums are all about..IMHO . .
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: taysidedragon on March 25, 2021, 10:08:47 AM
When I saw Mother's Brazilian I thought we were going somewhere else! 😂
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Orcade-Ian on March 25, 2021, 10:36:42 AM
When I saw Mother's Brazilian I thought we were going somewhere else! 😂

She told you to stop looking at those sites!

Ian
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: K2-K6 on March 25, 2021, 11:11:43 AM
Yep, a steamy night out down the old Rub-n-Buff with some crucial Brazilian wax going down, brings a whole different focus to it  ;D
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: JamesH on March 25, 2021, 04:10:06 PM
Very intrigued to see the results from this rubbing and buffing. My only concern is how durable the finish is going to be - only way to tell is to try it. Let us know the collective feedback as you all progressively rub and buff...
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: AshimotoK0 on March 27, 2021, 01:28:53 AM
Arrived Friday .... that was quick delivery ! Interestingly ...  it was shipped as  contents 'nail varnish'. Will report back when I have 'had a go' on my CD175A sloper carb.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Orcade-Ian on March 27, 2021, 07:51:08 AM
I understand James' concern about the durability of the finish but friend Leslie has been using this for some time now and I have seen his BM regularly but never thought to ask why it looked so good as all of his bikes are pristine.
I'm getting close to finishing this spare set of carbs and will post a pic when they are done but very impressed so far.
When these bikes were new, the carbs had no protective coating at all - how long did that last if left out in the elements?
Being cast, the grain boundaries in the metal allow the ingress of moisture into the first layers of molecules allowing the oxides to form.  Hopefully (!) the very thin layer of carnauba wax should form a barrier to this oxidation and the silver tint is really perhaps just 'bullshit in a tube'

I'm sure Ash - with his background will have thoughts on this.  I'm too old now to do a head to head test with a new carb untreated, one with carnauba wax applied with a toothbrush and one with Rub N Buff, all left out in the Orkney salt spray cabinet!

Ian
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: K2-K6 on March 27, 2021, 10:02:40 AM
Arrived Friday .... that was quick delivery ! Interestingly ...  it was shipped as  cnents 'nail varnish'. Will report back when I have 'had a go' on my CD175A sloper carb.

Seems most like lipstick in product match,  but with addition of turpentine. 

A bit of "lippy" for your carbs sir  ;D
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: AshimotoK0 on March 27, 2021, 12:03:21 PM
Very intrigued to see the results from this rubbing and buffing. My only concern is how durable the finish is going to be - only way to tell is to try it. Let us know the collective feedback as you all progressively rub and buff...

Sadly, I don't think anything will restore that lovely iridescent finish you had on Keihin carbs originally James.   
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: mickwinf on March 27, 2021, 04:00:25 PM
ok so i too ordered some, and it arrived today. I had a little play and experimented on a few items. This is now my new favorite product! First i tried it on an old carb body, used a tiny amount and rubbed it in. For the awkward corners i used an old paintbrush and it covered well and looks good, maybe even a bit too blingy but does what it says on the tin (tube!) also tried on some alloy parts, a caliper and bracket and a engine cover, again decent result even though i did not prepare the surface first. I then had another idea, on my kickstart and my brake lever there were some rusty marks where they rubbed together so i used the rub and buff, and found that it disguised the marks very well, and if you keep buffing it does shine the metal too. So i thought i will try a really rusty item, and found a chrome chain guard which is very rusty. I gave it a quick rub with wire wool first then with rub and buff. Obviously will not get rid of rust but did improve a lot. I think i may order some more colours and try on other things, all in all i recommend the product.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: mickwinf on March 27, 2021, 04:05:00 PM
more pics
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: mickwinf on March 27, 2021, 04:12:02 PM
more, last pic shows a rear light base, the rh half has been treated and you can see it covers the small line of rust in the corner.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Orcade-Ian on March 27, 2021, 06:46:45 PM
Hi Mick,
Glad you have found uses for it - most folk who try it seem more than pleased with the results.  As Ash rightly says, it's never going to produce the iridescence that you see on a brand new Keihin carb, but no other treatment does either!  As with any applied finish, be it paint, chrome, zinc or polished alloy, the initial prep is so important.
Just tried it on a 15mm copper pipe on our towel rail - copper colour gone - shiny, almost chrome finish now!
Ian
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: mickwinf on March 27, 2021, 11:08:13 PM
mine was very thick straight out the tube, used a rice grain size on a rag and just worked it in, then a tiny amount on the tip of a painbrush to get in the odd corners. I did buff with a clean rag afterwards. There are some you tube vids.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Orcade-Ian on March 28, 2021, 08:41:03 AM
Oddjob,
An old toothbrush works the best for me and would avoid using fingers to prevent skin oils being put on the surface - perhaps why you didn't get good coverage?  I put a tiny dab on the end of the brush and work that all over the part, back and forth up and down and in all the little crevices.  I keep at that till everywhere is covered and keep brushing for a while after.  A few minutes later I just rub with a soft cloth. Try not to get it on anything you don't want colouring - it's a bugger to get off!

Ian
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: mike the bike on March 29, 2021, 09:28:13 AM
I didn't have an old toothbrush so I used my lad's one. He now looks like Jaws in a James Bond film.  He hasn't noticed yet though.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: K2-K6 on March 29, 2021, 09:33:34 AM
I may have made a mistake trying the old carb top, I was polishing it with a new accessory from Dremel and using buffing soap as well, it may be the soap was impregnated into the alloy and stopping the RubNBuff from attaching, it went very streaky in the end which would sort of confirm this theory. I'll have a go at something else and see how it comes out.

Try washing it with neat washing up liquid to see if it'll take after that. Specifically designed as degreasant and may strip it sufficiently to help.

Also why it shouldn't ordinarily be used on vehicles as it strips waxing, or double glazing materials (often advised) where it does the same.  Use car products to wash your windows. I know it's a wierd connection  ;D but useful.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: K2-K6 on March 29, 2021, 09:34:33 AM
I didn't have an old toothbrush so I used my lad's one. He now looks like Jaws in a James Bond film.  He hasn't noticed yet though.

 ;D
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: MrDavo on March 29, 2021, 12:45:34 PM
How does it fare when it meets brake cleaner or petrol?

I guess it could be an issue of your freshly shiny carb has any sort of fuel leak (or ticklers like old Amal carbs!).

By the way I get triggered by single letters standing in for words, I blame Rock 'n Roll for that slippery slope, Toys 'R Us deserved to go under just for grammar abuse.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: K2-K6 on April 02, 2021, 10:49:56 AM
I bought the other carnuaba car wax to try.

Sceptical of any "wonder" treatments in the extreme, it's interesting to see this does what's claimed for it. Although it seems to indicate that it has some mild "cut" ability that appears to be non existent,  but no bad thing as it's effectively risk free to try even on surfaces you may be careful to avoid any sort of abrasion.
It sits on the surface and "likes" to be dry before final buffing,  but leaves a very deep liquid shine that water just skates off completely.  Looks really effective on chrome too as water doesn't get a sniff at staying on the surface.

Now I know what Carnuaba smells like  :) and worth wearing gloves if you don't want your hands to smell like a Cornish surf shack  ;D not unpleasant,  but distinctive. 

Never bought "expensive" (well relatively) car wax before, so interesting to sample something like this and certainly it matches how it's promoted.

Converted, apart from now having a whole list of things to buff  :P
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: royhall on April 02, 2021, 11:05:43 AM
I haven't opened mine yet but think I will now try it this afternoon. Sniff sniff. ;D
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: mike the bike on April 03, 2021, 10:46:48 AM
You know those chocolate brazils with the shiny chocolate coating?  That's carnauba wax.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: royhall on April 03, 2021, 10:56:00 AM
So this stuff is good for polishing your nut's eh. Oo err missus.
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Moorey on April 03, 2021, 08:30:31 PM
 
 Try mixing tan or clear Kiwi shoe polish with a mica powder of whatever colour you are after. Kiwi shoe polish contains a mix of waxes including carnuba. Its a old blacksmiths trick.  ;)
Title: Re: Rub N Buff
Post by: Laverdaroo on April 04, 2021, 11:26:46 AM
So this stuff is good for polishing your nut's eh. Oo err missus.

 ;D ;D ;D
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