Question for Rutland stove polish users......

[Big Rich]

In my seemingly never-ending quest for a durable exhaust finish, I've read about Rutland stove polish paste here on GSTwins. I bought a tube on Amazon and tried it but I must be doing something wrong. After applying the paste and letting it cure, the stuff basically washes right off with a garden hose (don't even think about riding in the rain..... looked like urban camo!).

After seeing so many recommendations from members here that I trust , I'm led to believe that it's something I'm doing. What's the deal? Does it need "polished" per the directions? I assumed that was for a proper stove, not a MC exhaust.

Any help to get me thru the season without reapplying every weekend would be great..... thanks in advance!

[The Buddha]

I don't think that will stand up to water, heat yes, not water. Cos you don't exactly wash a stove. Like ever.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Bluesmudge]

I've never used it myself but I have seen pipes that have it. I think you do need to polish it into the metal. Seemed like guys who used it only applied it once a year and it looked great all the time. I don't know if they rode in the rain much but I do live in the Pacific Northwest so I don't know how anyone can avoid the rain.

[mr72]

FWIW I went with header paint and it flakes off when I hit it with the power washer.

[twocool]

I use the stove polish...works great for me.  I don't wash the pipes with water so the stove polish stays nice.  I have the F model so the pipes don't get dirty.

You do have to "polish it" after you put it on to remove the excess and sort of burnish it into the pipe.

When I wash my bike, I don't really use a hose much ...just a bucket with soapy water and sponge.  I might rinse the bike with very, very low pressure water, never full blast from a hose.  Mostly I just sponge off with clean water.  If you keep the bike clean, and a coat of wax, cleaning is really easy and doesn't require much effort or strong techniques.   There are plenty places you don't want to get water into.


Cookie

In my seemingly never-ending quest for a durable exhaust finish, I've read about Rutland stove polish paste here on GSTwins. I bought a tube on Amazon and tried it but I must be doing something wrong. After applying the paste and letting it cure, the stuff basically washes right off with a garden hose (don't even think about riding in the rain..... looked like urban camo!).

After seeing so many recommendations from members here that I trust , I'm led to believe that it's something I'm doing. What's the deal? Does it need "polished" per the directions? I assumed that was for a proper stove, not a MC exhaust.

Any help to get me thru the season without reapplying every weekend would be great..... thanks in advance!

[Big Rich]

Thanks folks. Maybe I will try to polish off the excess..... I figured the heavier coat on top would help, but it seems that's what is flaking everything off.

Cookie - I'm right with ya on the hose thing. But I stand back about 8' with a garden hose and soak / rinse everything. Nothing up close, no spraying under the tank / seat, etc. Figured it can't be any worse than riding in a hard rain.