Need Painting Advice

[Grashopr]

Well, good luck on your bike(s). I have the entire writeup on the FAQ area of my website if you ever need to find it and for some reason can't get to SBN (like THAT will ever happen.. ).


I'm glad you're making good use of it.

[Kilbane83]

This is thread is full of fantastic information. Thank you guys very much for all the knowledge. One question I have.. and it may be obvious but I'm not the brightest bulb in the box.. I did a bit of body repair and am doing some touch up painting. The paint has both a base and top coat. Is the top coat considered the "clear" coat or is that something seperate. reading the instructions it says "clear coat not required" but I'm a bit skeptical on that. Any clarification on that?

[TrickShow]

I have an airbrush Could I use that to paint my plastics?

[mcwilliamsda]

Instead of chromed out pipes I want to black mine out, preferrably a shiny black. Do you know if this is possible? What steps should I take?

[94rf900r]

The best way to have a nice paint job on pipes is powder coating. It wont burn off. try and find a local shop or you could contact powderbarons on here. it shouldn't cost to must.

[gijoeyb]

how about painting the wheels? rattle can or powder coat? follow same instructions as tank?

[GixrJim]

Instead of chromed out pipes I want to black mine out, preferrably a shiny black. Do you know if this is possible? What steps should I take?

I would not powder coat pipes. Have the pipes ceramic coated. This will handle the heat cycles better and not deteriorate like powder will. Even the high temp silicone powders will break down and lose gloss. Ceramic can be done in both high and low gloss black.


how about painting the wheels? rattle can or powder coat? follow same instructions as tank?

Wheels should be powder coated for durability. Have these blasted rather than chemical stripping which can alter the metal properties of the wheels. A good TGIC or Urethane powder will yield an excellent result.

Hope this helps.

[RyanB44]

What about painting Flat/Matte black? Is there a special trick to that, any special materials needed?

[Grashopr]

There are a number of ways to do flat black.

1: Spray-bomb it. Buy some rustoleum and go to town. It'll be black. And it'll be flat. But dont spill gas on it, or it'll smear everywhere and on hot days it will mess up your pant thighs.

2: Spray Basecoat black urethane paint, then cover with a regular Urethan Clearcoat with flattening agent added. Works perfectly, you can alter the amount of flex additive for how much 'sheen' you want, and when you mix up a batch, every panel will have equal amounts of 'sheen'. Downfall: The flex additive will eventually cause the surface of the clearcoat to get 'chalky' and you'll get dust all over your clothes/gear.

3: Spray Basecoat black urethane paint, then clear over it with PPG DBC500 mixed 4:1:3 (DBC500:Activator:Reducer) using DCX61 Activator, turn your gun pressure up and 'fog' the panels to get the flat effect. Pluses: about 1/4 the cost of the #2 way with the same durability and fuel-resistance. Downfall: you've got to be careful to get the same 'sheen' on all the panels.

[RyanB44]

Does the same apply for Matte Finish in any color, I was thinking about doing something like one of these 2 colors

[Grashopr]

Yes, doesn't matter what color you're doing.