DIY Painting Tips

[ducpainter]

Yeah it's from a Triumph, but it's the color I'd like to make my bike.

I don't know if DuPont has formulas for moto colors in the Nason line. I stopped using DuPont because of their basemaker system instead of regular urethane reducers. I know PPG doesn't in their OMNI line nor do they in their premium line, except for Harley as PPG is the OEM supplier for their paint. PPG has a line called Nexa for motos and foreign cars, but it's definitely not a value line. Most colors are actually more than DBC (Deltron).

You'll have to ask the jobber.

The easiest way I've found to get a color like that is to find a panel in that color and have it scanned. They can usually mix it in any of the lines they offer, but not always.

[Langanobob]

Didn't know about the basemaker issue, but it probably only applies to two-stage paints requiring a clear coat?  I'm probably too old school for  my own good, but I really prefer single stage paint jobs.  Being an amateur I don't have to deal with customers telling me what they want and I can do it my way.  But the downside is that I don't get paid!

[ducpainter]

Basemaker is used in DuPont chromabase. It doesn't sand well, and if you have anything but a downdraft booth you will get enough dust to require sanding.

Single stage is good for certain items that are difficult to polish. I believe it's more durable.

[ChrisK]

DP, I'm planning on doing a dark color with a matte finish. What kind of process does that require? I'm guessing the sanding/finishing process isn't the same.

Primer, base coat, then what? Sand the base coat, apply matte clear?

[ducpainter]

DP, I'm planning on doing a dark color with a matte finish. What kind of process does that require? I'm guessing the sanding/finishing process isn't the same.

Primer, base coat, then what? Sand the base coat, apply matte clear?

You shouldn't sand base coat, and you can't if it's a metallic or a pearl or the scratches will show.

If you have dust, sand and then apply more base. Clear over the base after whatever flash time the manufacturer recommends...typically 15-30 minutes.

Automotive products are designed to be applied 'wet on wet'. They have a maximum window for clearing which varies by manufacturer and product.

[ChrisK]

Then you just leave the clear alone after applying? No sanding or finishing of that?

[ducpainter]

Then you just leave the clear alone after applying? No sanding or finishing of that?

That is the rub with low gloss clear.

What you see is what you get. If you get dust you either sand and re-clear, or live with it.

If you sand and polish it gets glossier. If you put on too many coats or heavy coats it will change the gloss.

Some low gloss clears will get glossier just from normal wear and tear, like your pants or jacket rubbing on it, where a gloss clear would get duller. Once it happens there's nothing you can do whereas a gloss clear can be polished back to the original look.

It's not my favorite product to work with.

[ChrisK]

Okay, and just for clarification: If a label says "low-gloss clear" does that mean the same as "matte clear".

[ducpainter]

Okay, and just for clarification: If a label says "low-gloss clear" does that mean the same as "matte clear".

Not necessarily.

Gloss is actually measured in degrees...and I don't know the science behind it.

For our purposes it's differentiated into levels like flat (0-5⁰,) eggshell/matte (20-30⁰), satin/semi (50-60⁰), and then full.

I have no idea what Nason 'low' gloss clear is.

Ducati's fall into the eggshell range. They are not flat.

[nickshelby500kr]

I plan on doing a two tone paint scheme for my monster. What's the best method to achieve a two tone scheme with a third separating pinstripe color? All my other paint projects have mainly been single color so I'm not super familiar with the taping off portion of everything if that makes sense.

[ducpainter]

Basically you spry one base color, let it dry enough to mask...usually an hour depending on manufacturer, then mask and spray the second color.

At that point you strip the masking and clear it. This all needs to be done in one day or you need to use intercoat clears and sand each application of intercoat clear before the next application of color

Then sand the clear, apply the stripe whether it be vinyl, sprayed, or hand brushed, and re-clear.

The first coat of the re-clear needs to be sprayed lightly or you'll run it.

[nickshelby500kr]

The paint is going to be a fiberglass tank cover and carbon tail + fender. Is there any special additives that are needed?

[ducpainter]

The paint is going to be a fiberglass tank cover and carbon tail + fender. Is there any special additives that are needed?

Nothing that wouldn't also be used on steel.

Those materials are plenty rigid.

[ChrisK]

DP, I've been searching through the thread but can't find the answer I'm looking for so sorry if this is a repeat.

What is your process for removing OEM paint from a steel tank?

[ducpainter]

DP, I've been searching through the thread but can't find the answer I'm looking for so sorry if this is a repeat.

What is your process for removing OEM paint from a steel tank?

Before I answer...

why do you want it removed?