How do I select the right painter?
#1
11-10-2011, 09:26 PM
How do I select the right painter?
Custom paint can easily be the most expensive single accessory you will ever add to your bike. Nothing changes the look and feel of your bike more than the paint job. Your paint job is the first thing people notice when looking at your bike. It better be top quality.
Here are a few tips when you shop for custom paint;
A- Demand a written long term materials & craftsmanship warranty (at least 5 years) against common paint problems such as; peeling, lifting, cracking, fading, bubbling & yellowing effect. Poor quality custom paint jobs usually fail within 3 years; this is why most shops refuse to offer a longer written warranty!
If your painter hesitates in giving you a 5 year written warranty, isn't this a clear sign that he knows his paint job will fail before 5 years?
Beware of warranties that cover materials, but not the craftsmanship!
B- Demand a written completion time guarantee (with money back) to make sure you get the paint job within the promised time.
C- Make sure your painter can document at least 15 years of experience in custom painting (this is very important, if you want to make sure he / she will get it done right the first time).
D- Demand a show quality finish* and do not settle for just a good or excellent quality!
What is a show quality finish?
*Show quality finish refers to a paint job with:
1- No evidence of orange peel.
2- No dirt or imperfection in paint.
3- No obvious paint defect.
4- Nice & sharp masking edges.
5- Super glossy mirror like finish.
6- Nicely painted trim edges and no overspray.
7- Clear and brilliant colors (not cloudy).
8- No fish eye or holes in the paint.
10- Not being able to feel the graphic edges to the touch
(Clear coated at least twice with baking and hand sanding in between).
11- Multi layer clear coat for deep appearance (minimum 10 coats).
12- Underside of fenders free of overspray and clean, with fresh rubber based undercoating.
13- Use only top name brand materials that are proven to last for at least 10 years without failing.
E- Make sure to demand a detailed written work / purchase order with all the specifications of your paint job, to avoid any mistakes or surprises.
F- Ask your painter for quality references or previous customer feed backs on public domains.
Here are a few tips when you shop for custom paint;
A- Demand a written long term materials & craftsmanship warranty (at least 5 years) against common paint problems such as; peeling, lifting, cracking, fading, bubbling & yellowing effect. Poor quality custom paint jobs usually fail within 3 years; this is why most shops refuse to offer a longer written warranty!
If your painter hesitates in giving you a 5 year written warranty, isn't this a clear sign that he knows his paint job will fail before 5 years?
Beware of warranties that cover materials, but not the craftsmanship!
B- Demand a written completion time guarantee (with money back) to make sure you get the paint job within the promised time.
C- Make sure your painter can document at least 15 years of experience in custom painting (this is very important, if you want to make sure he / she will get it done right the first time).
D- Demand a show quality finish* and do not settle for just a good or excellent quality!
What is a show quality finish?
*Show quality finish refers to a paint job with:
1- No evidence of orange peel.
2- No dirt or imperfection in paint.
3- No obvious paint defect.
4- Nice & sharp masking edges.
5- Super glossy mirror like finish.
6- Nicely painted trim edges and no overspray.
7- Clear and brilliant colors (not cloudy).
8- No fish eye or holes in the paint.
10- Not being able to feel the graphic edges to the touch
(Clear coated at least twice with baking and hand sanding in between).
11- Multi layer clear coat for deep appearance (minimum 10 coats).
12- Underside of fenders free of overspray and clean, with fresh rubber based undercoating.
13- Use only top name brand materials that are proven to last for at least 10 years without failing.
E- Make sure to demand a detailed written work / purchase order with all the specifications of your paint job, to avoid any mistakes or surprises.
F- Ask your painter for quality references or previous customer feed backs on public domains.
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