Paint question
Banned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 771
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From: Hurricane,WV
I use a lot of urethane acrylic base coat in my shop. That on top of a good urethane primer, you can't go wrong. Then, top it off with a good clear(high solids), sand and polish , you're good to go.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 108
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From: IN
I agree but I don't want to pay (I'm cheap) $150 for a quart of base/clear. $45 for single stage. That wound up being the deal -breaker. Although I may wish I had in hindsight.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
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From: Joliet, Illinois
As an example - Sherwin-Williams Automotive top of the line product is Ultra 7000. You could easily pay $150 for a quart. The next step down is their Dimension line. The same quart could be $45.
The big cost difference between a single stage & base clear would really be in the cost of the clear. If you buy a quart of Dimension as a single stage, the cost is a little higher than buying it as a base coat. With the base coat, you have to buy the clear (and hardener). A decent, but inexpensive gallon of clear runs right around $70 (catch it on sale).
The *big* difference between the two is the quality of the paint job when you're done. The base clear will hold up much longer and look better longer due to greater chip resistance and UV protection.
Personally, considering how often you paint your bike, I would tend more towards spending a bit more money for the paint products. It ends up being well worth it for many reasons.
I'd budget somewhere between $200-$400 for paint & associated materials (hardeners, reducers, etc.).
Depending on your bike, you can cut a lot of cost by not buying too much to begin with. When I paint a set of tins (2 fenders & a tank), I end up mixing & shooting about 1/2 pint of base coat & clear (and I tend to lay it on pretty heavy).
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Kennewick, WA
I'd budget somewhere between $200-$400 for paint & associated materials (hardeners, reducers, etc.).
Depending on your bike, you can cut a lot of cost by not buying too much to begin with. When I paint a set of tins (2 fenders & a tank), I end up mixing & shooting about 1/2 pint of base coat & clear (and I tend to lay it on pretty heavy).
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 108
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From: IN
Well, I shot the color last night. I'll be sanding and maybe re-doing it. Got alot of runs and some orange-peel. First time and I learned alot. I'm pretty sure I laid it on too heavy. I got 3 good coats so maybe sanding will take care of the runs and repaint won't be needed.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
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From: Joliet, Illinois
Well, I shot the color last night. I'll be sanding and maybe re-doing it. Got alot of runs and some orange-peel. First time and I learned alot. I'm pretty sure I laid it on too heavy. I got 3 good coats so maybe sanding will take care of the runs and repaint won't be needed.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 108
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From: IN
Well, I learned another lesson. I tryied to cut off one of the runs on the front fender and the paint hadn't cured. Rolled off a big chunk with a razor blade. The front fender will need repainted. I'll not make the same mistake with the tank.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Joliet, Illinois
Oops. If you have the time and you're up for the learning experience, take everything all the way down and start over. Or, take most of it down to get everything perfect, then shoot another coat or two over that.