Has anyone tried to paint over gloss black factory paint? To be more specific I was thinking about debadging and painting an HD logo or something in matte black? Is this asking for trouble? Is there a correct way to do this?

 

Well...if you're asking if there is anything special about painting over the factory finish, no their isn't.

Now painting over the factory clear without scuffing it up and necessitating a whole new clear coat...I'm not sure.

Normally if you're painting over the factory clearcoat you'd rough up the surface using 800 grit sand paper to get the new paint to properly adhear. Then you'd lay down your new color the way you normally do followed up by re-clearing the whole tank.

However, because you're talking about using a matte black this may be more difficult since, in theory, I'd assume you'd only want to rough up the area you'll be painting matte black since you can't re-clear the whole tank (otherwise you'd end up with an entirely matte black or gloss tank depending on what clear you shot).

I have had no experiance doing it this way so I really can't say.

 

Robotech is right. The paint is not what is glossy or satin (denim). The acrylic lacquer color is just that, color. The clear coat is either the gloss or satin acrylic lacquer. Just remember though, where there is a will, there is a way and any design is possible given enough talent and patience.

 

Understood. Lol. Basically a man of my skill set can't do it. Sounds like the only way I could accomplish this would be to tape off and paint and then not sand or clear which would probably look cheap and tacky.

So if I understand this right. I could take to factory bikes both painted black. And use a clearcoat on one and a different clear coat onthe other and end up with one gloss and one matte finish? Never knew that.

 

Painting is an art to come out with a nice, clear finished product.
I'm sure there are several reputable painters in your area that will paint whatever you want onto your bike. Have an open mind to their opinions and input as they are the experienced ones in painting, graphics, color and design.