Black Denim Question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
of course it can be fixed. it just won't be invisible. the black denim is supposed to wear, 'like a pair of your favorite jeans'. so variations in the paint are a 'feature' not a 'problem'.
personally, i love the black denim finish on my bike. over 2 years old, still looks good. don't have to spend a lot of time washing/waxing. spray with windex and then ride on.
and just to be preemptive, it does have a clear coat on it.
personally, i love the black denim finish on my bike. over 2 years old, still looks good. don't have to spend a lot of time washing/waxing. spray with windex and then ride on.
and just to be preemptive, it does have a clear coat on it.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 521
Likes: 3
From: Colorado Springs, Co.
Yes, black denim can be repaired, it has clear coat on it, it has a flattening agent in it so that it appears matte. I can, and have color sanded and buffed scratches out in it, BUT, that will cause it to slightly gloss over, then you have to do the entire set of tins so it all matches. That eventually wears away and it goes back to a matte finish.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
I was down in Ft. Myers over the weekend and got to talking with a guy in the parts dept. I have a 2012 Street Glide, Black Denium. He told me that when you get the look you want on the bike as far as wear, then get it clearcoated. I thought it came through with a very thin clearcoat on it? Never heard of it, Whats the deal?
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Central IL
Denim paint has what I have heard called an 'eggshell' clear coat. I don't ever plan to own another bike with that type of finish. I bought mine used and it wasn't my first choice, but anyway...
I had some stuff strapped to the seat that slid off and rubbed a couple of shiny spots about the size of a dime on the fender that looked like hell. I took some 1500 grit sandpaper and VERY lightly wet sanded the spots in random patterns with a little soap in the water, trying to feather them out to blend. Surprisingly, it didn't turn out too bad. The spots aren't very noticeable now.
As far as scratches go, not much can be done. I have a deep one that I opted to leave alone because it would look worse if I 'fixed' it.
I had some stuff strapped to the seat that slid off and rubbed a couple of shiny spots about the size of a dime on the fender that looked like hell. I took some 1500 grit sandpaper and VERY lightly wet sanded the spots in random patterns with a little soap in the water, trying to feather them out to blend. Surprisingly, it didn't turn out too bad. The spots aren't very noticeable now.
As far as scratches go, not much can be done. I have a deep one that I opted to leave alone because it would look worse if I 'fixed' it.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 75
From: CA
A talented shop may be able to color match the fade your paint has experienced.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Orange County Ca
No body has ever seen matte clear coat? Pretty standard thing and been around for a long time. You can even buy cans of it at pep boys
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 177
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
I was at the Harley shop the other day and they actually have a denim cleaner/protector spray. Didn't even know that kind of stuff existed. I have had matte black helmets and i just wipe them off with a wet rag and it's all good.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 529
Likes: 36
From: WV
I was changing the springs in my forks the other day and dropped the bolt onto my front fender. It left a little crescent moon dent and a chip. I'm hoping myself that it's not a bad fix.
I don't think a little difference in color would be near as bad on a front fender. There isnt' anything near enough to it that your eyes would be comparing the color with.
Harley sells the paint, right? Anyone have a part number of what I need? It would be nice to just take it all to the painter and say "here".
I looked on Ebay for a used demin black fender without any luck.
I don't think a little difference in color would be near as bad on a front fender. There isnt' anything near enough to it that your eyes would be comparing the color with.
Harley sells the paint, right? Anyone have a part number of what I need? It would be nice to just take it all to the painter and say "here".
I looked on Ebay for a used demin black fender without any luck.
Last edited by Flinter; Nov 18, 2012 at 11:04 AM.