Project "Cheapskate"
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
From: NE
I'm not sure how many coats of paint, but I do know that Harley pioneered the used of clear powder coat, that is why there finish has virtually no orange peel. I'd say without 4 or 5 coats of clear and a lot of time sanding and polishing the clear you would be hard pressed to duplicate the quality of the Motor Company.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,264
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From: Springfield Mo
I'm not sure how many coats of paint, but I do know that Harley pioneered the used of clear powder coat, that is why there finish has virtually no orange peel. I'd say without 4 or 5 coats of clear and a lot of time sanding and polishing the clear you would be hard pressed to duplicate the quality of the Motor Company.
Keep up the good work.
You can't be serious...??? If so I disagree 100%
As mentioned the factory uses clear powdercoat (on their metal parts) for their topcoats. Yes it has a nice finish, and luster, but lacks any depth or richness. You can see and feel the pinstripes/decals under the finish.
I know several painters, and their work FAR exceeds anything I've ever seen from ANY bike or car factory
The "color" looks endless and rich I agree, it's one of my favs. But we are on the topic of clearing, and the ability to apply, and execute finish. Factory vrs. Independent.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
07 is a wreck .? ok ?
Just picked up a 1990 police with 70000 miles and in the process of turning her into a solid sled.
Canadians can do it all day long.
Just picked up a 1990 police with 70000 miles and in the process of turning her into a solid sled.
Canadians can do it all day long.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
From: NE
I agree with the depth of the clear on a custom paint job. A custom painter that is willing to spend hours sanding the clear with 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, then buffing compound with a buffing bonnet, polish with a coarse foam pad, swirl remover with a fine foam pad, will produce superior results than the OEM paint. Those artists command quite a handsome price for their work, and they deserve it. $5,000 to $15,000 for a bagger paint job is a bunch of dough. My work will be somewhere in between. This is the first time that I have done 3 colors and all the stripes, curves, and angles. It won't be perfect, but it will look nice. I'll have about $500.00 in paint and material when I'm done, and I'll guess around 60 hours labor which to me is free and enjoyable time. I charge about $35 and hour if a friend brings me something to paint, so if you do the math that would be $2100 for a total of $2600.