Honda CB750 Sandcast

The Restoration Shop => Paint - Badges and Component Refinishing => Topic started by: Steve Swan on February 17, 2010, 11:13:47 am

Title: While we are on the paint topic....
Post by: Steve Swan on February 17, 2010, 11:13:47 am
Posted by "Guest" Frampton

I was wondering what the paint du jour for the frame and other parts was. I looked into powder coating as several of my customers operate them. It seemed that you could only get super gloss...or kinda flat. Nothing in between. I also heard that when powder coating goes bad...it is not a pretty sight, coming off in flakes.
I have an option of two stage epoxy paint...but that too is pretty glossy. Has anyone had success/ failure with another procedure?
Thanks
Steve
Title: Re: While we are on the paint topic....
Post by: Steve Swan on February 17, 2010, 11:14:33 am
Steve,

As for selection of a finish product, I would NEVER powdercoat a frame or any of the ferrous black parts that attach to the frame.

My experience with powdercoat is, it's d**n near impossible to remove once it's applied. It chips easily, even at the tiny "tink" of a combination wrench hitting against it. It is not resistant to any number of chemicals, including gasoline. The result of exposure to seemingly benign chemicals is staining, discoloration & dulling. Repeated exposure to the sun will turn it dull and eventually chalky. With the softest of polishing rags, including flannel, it develops immediately micro-fine scratches that mar the lusture powdercoat has coming out of the curing oven.

Choice of paint and and overall finish is a matter of choice and preference.

There is alot to be learned in copyng exact finishing techniques, as used by the manufacturers. The experience & expertise we develop & hopefully share is one reason for the Purpose of SOOC. And, whether our bikes are an unmolested orignal, an exacting restoration, a lovingly refurbished original or a tastefully administered over-restoration - each is a veritable feast to the eyes and all else that bike does to arouse our passion.

Won't it be exciting when we get our 1st chopper sandcast Member ?

Steve Swan
Title: Re: While we are on the paint topic....
Post by: 736cc on February 17, 2010, 11:15:59 am
I find painting the frame a cause for bullets of sweat to break out. You don't want to obliterate the #'s. 90% gloss black enamel on frame and related parts, you don't want it too glossy. Frame #'s can get rusty and yucky thru the years. Clean the frame #s carefully w/ hydroflouric acid and scribe in the # grooves and remove the nimrods hanging around in there while looking closely thru a lupe (I need a life- do I actually do all this stuff???  ::) ). Sand w/ 120, wipe w/ lighter fluid, prime (LIGHTLY on the #'s) and squirt away black. And you can do-it-youself w/ a rattle can for under $10 and rattle can jobs do not end up ultra-glossy, which is ok. Or you can pay a body shop $300-or more and they will have your extremely valuable and irreplaceable frame in they're possesion doing who knows what to it for much too long. I've had several painted; 2 stage urethane w/ clear; black imron; rattle-can. All ended up looking alike but the pro jobs more scratch resistant. And get repop stickers for head and swingarm, a nice touch. When you go all the way in a resto, its hard to stop and things not perfect start sticking out.