Flat paint on bikes is back. At least since year 2000. To the point that manufacturers like Harley-Davidson & Indian Motorcycles (among others) noticed and are now offering respectively the Harley Dark Series models (since 1 year) and the Indian Dark Chief (for 2010). And no, today’s right way to do a nice/long lasting scratch resistant flat paint job is not to rush to your auto-parts store to buy a few cans of Krylon/BBQ/Engine paint. Please…
Ok, there are several techniques like the process of painting and clear-coating and sanding and buffing the clear coat which will remain somewhat although the paint will look flat. Or using a paint flattener but it involves some guessing. But now, thanks to progress and paint development there is even a better way. TCP Global offers a flat paint process called Hot Rod Flatz. flattened ready to spray low-gloss color. And now does it make you creative if I tell you that it exist in 36 traditional colors (mix yours) and also 20 flat pearls and flat metallics!
There’s no guessing with how much flattener to add; it’s already added for you. Just mix at the 4-parts color to 1 part hardener to 1 part reducer ratio and you’re ready to spray. This urethane system is easier to mix and spray, with much greater durability and chemical resistance. It offers excellent adhesion to properly prepared steel, aluminum, fiberglass and OEM finishes and contains UV inhibitors. Yesterday morning I saw this Santiago Chopper New Trike doing a few spins just before being delivered to the client. No, it’s not primer that you see. It’s a Hot Rod Flatz paint. Now you know that flat paint bikes don’t have to be only black.
Thanks Cyril. Always giving us great info.
To each his own, but I’ve never been much of a fan of the flat finishes, personally I think it just makes a project look shabby and unfinished.
I do however like flat ceramic black pipes if the application fits the look, but never the actual paint finish.
Just my opinion.
Not for everybody. Not for all bikes, thanks god, But at least people will know how to do it right, in colors.
hello
i built bikes and paint them since 1975
this paint is one of the best i never used easy to work and the pearl are very nice
very nice products
alan http://www.santiagochopper.com
Good to know. Thanks for the address.
Flat black use to come outta shakey-cans…It’s been used to paint bikes for years
To me flat paint seems as though somethings not done yet,I agree with these other guys,but I know everybodies different,differen tastes,styles,we could start a different blog on this issue but guys that build bikes like Cyrul,that are CUSTOMS should be a cut above everything else,higher quality than what you get at the production,factory level.The paint should look like its from a highly skilled and talented painter,thats hard to produce and takes years of experience,flat looks like my 14 year old did it in shop class
I’m nobody
But I’ve been around the auto, Tattoo and the motorcycle scene most of my life ( 1952 ) oppinions!!!! just something I have and it looks like the basics all over again.
Lets Ride