Barrel Paint

marshg246

marshg246

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I asked in another thread about barrel paint colors and this is what I have so far:
20M3 Black (Edit: Fastback only?)
750 Combat Black
Other 750 Silver
850 MKI Silver
Other 850 Black

I'm very happy with VHT Barrel paint. I usually use SP905 which is gloss but not high gloss. There is also SP906 which is satin. No primer is required. If there's a lot of rust or paint missing or the paint is not original I sand blast to bare metal; otherwise, I clean very well, sand any small rusty spots and paint.

I have a couple of bikes to do with silver barrels - I've always done black even when wrong because I like it - but I want these correct.

I've read the 2019 thread on this but the most recommended paints don't seem to be available in the US or in some cases not at all.

What are you using for the silver cylinders? VHT has silver barrel paint but it is actually silver and does not match the head. VHT also has "Nu-Cast Aluminum" engine enamel that has the same heat range as the barrel paint but it seems some think it matches and some don't.
 
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DupliColor makes a good warm silver engine paint. I can get the details after work. I plan to paint my ‘71 from black to the original silver, as nearly every early model.
 
Rustoleum flat silver or semi-gloss black barbeque paint.
 
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I used VHT silver. It was a bit more grey than the head. After heating it the color got lighter.
Barrel Paint
 
I used Hamerite silver, the fins were slighly rusted, cleaned as much as possible with a wire brush
Still looks like new after 2 years.
 
Peter R said:
I used Hamerite silver, the fins were slighly rusted, cleaned as much as possible with a wire brush
Still looks like new after 2 years.
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If you mean Smoothrite, then you had better look than me. When I used it it turned yellowish after a while.
 
I'm not invested as much as you guys making some spare change working on bikes, so VHT Black caliper paint in a pinch. I wanted something I could get at a local autoparts store. It's good for 900 degrees. Ends up a bit brittle, but is chemical proof for brake fluid and fuel once cured. It does off gas smoke when heated up the first time. However, it looks good from 5 feet.

If this is supposed to be a thread about Silver paint, no clue.
 
From Old Britts:

The PJ1 paint we used to recommend would change when heated, as on the cylinder, this paint turns a gold color. We have tested several other paints and found that two provide an acceptable paint finish. We found both paints at our local auto parts store. They are VTH Flat Aluminum (SP117) and Dupli-Color Clear (DE1636). We found that heating the painted cases with a heat gun will set the paints, otherwise spraying the PJ1 contact cleaner on the painted cases would remove the paint. The Dupli-Color works great when the cases have been bead blasted. Please try both paints prior to using to make sure that you like the finish.

Barrel Paint

 
gortnipper said:
From Old Britts:

The PJ1 paint we used to recommend would change when heated, as on the cylinder, this paint turns a gold color. We have tested several other paints and found that two provide an acceptable paint finish. We found both paints at our local auto parts store. They are VTH Flat Aluminum (SP117) and Dupli-Color Clear (DE1636). We found that heating the painted cases with a heat gun will set the paints, otherwise spraying the PJ1 contact cleaner on the painted cases would remove the paint. The Dupli-Color works great when the cases have been bead blasted. Please try both paints prior to using to make sure that you like the finish.

Barrel Paint

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In general, exhaust and manifold paint should only be used on exhaust and manifolds, unless you‘re absolutely certain of the ingredients and chemical composition.

This is because it’s increasing popular that exhaust paints contain ceramic, or similar, INSULATING ingredients, which is of course providing the exact opposite to the heat dissipating properties needed on engine parts.
 
On the barrels, I use 500 degreee Engine paint:

Duplicolor DE 1613 Gloss Black
Duplicolor DE 1615 Aluminum

The higher temp "Exhaust paint" comes out too granular.
 
my 74 norton is still sporting the original barrel paint, although it really needs refinished. on my BSA project, used duplicolor gloss black engine enamel. as with any plaint, it's all in the prep. the casting was bead blasted prior to 3 coats of paint - light or tack coat, medium coat, and full wet coat. it's only been 6 months now, but it seems to be holding up OK. i would think any quality engine enamel will suffice - remember, it's all in the prep. i doubt the factory used anything special - most likely, the least expensive engine enamel money could buy - :D. BTW, i'm really cheap - frame paint - rattle can rustoleum painter's edge 2X, paint and primer in one. cleaned and degreased several times, original frame paint scuffed or keyed with 400 wet and dry and a maroon scotch-bright, and my standard 3-coat paint application. $5 and job done - :D:D:D. again, doubt the factory finish was any better.

Barrel Paint
 
Base on what's I've learned in this thread, I've updated the second table here: https://www.gregmarsh.com/MC/Norton/CommandoID.aspx As always, feedback is appreciated, especially with any evidence.

BTW, Duplicolor owns VHT, but I've had much better luck with VHT. For frames I use their Roll Bar and Chassis paint. No primer required. Highly compatible with original frame paint. I sand and feather out any bare/rusty spots, wipe with denatured alcohol, and paint. I've redone my riders whole frame without taking the bike apart. In sections, prep, mask where absolutely needed, hold cardboard behind where painting, and spray. For complete rebuilds, I wash, wipe with denatured alcohol, sand, wipe with denatured alcohol, and paint.

I agree with Fast Eddie. The Barrel paint is specifically for barrels. The higher heat paint most likely has much more ceramic in it. I'm guessing that the VHT engine paint that has the same heat range is the same formula as the barrel paint and the difference is only marketing. VHT Barrel Paint, VHT Case Paint and VHT Engine Enamel all are rated for 550F the Duplicolor 500F engine paint may be the same.
 
Schwany said:
Which rattle can paints dissipate heat? I could use some of that magic.
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There are many, just Google it.

How effective they actually are etc is way above my pay grade tho…

There was a recent thread where some of the science was discussed in detail.
 
Schwany said:
Which rattle can paints dissipate heat? I could use some of that magic.
Click to expand...
not sure it's so much the paint, but the color - black seems to dissipate better than most. i don't understand the physics behind it, but its got something to do with dissipating infrared wavelengths which is heat.
 
joe czech said:
not sure it's so much the paint, but the color - black seems to dissipate better than most. i don't understand the physics behind it, but its got something to do with dissipating infrared wavelengths which is heat.
Click to expand...
There are various chemicals added that claim to aid heat dissipation.
 

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