matching original frame paint

this will probably drive the "oily rag resto" guys nuts, but I can't leave something in a state of deterioration for the sake of originality. after my ioslastic Mk3 engine mount upgrade, my frame needed a bit of a facelift. I found the duplicolor universal (gloss) black lacquer was a dead-on match for the original frame paint. I tried to keep as much of the original frame as possible - painted and blended only what was necessary. the rear fender and grab bar mount loop was the worst of it and needed a full re-spray.

doing the same thing on the (candy apple red) tank and side covers. I took one of the side covers to my local auto paint supplier and ask them to color match and mix a single stage for touch up. seems like they nailed it - looks promising. I have some serious chipping on the front and rear edges that straddle the main frame tube - needs some attention. will post some follow up of the tank and covers.

The correct way to do a factory fresh finish is to dip the frame in thinned black enamel, hang a bit and then still suspended bake in an oven, runs and nibs of extra paint complete the originality as does some rust under the paint.

Frame looks nice. I use the Duplicolor too, but transfer the paint to my airbrush so I can touchup with minimal masking. If I want better durability I'll mix up some single stage urethane black and spray it with the airbrush.

Be aware that candy colors are not single stage and are pretty much impossible to match... though red is better than a scratch.

kommando said:

The correct way to do a factory fresh finish is to dip the frame in thinned black enamel, hang a bit and then still suspended bake in an oven, runs and nibs of extra paint complete the originality as does some rust under the paint.

Click to expand...

good to know. I would have bet money the original paint was lacquer. if the Norton was like any other business, they would have used the least expensive paint and process available.

joe czech said:

good to know. I would have bet money the original paint was lacquer. if the Norton was like any other business, they would have used the least expensive paint and process available.

Click to expand...

Dipped and baked enamel I think was standard.

maylar said:

Frame looks nice. I use the Duplicolor too, but transfer the paint to my airbrush so I can touchup with minimal masking. If I want better durability I'll mix up some single stage urethane black and spray it with the airbrush.

Be aware that candy colors are not single stage and are pretty much impossible to match... though red is better than a scratch.

Click to expand...

did pretty much the same thing - transferred the paint from a 8 oz rattle can and used an airbrush (iwata hi-line TH) and my touch up gun (sata minijet 3). I still spent hours masking. the masking and paint took hours over a 3-day period.

i'm aware of the candy color two stage - translucent red topcoat over a silver base. as I said, my goal is to touch up some edge chipping. here's a "show and tell" pic of the single stage match - not the final finish - that would take some color sanding, blending, polish, and a little finesse . my goal is to be barely noticeable from an arms length. unless my eyes are deceiving me, I think it's a pretty good match for a single stage -

joe czech said:

did pretty much the same thing - transferred the paint from a 8 oz rattle can and used an airbrush (iwata hi-line TH) and my touch up gun (sata minijet 3). I still spent hours masking. the masking and paint took hours over a 3-day period.

i'm aware of the candy color two stage - translucent red topcoat over a silver base. as I said, my goal is to touch up some edge chipping. here's a "show and tell" pic of the single stage match - not the final finish - that would take some color sanding, blending, polish, and a little finesse . my goal is to be barely noticeable from an arms length. unless my eyes are deceiving me, I think it's a pretty good match for a single stage -

Click to expand...

boy if that's original candy red , its in really good shape! good job on the match and kudos for trying to save it.