Painting my tin work. Is one brand better than others?

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Coco

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I'm going to get my tin work painted pretty soon. I've been checking out some good body shops locally and I noticed a lot of them use one brand exclusively or use a couple various brands.

I am curious if one brand is preferred over others? I realize this question is splitting hairs and it is simply more for my own curiosity. I assume there is more to it than paint and obviously the skill of the painter/body shop will be more of a determining factor.

There is BASF (glasurit), Sikkens, DuPont, House of Kolor, and probbaly a few others I'm missing out.

I want my paint job to literally look like it is really thick, like a custom hot rod. I assume there is probably 3 coats of paint, each wet sanded and about as many coats of clear.

I have not quite fully decided upon my colour scheme but this will be happening pretty darn quick. At least I'm down to a few combinations which is surprising since I'm probably one of the more indecisive people on the planet.

My Roadster is the stock black with gold pinstripes and stickers right now and I'm looking for a nice metallic silver recoat.
 
Re: Painting my tin work. Is one brand of better than others

Coco said:
I'm going to get my tin work painted pretty soon. I've been checking out some good body shops locally and I noticed a lot of them use one brand exclusively or use a couple various brands.

I am curious if one brand is preferred over others? I realize this question is splitting hairs and it is simply more for my own curiosity.

There is BASF, Sikkens, DuPont, House of Kolor, and probbaly a few others I'm missing out.

I want my paint job to literally look like it is really thick, like a custom hot rod. I assume there is probably 3 coats of paint, each wet sanded and about as many coats of clear.

I have not quite fully decided upon my colour scheme but this will be happening pretty darn quick. At least I'm down to a few combinations which is surprising since I'm probably one of the more indecisive people on the planet.

My Roadster is the stock black with gold pinstripes and stickers right now.
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I haven't gotten started painting yet but from my initial research it seems that there are several good brands of paint out there and each painter seems to have his/her favorite. I plan to use PPG when I get going on painting my Matchless in a few weeks mainly because that's what the local shop sells. I have heard House of Kolor is also very good. It seems the more important thing is to select a brand and use ALL their products together rather than applying a basecoat of one brand, clear coat of another etc. If you have identified a local painter that is good, they will likely have their favorite products anyways so the choice may not be yours!!
 
Thanks. I'm sure they are all pretty good brands and I've found a fellow to do the work that I trust so it all comes down to choosing what manufacturer of paint to use.

The guy I'm getting to do the work has access to a lot of different brands and basically told me to choose which way I want to go.

I guess I should have asked him if he prefers one over another. :roll:

I'm leaning towrads House of Kolor. There is some really interesting things offered by them.
 
Having done my own painting, (Sherwin Williams Automotive) I can say it all comes down to good surface prep and primer coat sanding - the colour coat is just there for colour - the number of clear coats will give you that deep glossy look you are after - those need a light sand between coats to get a nice smooth surface. A good clearcoat will also keep the gas and other nasties off your paint. In my youth :roll: I used aerosol cans for clear - stuff lifted with the first drop of gas (petrol for you folks driving on the left). Professional paint is surprisingly expensive.
fstbk
 
fastback said:
Having done my own painting, (Sherwin Williams Automotive) I can say it all comes down to good surface prep and primer coat sanding - the colour coat is just there for colour - the number of clear coats will give you that deep glossy look you are after - those need a light sand between coats to get a nice smooth surface. A good clearcoat will also keep the gas and other nasties off your paint. In my youth :roll: I used aerosol cans for clear - stuff lifted with the first drop of gas (petrol for you folks driving on the left). Professional paint is surprisingly expensive.
fstbk
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Yes. I've learned that expensive and good paint work are part in parcel. You basically get what you pay for.

I'm hoping to find an obsessed local hot rod guy to do my work as I want that really thick and glossy look. I'm assuming at least 3 coats of clear and many base coats.
 
Coco....... You hit the nail on the head in mentioning that you get what you pay for and it's especially true when it comes to the paint and restoration industry.
I've spent over 20yrs in the business, mostly in high end import shops (Ferrari, Jag etc.) and in shops specializing in Rods and restorations but am a serious bike guy at heart.
If you insist on the best of the best for your bike's finish, try calling your local car clubs for references. There are Hot Rod clubs in Regina but I'm not sure about a high end import club? (they are often even more discerning about quality).
When you do find a suitable shop, let them know up front that you're expecting perfection, it may affect the price but because they don't want to do it twice, they will often give your paint that little extra attention, taking it from nice to outstanding! Good luck!
I often ride to Regina, if I see a silver Commando I'll be sure to stop and check it out!
 
Projectile said:
Coco....... You hit the nail on the head in mentioning that you get what you pay for and it's especially true when it comes to the paint and restoration industry.
I've spent over 20yrs in the business, mostly in high end import shops (Ferrari, Jag etc.) and in shops specializing in Rods and restorations but am a serious bike guy at heart.
If you insist on the best of the best for your bike's finish, try calling your local car clubs for references. There are Hot Rod clubs in Regina but I'm not sure about a high end import club? (they are often even more discerning about quality).
When you do find a suitable shop, let them know up front that you're expecting perfection, it may affect the price but because they don't want to do it twice, they will often give your paint that little extra attention, taking it from nice to outstanding! Good luck!
I often ride to Regina, if I see a silver Commando I'll be sure to stop and check it out!
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Hello Projectile! A fellow Saskatchewanian!!!

I was actually born in Swift Current. Small world.

So do you do or know a good place for paint work? I would have no problems driving to speedy creek to check your work out or a reputable shop if you know of one.

I'm hoping to have the bulk of my bike done by mid June but I am hitting obstacles left right and centre. I wish there was a good shop that knows how to deal with Norton's in Regina as I am fighting a losing battle right now with my MKIII.
 
Coco,
Small world for sure, I grew up in Regina and area. Also, I'm pretty sure I know where you found your bike as I was considering it as well! ...Edmonton area by chance?
I'll try PMing' you with my home no. (I'v never tried it before)
Give me a call if you'd like,if you'd like any input. The shop is super busy and there is a waiting list. I could check around and try to find out who does the best work in Regina. If you can't find anyone that you're comfortable with, I could try?? to make it a personal project (for a fellow enthusiast only!) if you have no other promising options?
 
Painters choose paint brands by a number of factors, support from the distributor being high on the list. All the top brands will give good results in the right hands. Pros have to stand by their work and can't afford using crappy paint.

That said, there are "high end" brands like Glasurit and Sikkens that are better than others. Better distribution of metalic particles, better repeatability when repairs have to be made, more forgiving application variables, better adhesion on difficult to prep surfaces, better UV resistance... just better overall.

Some brands use the same hardeners and reducers across their product lines which reduces the number of items the painter has to keep in inventory.

HOK specializes in the custom stuff like candies, and is the preferred brand for flames and graphics guys.

I use BASF products (Glasurit and R-M) because that's what my local distributor carries. As a DIY painter I've discovered that the more expensive brands are actually easier to use and get consistent results with than the cheaper paints.

A real pro can work with anything. Choose your painter by reputation, not by the brand of paint he uses.
 
Projectile said:
Coco,
Small world for sure, I grew up in Regina and area. Also, I'm pretty sure I know where you found your bike as I was considering it as well! ...Edmonton area by chance?
I'll try PMing' you with my home no. (I'v never tried it before)
Give me a call if you'd like,if you'd like any input. The shop is super busy and there is a waiting list. I could check around and try to find out who does the best work in Regina. If you can't find anyone that you're comfortable with, I could try?? to make it a personal project (for a fellow enthusiast only!) if you have no other promising options?
Click to expand...

Yes, I got the bike from Motoparts in Edmonton. I actually wish I saw the thing before I bought it becuase I think I paid too much for it. The thing wasn't half as nice as they made it out to be. Lots of hidden problems and the thing was disgustingly filthy, lots of stripped bolts and screws and some broken pieces.

What shop do you work for in Swift Current? I'm not in a huge rush for some paint but I'm thinking in a month or so I will be ready. I'm just getting the new front fender, side panels, and the tank for now. Frame and other parts will get a powder coat during the winter.

I honestly am not aware of any good body shops here in Regina. I'm sure there is, but I don't know of them. I ask people and get 10 different answers. I was recommended Bergen's and MC Painting. The fellow at MC owns an old Bonnyville so at least he's familiar with and into Brit bikes.
 
maylar said:
Painters choose paint brands by a number of factors, support from the distributor being high on the list. All the top brands will give good results in the right hands. Pros have to stand by their work and can't afford using crappy paint.

That said, there are "high end" brands like Glasurit and Sikkens that are better than others. Better distribution of metalic particles, better repeatability when repairs have to be made, more forgiving application variables, better adhesion on difficult to prep surfaces, better UV resistance... just better overall.

Some brands use the same hardeners and reducers across their product lines which reduces the number of items the painter has to keep in inventory.

HOK specializes in the custom stuff like candies, and is the preferred brand for flames and graphics guys.

I use BASF products (Glasurit and R-M) because that's what my local distributor carries. As a DIY painter I've discovered that the more expensive brands are actually easier to use and get consistent results with than the cheaper paints.

A real pro can work with anything. Choose your painter by reputation, not by the brand of paint he uses.
Click to expand...

Thanks Maylar. I was going to get some HOK paint and get someone to do the work for me. I want a real custom paint job and the HOK metallics look amazing.

I agree, any paint guy worth his salt should be able to do a fabulous job. I just have to find him.
 
Coco said:
The thing wasn't half as nice as they made it out to be.
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Sorry to hear the bike wasn't as good as it sounded. From their description it sounded like a near perfect, turn key bike!
At first I didn't realize that it was a very custom job you were after.
I'm currently at Klassen in Swift having come from Contemporary Coachworks in Calgary, neither of these shops (or larger shops like them)
will often do the very custom jobs. They're just too time consuming for a busy shop.
I've asked the other vintage car & bike guys I know about custom painters in your area but since they are usually more interested in original restorations, no one had any helpfull suggestions.
Have you checked with the local Harley shops/clubs for leads?
 
Projectile said:
Coco said:
The thing wasn't half as nice as they made it out to be.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear the bike wasn't as good as it sounded. From their description it sounded like a near perfect, turn key bike!
Click to expand...

No, it was far from it.

Thanks for looking into body shops.

I'm not looking for a real tricky custom job. I am only doing one solid colour, but I want a nice rich and deep looking paint job.

The only real custom thing I would be looking for would be someone to hand paint the Norton logo on the tank and do some pin striping around it. I'm thinking of a black outlined logo (negative space, not coloured in) with a red and possibly white striped outline around the logo. Then of course, a clear on top of that.

I do appreciate you checking things out for me, so thank you!!!!

There is a Harley/chopper shop here that does a lot of custom work so I'll ask those guys this weekend who they use.
 
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