Powder coating - How glossy should frame and other parts be?

Any advice on the gloss level for black powder coating to match the original gloss level?
The frame on my bike (75 MK3) is original paint, I need to have a repaired center stand coated
Eventually I will do the frame
I see frames done with 90% gloss, but it looks to way glossy to me
Anyone done a frame or parts that look original?
Thanks

Re: Powder coating - How glossy should frame and other parts

my original frame paint is pretty much like a satin. It could be old or whatever but mines not glossy. It may not be original either actually but its indeed old!

Re: Powder coating - How glossy should frame and other parts

I think the answer might be related to how you want the bike to look.

I don't have any photos (lost in one move or another), but I remember the MK3 I bought off the showroom floor in Charleston SC back in '75.

The frame was gloss , but not highly so, even on the day I picked it up. I think about like an average American car one-year old enamel paint job (definitely not the look of today's clear coat, or even a well polished lacquer job).

The paint began to move toward a satin finish rather quickly. I'm not sure if that's because of sunlight/UV (I parked outside at the Air Force Base back then), or because I never put wax on the frame bits, or what. After a few months the only places left with gloss were under the gas tank or seat (or somehow coated in oil/grease).

Re: Powder coating - How glossy should frame and other parts

Thanks,
right, I don't think it should be too gloss, I don't think 90% is right, was wondering if someone had it dialed in
I don't think it is just faded or old, the parts under the seat look about like the rest of it
I will add a photo after I figure it out

Re: Powder coating - How glossy should frame and other parts

The esrly production bikes were a kind of shot-blasted silver color. They didn't look like they'd been painted, almost like they'd been zinc-plated. The surface was quite rough to the touch. Maybe after a few months, the Plumstead guys went back to enamel.

Re: Powder coating - How glossy should frame and other parts

On several frames I've had done I use the satin finish in black. To me it looks about right if your not doing a full blown restore. The satin sheen doesn't over power the rest of the bike then. Either way they both look good.........


Tim_S

Re: Powder coating - How glossy should frame and other parts

I put gloss black on my frame. After a summer, it's not so glossy any more, after all, it's a motorcycle. I suppose I could polish it back, but why?

Dave
69S

Re: Powder coating - How glossy should frame and other parts

Dogt has a good point, the gloss on the powder coat will degrade some from use as well. I can't help myself, I have to point out that if you are worried about originality, then you wouldn't be using powder coat at all! I actually think the frame should be less glossy just so that it doesn't become the focus point of the bike, what you notice when you look is the engine and the tank. Less gloss, is better. Just an opinion.

Russ

Re: Powder coating - How glossy should frame and other parts

i agree with the last two posts, with a lot of stuff i usually go a bit glossier than i might want (especially when painting items that will be exposed to the elements) just because i know that gloss will wear down a bit in time. High gloss today may look semi gloss in 6 months

Re: Powder coating - How glossy should frame and other parts

agree with all of the above. depends on the look you want in the end. semi gloss seems to wear about right. it's a frame after all, not a tank or side covers.

Re: Powder coating - How glossy should frame and other parts

thanks everyone