Rear brake plate, Gloss or Satin Black

graeme-in-oz · Mar 10, 2008

Just prepped my back brake plate for paint, and am not sure if gloss or satin black is right for a 1971 Commando.

Thanks
Graeme

graeme-in-oz · Mar 12, 2008

Just wondering, if anybody knew, if these parts were originally finished gloss black or satin black from the factory.

Cheers
Graeme

Keith1069 · Mar 12, 2008

Don't think the factory would have had such a fancy finish as satin in them days. Would be gloss is my bet, same as frame, swingarm, batt tray etc.

Ron L · Mar 12, 2008

I agree with Keith1069. While the finish is not as high gloss as a basecoat/clearcoat system, the factory frame finish had a moderately high gloss.

Jason Curtiss · Mar 12, 2008

I have no "scientific basis" for this, but I'm thinking the original finish was kind of a semi-gloss, which goes along with what Ron is saying, sort of.

79x100 · Mar 12, 2008

I'm pretty sure that it was gloss but it was "off the gun" with no preparation and no flatting afterwards.

Most of them had a pretty dry finish

The finish that modern paints can provide took a lot more work to achieve in the 1970s.

If you have a chain oiler then the correct finish is a "wet look" and it should drip when you park.

(not sure if that's the paint though)

graeme-in-oz · Mar 12, 2008

Thanks Guys, I think I'll use some black engine enamel.

Cheers
Graeme

mgrant · Mar 12, 2008

I remember when I had mine powder coated I chose gloss black because it matched the original finish closer than any other option. I used gloss black without a clear coat.

Rear brake plate, Gloss or Satin Black

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