Topic: Faded paint question

[Jay B]

This isn't for a sohc4 but the paint's the same. I have a '73 CB175 with the sunrise Orange paint on it. It's not too bad, but there is some fading on top of the tank. Can this be buffed out to bring out more color, or does the paint fade all the way through?

[Green550F]

Good Question! The green paint on my 550 has the same issue so I'm wondering the same thing!

[turtle]

If your paint is a Candy type paint then it is most likely faded all the way through.  These paints comprised a silver flake underlay, with translucent colour over, followed by coats of clear. You could try a small test patch with cutting compound but I would be afraid of damaging the various layers. Please note I am not an expert on this so try it at your own risk.

[kghost]

I have yet to be sucessful at buffing out faded candy paint

[Jay B]

Thanks Guys. I tried polishing the tank last night with Mother's polish. Very mild abrasive. I did get some dead paint off of it. It's a little better, but not a lot. I'm going to call it good before I ruin it. I've got an emblem off one of the side covers, it's amazing how brilliant the paint once was. This bike has sat a lot, but always inside. I guess time takes its toll.

[grumburg]

Lord knows I have tried. The top clear coat just seams to seal out any buffing. Can take some of the yellowing out of the clear coat, but that's it. Candy paint is much better today.