Topic: Frame paint advice needed

[jude0007]

I have a project bike down to frame and was looking for suggestions on frame primer/paint and whether a final clear coat would be needed.  Looking to do a gloss black, the project isn't an original restoration so I don't need to be concerned about exact black Honda paint (if that's such a thing).

My uncle is painting this for me in his paint booth (he paints cars).  I know very little about paint. He could tell me what I need but I'd like to get it ordered and show up with everything for him to take care of.

Could someone please recommend a good paint that I can get online and if I need to do a clear coat or not. 

I couldn't find a thread that specifically discussed this.  Thanks for the help.

[Ujeni]

Honestly, if you aren't going for a proper restoration, then powder coating the frame is your best bet: it is stronger than paint and lasts longer. Plus is looks great.

If that isn't possible, then just about any single-stage paint will work for you as long as it is fuel resistant (all car paints are, so your uncle shouldn't have trouble finding the right paint for you). Single stage paints include a "gloss layer" to them so you don't need to do a pass of clear coat to get the gloss. In other words, you will be able to lay down a good primer and then a single-stage paint on your frame and be done.

If it were me painting, I would put an epoxy primer on the bare metal (excellent sealing qualities to keep the metal rust-free). Then put down your primer and then your single-stage paint.

For the record, Honda used a black paint with what many call "80%" gloss on the CB750 frames.

[Jayelwin]

Sending my frame, swingarm, gauge holder, triple tree out to be powder coated next week.

Bushing removal - do or don't. That's my question.

Though if I had an uncle who paints cars I might go that route. Mine was rattle canned in the past so I need a good sand blasting first.

[lone*X]

Anything you don't want powder in needs to be sealed or you will be grinding baked PC out of stearing head race seats, screw threads, or places where thru bolts have a close clearence.   Also take care that the person with the media blaster doesn't obliterate the soft aluminum vin tag.  That has happened to more than one member on here.  Some carefully remove the vin tag.  I believe there was a thread at one time that gave the source for the correct rivits to reattach the tag.  A search of the forum will most likely find the source.

[Vinhead1957]

If your uncle paints cars, ask him. I went the powder coat route and was very happy with the result.  I did strip all the paint and cleaned up the welds. They didn't do a good job chipping off the the weld splatter at the factory.