Topic: Black powder coat frame: gloss or match my wheels?

[Gorms]

I had envisioned gloss black powdercoat for the frame and wheels.  A local place powdercated my wheels for a very reasonable price but all they had was satin matte black.  I saw an example in their shop and its really isnt all that matte, it has a nice sheen to it but definately not gloss.  I had them do it after I saw an example and glad I did because the semi-gloss finish will compliment the flat black tire rubber nicely.

Now my question is, do you think I should do the frame the same powdercoat or go for gloss.  Would it look weird with two different blacks?  The bike is going to have a metallic grey tank, with quite a bit of polished aluminum parts.  Can I see some pictures of semi-gloss and flat black frames?  I have seen lots of gloss pictures during my search.  Here are some wheel pictures.

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

I wouldn't use matte on any large surfaces because it'll shine up unevenly if you clean the surface much.

[Gorms]

Will powder coat "shine up" with cleaning/rubbing?

[Alan F.]

I think in day to day riding the matte will look  just like the factory frame paint.  I'm going with a very glossy black on mine (not powdercoat) and it's probably gonna look out of place.
Cheers.
-A

[mcuozzo]

I don't think it's bad to mix multiple shades of black.  However, I think all flat\satin black will look pretty bada**.  I'm planning to build a bobber and it will be flat\satin black.  Here's some pics I've stolen from somewhere (probably here or hondachopper.com).  I think they look great!

Powder coating won't shine up with normal cleaning.  Use something too abrasive (like a compound) and I think you might affect the finish.  But normal washing will not affect the powdercoating.

[Gorms]

Opinions and pictures welcome of you got 'em.

[strangedaze39]

I'm tearing my bike down right now, I wonder if it's cheap enough if it's worth doing a powder coat as well. How much did you get your wheels done for? If you don't mind me asking.

What color are your tank/side covers? In most cases I'd do gloss on my frame. But in some cases I could see a flatter finish looking better.

[Gorms]

I got the chrome blasted off and the wheel powdercoated for $110.  One place quoted me $170 and this place said $150 worst case and was able to do it for $110.  They are a machine type shop and have done work for me before. Real honest guys who I trust.

There will be no side pods.  The battery and electronics are going uder the cafe seat.  The tank and seat color are going to be Dupont Pepper Grey Metallic (seen below on a cobra).  There are going to be lots of shiney bits too: SS spokes, polished engine covers, polished hand controls/master cylinder, polished fork tubes, chrome headlight ring, clip ons, and tach bezel.  I think the semi-gloss might looks nice.  I have noticed the distorted reflections in gloss paint/powder can make the tubes look not straight sometimes.  The even relections in semi gloss dont.  Keep in mind I'm not going full satin or flat black.  Its still kinda shiney.  See wheel pictures above.


Pepper Grey Metallic:

[mcuozzo]

I think using the same color as your wheels will make the pepper gray metallic and polish pieces stand out even more. 

Was the $110 for both wheels or per wheel?

Nice cobra is it yours?  Is it a factory five?  I've got one.

[Gorms]

$110 for the pair.

Cobra isn't mine.  Too bad.  That paint scheme is the colors from the Gone in 60 Seconds "Eleanor" mustang.