Topic: Painted stripes versus decals?

[Jayelwin]

So my paint guy has my tank and my side covers. I've got all brand-new replica emblems on the way to make it an accurate reproduction and we think we've matched flakes sunrise orange nearly perfectly. He has proposed painting the stripes on instead of using the replica decals that I bought. Now obviously without thinking of accuracy everyone would agree that would be better. I'm thinking of foregoing the accuracy of the decals and allowing him to paint them on as this would generally lend itself to an overall better look. Obviously a purist or museum curator would probably find plenty of other flaws on my reproduction so I'm generally thinking that wouldn't be terrible. Any strong opinions out there?

[Johnie]

My KO & K1 are painted on. I have a very detail oriented painter. You have to be sure he takes pics and measures everything from the width to the curve before he strips it.

[Jayelwin]

Wow, that looks nice in paint! OK you convinced me.

[Bob Wessner]

John's do look great. When I had all body work repainted on my K0 some years ago I did use decals which I provided to the painter. That was pretty much the extent of my input to the effort. As it turns out the decals were not quite perfect dimensionally. He did a great job trimming them, proceeded to apply them over the paint and under many coats of clear coat. They "look" painted, you really can't tell they are not painted on. Just another option.

[Sgt.Pinback]

Where KO tank stripes originaly painted?

[Bob Wessner]

Where KO tank stripes originaly painted?

Not that I know. Perhaps someone knows better. My goal was a "presentable " reproduction.

[Mini Mo]

Not sure if this pertains to the KO but I just stripped the Garnet Brown tank on my K1 and the stripes were painted on.

[KayOne]

Mini Mo, where the painted stripes metallic gold? The farther I progress on my K1, the less I want to make it "exact". I am thinking of using a brighter metallic green and a rich gold metallic painted stripe on my Valley Green Metallic bike.

[fendersrule]

Another vote for decals under clear coat.

[Jayelwin]

Decals are $60. He wants $250 to paint stripes.

[lone*X]

There would be additional labor for the painter to apply the decals prior to clear coating the tank over your $60 cost, but I doubt it would be as high as $250.   I would go with the decals as it is absolutely more original and probably save you half that $250.  If the tank is stripped already and no one recorded to placement exactly you are going to have to research the proper placement.  If its already stripped do the research yourself, don't trust someone else to get it right.

[Jayelwin]

He really wants to paint. I've seen his work and he's pretty talented. It might be more but I think overall despite accuracy it'll be better.

[Johnie]

You hit it on the head Jay...might cost a bit more, but it really does look awesome compared to decals. I figure it as a one time paint so put a little more into the quality.

[Sgt.Pinback]

I want to have as original as possible.

Any info to 1970 KO ?

[Bob Wessner]

Decals are $60. He wants $250 to paint stripes.

Whether a reasonable amount or not, the difference is significant in terms labor which is why I believe Honda did decals. Imagine painting vs. decals on the number of units they produced and the impact it would have on their bottom line and profit margin.

[Johnie]

That is a good point Bob. Peel and stick was the Honda way back then. Fast was good. I do not think they even had the good tape for stripping back in those days.

[calj737]

Jay - another consideration for you: if you go with decals under clear, should you ever need to repair the paint/metal of the tank, forget it either taped decals. Paint can be more easily repaired.

For me, paint in your situation is a better solution and will yield a higher-end look. Tape can be really well done also, but there will be an edge of the paint thickness unless you really overcoat the color with more clear coats. Those added coats interfere with the best color of the paint being revealed (shine/depth/reflectivity).

These are more technical "issues" about paint vs tape, but you are spending a great deal of time and money now. Amortize the cost over 10-20 years of ownership on a beautiful bike. You'll never regret the added expense compared to the beauty. And I'll bet you dollars to donuts, the painted job will turn heads more... Simply because the paint WILL be a better result by virtue of fewer coats of clear.

My opinion, your bike, your wallet. Either way, love to see some pics as you close in on it.

[CB750R]

I just had my tank painted had a paint mask made in vinyl so the painter used the decal as a mask the. Removed it.  Honestly I'm pretty happy with the results.


untitled-9830.jpg by CB750r, on Flickr

[NobleHops]

I'd be happy too, it looks amazing. Cool technique too.

[calj737]

I just had my tank painted had a paint mask made in vinyl so the painter used the decal as a mask the. Removed it.  Honestly I'm pretty happy with the results.


untitled-9830.jpg by CB750r, on Flickr

If you're not happy, send it to me. I'll buy a whole new bike to put that lovely tank on! Very nicely done-

[Stev-o]

If done right, painted is the way to go.