Black Denim : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

krafty · 06-09-2009, 01:45 AM

I have a 2001 Sportster I want to paint with denim black. I noticed you guys have the PPG code on this site. I was wondering though how do you get that "texture" look to it. Is it in the base, clear or what?? Thanks

nightrob · 06-09-2009, 02:35 AM

It is basicly just a matte clear coat

kustom_flames · 06-09-2009, 07:59 AM

I think you are referring to the black undercoating that was used on a few bikes, and not actual black denim. The black denim uses a flat clearcoat as stated above, and won't give you texture like the undercoating will - which conveniently comes in a spray can form...

krafty · 06-09-2009, 10:30 AM

What would be a good undercoat to use??Like an SEM product or something????

elamey · 06-09-2009, 10:54 AM

Not sure if this is a good idea, but there is denim black powder coat as well. Has anyone ever powdercoated the tins on a bike? Does it work well?

kustom_flames · 06-09-2009, 11:10 AM

SEM makes a good one...I believe 3M has one too. I sometimes coat the undersides of fenders with it, but do not recall offhand which one I use. I know it is called a "rubberized undercoating". There is another one out there that is asphalt-based which you probably do not want. I think even duplicolor has an undercoating.

You could powdercoat and I have seen it done in some old skool choppers, but you could do this yourself real cheap...

Please be advised that the undercoating will take a while to dry and fully harden and harsh chemicals will activate it some - if you use a degreaser on it weeks later you will make it tacky and some of the black will rub off.

You could do a search on the forum and ask member fartnokken how his is holding up...

krafty · 06-09-2009, 12:06 PM

I would have to strip the bike to bare metal for the undercoat correct???Thanks for your help..I am new to paint

kustom_flames · 06-09-2009, 12:24 PM

Not necessarily - if it is a stock HD paint job you can scuff the clear and go over it. If you have decals on the tank, those need to be DA'd down to bare metal and the edges feathered in so they are smooth where the bare metal meets the paint. If you have pinstripes, those need to be removed as well or you will see them afterwards...though may be not, with a textured paint over...

If you can go over your clear, you will want to wetsand with 500-600 grit until all the gloss is removed, but you do not need to break the clear...in fact, try not to.

ThingFish · 06-10-2009, 12:50 AM

I have a black denim Fat Bob and I recently painted my chrome air cleaner cover black just for the heck of it. I figured I'd chance it since I'm planning on replacing the whole set-up eventualy any way. I used Rust-O-leum Universal Flat Black (about 7.89). It turned out a little more satin than flat but it is almost a dead match for Black Denim. A guy even thought I got it at the dealer as a color matched item. Cheap and easy...here's a link to the product.

http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct....182&sid=245198

kustom_flames · 06-10-2009, 06:40 PM

For that matter, you could use a hi-temp flat black spray can. Did you glass bead the chrome off?

ThingFish · 06-11-2009, 03:09 AM

Unfortunately I knew nothing about painting when I did it (yes, it was only last Sunday so I pretty much STILL know nothing about painting). I was never even curious about painting and all of a sudden I had to do it immediately. Usually I research a bit before I jump, but I just ran to the hardware store and bought the cans. I did scuff it up a bit. I also removed and painted my console - never thought I'd remember how to put it back together. Anyway, I will probably redo it all in a few months (hopefully the right way). My methods sucked, but the color match was incredible. Just experimenting for now. It helps me visualize better. This weekend I'm going to paint the wheels - I know it will chip off eventually, but I will get them powdercoated down the road - or swap to spokes. This way at least I'll figure out the color first.

I've never checked out this part of the forum before, now that I know it's here I'm sure I'll get it right"er" in the future.

kustom_flames · 06-11-2009, 09:36 AM

LOL, I am very much like that! Sometimes I will research something to death, print off pics and instructions and when it comes tiem to do it...I just do it without even looking at my references! As long as it looks good and you are happy with it, that's all that matters! Well, having it stick matters too

nightrob · 06-11-2009, 09:42 AM

I still hvent figured out exactly what this wants to paint, the motor or the tins?

krafty · 06-11-2009, 02:11 PM

I am looking at doing the tank and fenders..shoulda specified..sorry bout that. I just really like the look of the denim with that rough texture to it

kustom_flames · 06-11-2009, 06:11 PM

Well I think we may have gotten off track there...but pretty sure we all knew you were talking about tins...