Paint choices

quawk said:

Something else I need to be considering, are the script and stripes to be applied to the tank and side covers. I've looked at various vendors offerings, but could others who've already done their's make any recommendations?

Click to expand...

I've done decals and hand stripe buried in clear; negative stencil and hand stripe buried in clear; and gold panel over primer, normal decals and tape stripe as positive stencil, epoxy sealer, base color, remove decals (stickers) and tape, and clear coat. Brent usually does the latter. The stencil (negative) is more difficult than Brent's method. Just need to be cautious of too much film build on the color coat to avoid a 'ridge'. Of course, standard decals and hand stripe is more original style.

I might add that I've had Brent do 3 Commando tanks and side covers for me. I'm a believer. I did one paint job myself on a
Norton Mercury and it came out quite well, but it was a lot of work and short of the quality of Brent's work. Nice things cost
money. No one ever said owning a Commando is inexpensive. You've already made the choice to save this bike from the horrors
of being a High Rider. Finish the task.

Cuppy said:

I can vouch that Brent does 1st rate work. He did my tank and side covers last winter.

View attachment 115736

Click to expand...

Can I ask what you were charged, and was it to do just your tank and side covers?

I’ve done lots of DIY rattle can jobs in the past, I found that with patience and time I could get good results.

BUT… empathise on TIME… the time it takes to get a good DIY result is a LOT.

And today we have the added issue of ensuring the end result is petrol, and sun proof etc.

So these days you’re faced with the real risk of spending AGES on a job that then peels, fades, etc.

Not saying don’t do it… just that you should be aware what you’re getting into.

Modern 2k aerosol can clear coats, if you buy the best (never Halfords), have a lovely spray atomisation. I have a home workshop spray gun and compressor. The gun stays in the box nowadays. I'd use it if I had a large surface to paint, but not for motorbike stuff.

But, whether a gun or an aerosol can, preparation is where the time and effort goes. It's just that modern aerosol can finishes no longer spoil good prep.