? about Harlequin color shift application

[big stinkie]

Going to put some PPG Harlequin flames on a black bike. The PPG tech sheet says it can be 'let down' and used as a mid-coat to yield a transparent (ghost?) effect. PPG indicates that one MUST use DX 57 if applied as a midcoat like that.

Can a fellow simply apply a light coat(s) of Harlequin as a regular 'ol BC to get a ghost effect and avoid fooling with DX 57? Harlequin and DX 57 is kinda pricey, so I'd like to get some educated opinions before I start squirting expensive paint over a bunch of test panels. I've read that the more Harlequin you apply, the greater the effect, so I'm assuming the less you spray, the less the effect...but I've been wrong before. That's why I'm tossing it out to you guys.

 

[rex]

PPG says to use the DX57 because the base is unhardened like the DBU line with the reactive reducer.They also say it's needed in factory tri stage refinishing or when going over 4 coats of base in general.I haven't used it because I've seen problems with delamination and it's hard to measure in small quantities without mixing on a scale.I've done multiple 3stages and never had a problem yet,but I keep my base as thin as possible.One thing I do with black is reduce it at 100% like the rest of the bases and 3 coats are the most you'll need for coverage.Now oyu're a little thinner than 3 coats of the normal 50% reduction to help out.Be very careful if you use a black sealer,it's hard to see coverage and anyplace that isn't will show the sealer through.On the Harlequin,don't put too much on,it'll start to drown out the colorshift some.A few thin coats are better to let light get around the 'flakes' so they can do their thing.pearls are the same way.Just don't overly reduce the stuff or it'll just lay flat,the flakes have to be suspended in the clear to orrient in different positions and overly reducing it will make the clear carrier too thin for them to stand up or set at angles.

 

[mojoz]

Another thing you may want to consider is Xotics mirage which can be bought in powder form Innate.com sells it by the gram 1 gram can be mixed with any intercoat or clear & recomendations is 1 gram to 3 oz un reduced clear giving you about 4 or 5 oz sprayable product price is about 20 bucks a gram they also have product called illusion color flop is not as drastic but has a beautiful sparkle as the pearle seams to sizzle & dance & is like 70 bucks for 12 grams nice thing is in powder form you can mix with any product you are comfortable using Hope that helps PS I used dupont Chromalusion Blazberry as well as some of the illussion & I wish I would of gotten mirage powder though I do love the dupont I think per dollar & ease of use would of been better with Xotics powder /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bigokay.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yay.gif

 

[big stinkie]

You guys are great. Now I've got an idea of what I'm getting into. Chatted with the guys at the paint store today and them pretty much echoed what you guys said.

Thanks again,

Andy