Curious Newbie Colored Clear?

[wayne67]

I saw a new Harley yesterday with a paint job consisting of flames with the flames having a bare metal appearence but colored as if the clear was transparent but was a lighter blue than the non flamed area. I don't know if this makes sense or not the way I explaned it, but it was a very sharp looking bike. My question is how did they acheive this? Thanks

 

[rex]

If it's what I'm thinking it is bare metal under candy.There was quite a few of these running around a few years ago.They look cool but adhesion of the candy is questionable to me.

 

[wayne67]

That's what I was afraid of.....too much work not to last.

Thanks Rex /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/good_bye.gif

 

[rex]

There was discussion of this about a year ago and there were a few people that have done it.I remember one was to use a good etch primer but put on so thin and dusted that it can't turn color,and I believe another was to use HOK's adhesion promoter.Both seemed minimal to me.The examples I saw had the metal ground with a fine wheel that left a nice grind pattern or a DA pattern under the candy and that in itself would give some tooth to hold it on,but what it will do if you get a chip is a different story.I personally see it peeling off pretty quick.Sucks because it's a very nice effect.

 

[kylelord]

What about powdercoating? I've seen from places selling the powder that they have candy colors. I don't know much about powdercoating, but I would think this would bond to metal well and be very resistant to chipping.
Kyle

 

[rex]

Hey Wayne,welcome,sorry man.Kyle,I've never seen anyone powdercoat sheetmetal but it can be done.I suspect the cost is a factor and you need a pro to do it.I've seen some home powder jobs and I haven't seen a slick one yet.I don't think the home equipment is good enough to get a nice even coat with a good cooking.