Helment Flames

[2002 FLHTCI]

GREAT SITE! I have decided to try and paint flames on my helmets. Need some advice on my first time. I have done some painting - but several years ago. I have read your "How To" section and I have a better understanding of how to begin. Now the Questions -
1) Any special problems with working with a helment?
2) Not sure if I sould use ghost flames or full color flames. My Electra Glide Classic is two tone Suede Green & Black. Wanting to use the green flames on top of black base.
3) I am not sure how to get paint matching the bike, I have heard PPG makes the Harley paint and can match the paint for me, Any suggestions?
4) I have a regular spray gun, a "detail" gun, and a airbrush. Which would be best to do this job?
5) Any other tips appreciated!

Thanks, Lee

 

[gto1340]

FLHTC,I HAVE THE SAME BIKE ONLY RED WHITE & BLUE,GREAT BIKE.IVE FLAMED A FEW HELMENTS WITH GOOD RESULTS USING A DETAIL GUN.AS FAR AS THE PAINT MATCH CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL PAINT STORE THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO MATCH IT.AS FAR AS TIPS MAKE SURE YOU SAND ALL THE SMALL ROUND RIVITTS OR THE PAINT WILL FLAKE OFF WITH TIME.AND BE CAREFULL WITH THE CLEAR COAT ON THE ROUNDED AREAS,HOPE THIS HELPS.GENE[

 

[guest01]

I know that the Japanese bikes do not have formulated paints. As far as Harley I'm not sure! I have a complete book for the paint codes for domestic and imports and neither of my books include formulas for bikes! My paint supplier can't match paint worth a crap, so I wouldn't put too much faith in them, but it might be worth a shot I guess in you don't have any other choice. I could match it if I had a piece but I would have to find a color that was close and then tint it. I would find some one who does my kind of work and try to get them to do it for you. Someone who does it every day and gets paid good to match colors, seems more reliable to me!

Hope that helps...Clausen

 

[ezrider]

factory harley paint is PPG, any descient PPG jobber should be able to figure out your paint code. harley codes are all by them selves.

 

[rex]

What EZ said.The only way I know to get the code is give a Harley dealer your VIN# and they'll tell you,but our system lists by color name,not code.Now for the kicker-some colors can't be mixed and can only be had in factory packs (I'll be damned if I don't have one),but alot of times on brilliant pearls and 3 stages,the mix isn't as clean and brilliant.90% of the people can't tell the difference if they're side by side,but it matters to me.I used to piss off one of the painters at work because he'd ask me to find his blend.At 3ft away you couldn't tell,but I'd get up close and look at the actual color(like6-12" away) and show him every time.He doesn't do it any more.I don't get it because I'm not color blind,but I do have a color defficiency in a few areas,particularly trying to match and differentiate reds.