Hey All

I am looking at changing the colour of my wheels on my M1100 and I need some guidance here on a few issues.
1) what is the general consensus of paint vs powder coating, which is better? Advantages and disadvantages....?
2) does anyone know and can help me with the paint code for matching the wheels to match my red frame.

Thanks so much. 

I think powdercoat can look a little plastic'y, while paint looks more professional.

An idea: do the rear wheel only....

I agree about the look of powder coat, but it does seem to be a bit more durable than paint.  Since I do my own tire changes with irons (that means I scratch them a little each time) paint is easier to touch up IMO.  I buff and fix the scratched area pretty easy.

JM

Paint.

Most Automotive Paint stores have either computer or human optical paint matching available.

Powder.

Glossy bullet proof swingarm:



Non glossy "Bengal silver"



I really can't imagine any scenario where paint beats powder...price, look or durability. Just my humble opinion.

Quote from: Buck Naked on August 11, 2014, 06:24:49 PM
Powder.

<snip>
I really can't imagine any scenario where paint beats powder...price, look or durability. Just my humble opinion.

Your imagination needs improvement...

Try powder coating Magnesium.

Kids...  

Quote from: ducpainter on August 11, 2014, 07:01:30 PM
Your imagination needs improvement...

Try powder coating Magnesium.

Kids...  

Plus while powder is more durable, scratch it and it's a recoat. Which sucks. Also, despite what they tell ya, it's too glossy in some cases. Precisely why I painted my cafe racer Jap bike frame in a nice satin black.. the only option in powder was a horrible texture satin one, which I don't rate.

Did this red over the original (all) black.

With Rust-O-Leum Sunrise Red from a rattle can.

In 2005.

Over 33k miles ago.

Still look just as good today.

Powder 
It doesnt have to be glossy. You can mix inn 10 - 15 % matt powder. I did it with my rims. Looks great!

I hear what all the powder advocates are saying but another problem is matching colours to the frame. From my understanding, colours in powder are pretty limited vs the flexibility of paints.

I agree with the advantages of powder. I've used it on the bike already for "hard wearing" areas like the footpegs, foot controls and the wings. I'm just not convinced wheels is the right application.

I think well "if the factory reckons it's ok to paint, who am I to question that...." (that's of course if the factory does paint. It looks like paint on the OE)

Thanks for all the tips. And please keep it coming.

Quote from: Camo1100 on August 12, 2014, 06:47:57 AM
I hear what all the powder advocates are saying but another problem is matching colours to the frame. From my understanding, colours in powder are pretty limited vs the flexibility of paints.

I agree with the advantages of powder. I've used it on the bike already for "hard wearing" areas like the footpegs, foot controls and the wings. I'm just not convinced wheels is the right application.

I think well "if the factory reckons it's ok to paint, who am I to question that...." (that's of course if the factory does paint. It looks like paint on the OE)

Thanks for all the tips. And please keep it coming.

I don't have a beef with paint. Hell I rattle canned a silver brembo rear wheel and it came out fine;



But if you're planning to pay a pro the value just isn't there. I don't really think the color contrast would be too severe from wheel to frame. The guys I use (Bonehead Performance) have a ton of actual color examples with multiple gradients so I don't even think it would be an issue at all. Paint is just going the way of the dodo bird as the technology advances. Other than examples of things you can't put in a 400 deg oven or isn't electrostatic like magnesium it just doesn't compute. And as far as whether or not a certain gloss level is achievable or not I think that lies in the skill of the coater. See BHP website or check out Monstas build thread for some amazing examples of a matte/satin finish. If anyone doesn't think HIS engine looks tops, then I have yet to hear it.

Quote from: Speeddog on August 11, 2014, 07:17:04 PM
Did this red over the original (all) black.

With Rust-O-Leum Sunrise Red from a rattle can.

In 2005.

Over 33k miles ago.

Still look just as good today.

Did my swingarm and belt covers w rust-o-leum.  Not as classy looking as a pro spray job, but good enough. And there is something nice about being able to touch up scratches seamlessly w a quick spray of the can.

Quote from: Speeddog on August 11, 2014, 07:17:04 PM
Did this red over the original (all) black.

With Rust-O-Leum Sunrise Red from a rattle can.

In 2005.

Over 33k miles ago.

Still look just as good today.

Those wheels look great.

Rattlecans can do an amazing job.  It is all about technique and prep.  I did an entire bug in rattle can white a few years ago.  Six coats white gloss base and two coasts clear.  Ended up looking like a 3k paint job. 

Quote from: Buck Naked on August 12, 2014, 07:36:00 AM

Sweet ride BN 

What kind of exhaust system is that? And what kind of rearset?

Quote from: Graymonster on August 14, 2014, 02:04:11 PM
Sweet ride BN 

What kind of exhaust system is that? And what kind of rearset?

Thanks GM.

That's my old whip, it's been parted out since. The exhaust is a RoadRacing and the rearsets are Rizoma. Both pieces are making it on my new build.