Blacking Out Some Chrome

I will be ordering some Suzuki c800 black spray paint, to spray some of my chrome black. I love the look of the new 1500 intruder with its blacked out look and have decided to go a little in that direction.
To start with I am considering spraying,,,,,,

The headlight bucket but I am not 100% sure about the very front section, may leave the chromed.
The PAIR valve cover
The modified air filter cover
The clock housing on the tank
The indicators
The rear light
The Crash bars
The highway pegs
The Ape hanger bars

This is not a definitive list but more of an initial ideas list. What chrome I have left on the bike then will really stand out.

What do you guys think? Have I lost the plot or is it a good idea?

Will the spray key on the chrome ok? I wonder if it might scrape off if knocked and start to look a bit messy. I like blacked out bikes mind - if it works it may look good. I would be tempted to test some off bike chrome first and abuse it a bit.

If I spray anything on my bike, it will be done properly. It will not be a half prepared and rushed. If anyone experiences the sort of scenarios such as you describe John, it hasn't done properly!

I just recently bought some matt black plastidip with the intention of blacking out some of the chrome on my bike too. I think its a good idea, leaving smaller areas of chrome will really make them stand out. Is your paint gloss or matt? Just thinking about your leds and how they may not be as visible with less reflective surfaces. I think the headlight bucket would look great in black with the chrome rim left as it is.

Sounds good Dave, I'd leave the pegs, ape hangers, and indicators Chrome though, a bit of a light sand with fine Emery paper and a coat of hammerite special metals primer gives a good key, satin black would be cool.

Joe
The paint is gloss, so I will continue with exactly the same paint as on the rest of the bike. Not to worried about the reduced effect of the LED's to be honest, after all most riding is daytime anyway when they have a very limited effect.

Sim
I did think about matt but I thought it would just look like I had added sprayed bits to the bike rather than it all melting in together.

I think I will start with the headlight bucket, pair valve cover, air filter and clock housing. After that it would give me a good idea of whether I should carry it on to other parts or stop there.

Matt paint is nice but I am unsure if a mix with gloss would look very right or very wrong. I really am a fan of matt but it needs to be clean to look good, the slightest bit of grease even from hands and it stands out like a sore thumb.

Good shout with the blackout however you decide to go. I do think less is more though and your last list of parts for spraying will probably be enough.

Dave I know you want to stay with the gloss look on the parts you will spray but Have you thought about justusing normal spray? What I was thinking was that you could just use a normal gloss paint because the blue speck is really only visible in bright sunshine anyway. That way it would be a lot cheaper to do the job initially and then if you decided afterwards that it really did bother you that the hardly visible blue speck was not being there, you would only need to give it a light rub down to give a key and you would be able to spray the parts over with the exact matching paint this could save you a good few bob

Looking at CC's post may not be cost effective,the reason I say this is if you decide ok the gloss looks ok,then decide to get the original paint, most metalic or candy need two pack paint to work,so in essence you will need more than a light rub down.Plus extra cost.Only my opinion.

Yes thats make sense, I was kind of thinking along the lines of the normal gloss would look goodenough and it could stay like that. But I suppose if it's going to be done on the cheap like I say it could very easily end up a lot dearer. Good point Alfie, makes more sense not to try to say a couple of quid and just do it right from the beggining.

I don't like the cost of the proper paint but if I am going to do it, I will do it properly just the one time.
I will spay and finish all of the first batch of parts in one go, over about a 9 day period. This should allow a reasonable amount of time for the spays to go off properly. Really looking forward to doing this now, I just need to work out how many cans I need, as I don't want it unfinished waiting for more base colour.
Anybody know or good guesstimate of how much spray I will need for - headlight bucket, pair valve cover, air filter and clock housing
They come in 400ml rattle cans.( LINK 2010 C800 )

Mr Intruder wrote:

Anybody know or good guesstimate of how much spray I will need for - headlight bucket, pair valve cover, air filter and clock housing They come in 400ml rattle cans.

I'd say you'd be able to do those items with one can of the black, because if you use a dark primer first a couple of coats of the nebular black would be fine, the Lacquer is a different matter though because the depth of the shine is achieved by many light coats of lacquer, Cellulose paints do go quite far as theyr'e very thin,Luckily the lacquer is cheaper as more will be used.

I'd go 1 black 2 Lacquer Dave

You've done spraying before so you'll probably know that many light coats are better than less of thick ones. Happy spraying

I have sprayed a lot over the years with good results but never really thought about how much spray was needed, if I had needed more I would just of pop out and got more. With an on-line order that's not as easy and I just couldn't think how far a can would go, I was thinking along the same lines as you Sim. I have Lacquer, so it's just the nebular I need to order, or would you advise buying their lacquer?

Mr Intruder wrote:

I have Lacquer, so it's just the nebular I need to order, or would you advise buying their lacquer?

Oh stuff that, they are too expensive for lacquer and don't guarantee full petrol resistance unless you buy their 500ml and 1000ml quantities, which don't seem to come in a rattle can.
I will use my own!

A 400ml tin is quite large, and in good conditions would probably spray about 3 to 4 square metre's (1 coat) which is plenty more than the area of the 4 items your starting off with. Like the idea of blacking out I often look at Oldfarts bike in the showroom and like the idea of black bits.

Yeah there's plenty of good lacquers off the shelf that would be up to the job, At a fraction of the cost as you say

I cant spay nothing, everytime I do it goes all orange peel

OK that now on order, so hopefully I will get that done over the Christmas holiday period.

captain crash wrote:

I cant spay nothing, everytime I do it goes all orange peel

Crash, you rub it down with a fine grit and buff.

You make it sound so simple

Dave, what metal primer will you use ? I always use Hammerite special metals primer because it has good adhesion, It doesn't come in spray tins though but it does have good levelling when applied by brush.

Crash warm your spray up a bit and it comes out finer without splatter giving the Orange peel effect.

I always put mine on the radiator for a while to get it up to a more usable state.
As for the headlight bucket that requires a bit of thinking about as I have never prepared anything chrome for spraying before, so I am in a bit of a quandary with that to be honest.
How would you prep it Sim, do you just sand it and do you paint the Hammerite on then rub down like a normal paint?

Headlight bucket needs to be taken off (obviously) then I'd place it on a broom handle, open part facing down so it's moveable if need be, as for prep I'd just give the chrome a good rub down to take the shine off (plenty of fine scratches) then a coat of Hammerite special metals primer and then a very fine sanding with a foam sanding sponge just to take any brush marks out if there are any (it does level out quite good) then a dark grey primer and a couple of coats of the black Nebular before the lacquer Stick it in the oven after the lacquer just to harden it up.

Sim, Itching to get the paint now.

My only worry would be this.... I've only done a bit of spraying with aerosols, but I guess the secret - whether with aerosol or compressor - is in keying the surface before you start.

What if you change your mind in future? The lovely shiny chrome will be kinda matt.

And what if you ever wanted to swap your bike (for another Intruder of course).??? Some people dont like bikes that are too far from 'stock' so could this affect resale value/desirability?

Just my 5p worth.... enjoy it whatever you decide

Yes I understand your concerns Mal but I have no plans to ever sell the bike, so resale is of no concern.
I have many modifications that I have planned for this bike to make it more and more my own and those plans will happen over many years.

That 1500 in black makes my mouth water (in my younger days of course, it was ladies in tight jeans. Can still be in fact, but no-one wants tp know about my fantasies). Will look forward to picks of your alterations. Should be truly superb. BLACK IS THE NEW CHROME !!

I've sprayed the clock surround, air filter cover and the small cover on left of engine whatever that's for lol? Just used plastic primer, after rubbing surface down of course and then painted using halfords spray 'BMW Jet Black'. Not yet lacquered but will in the new year

Freemo wrote:

I've sprayed the clock surround, air filter cover and the small cover on left of engine whatever that's for lol? Just used plastic primer,

That's Interesting you should say that Martin, As the clock housing and air filter and PAIR valve cover are made of plastic, I'm not sure if plastic chrome is the same as metal chrome on parts ?

simbo wrote:

I'm not sure if plastic chrome is the same as metal chrome on parts ?

Doc Cox will know that, hopefully he will spot this and reply

Just got home from work & the spray paint was here & I had a little test of it after giving it a good shake. I can't see any blue speck in it though but that could be the lighting conditions. It does actually spray out nicer than any spray I have ever used from a rattle can before though and should cover very nicely.

That Blue metal flake only really comes out to play in direct sunlight , Glad it sprays well from the can, There are crap ones out there where you end up with half a tin of paint left when the pressure has all gone

Oops, meant to say surround to tank filler not clock surround...as I have no clocks lol

Started spraying today. Rubbed down the chromed tank speedo housing and the chromed PAIR valve cover.
Found it really unsettling at first to sand off the beautiful chrome that for so long I have been polishing. So far I have sprayed 3 coats of primer and 3 coats of top coat, with a wet sanding between each coat. The pieces are now in the boiler cupboard for the night to ensure a proper cure. I will give them one final coat in the morning and then 3 petrol resistant clear coat lacquer in the afternoon. I will then put them back in the boiler cupboard to cure for 2 or 3 days before fitting them to the bike & then start the air filter on boxing day.

PS. Are they taking the piss or what with the cost of tack cloth.

Mr Intruder wrote:

PS. Are they taking the piss or what with the cost of tack cloth.

Are they expensive ? I usually just put them on works account

Mr Intruder wrote:

Started spraying today. Rubbed down the chromed tank speedo housing and the chromed PAIR valve cover.
Found it really unsettling at first to sand off the beautiful chrome that for so long I have been polishing. So far I have sprayed 3 coats of primer and 3 coats of top coat, with a wet sanding between each coat. The pieces are now in the boiler cupboard for the night to ensure a proper cure. I will give them one final coat in the morning and then 3 petrol resistant clear coat lacquer in the afternoon. I will then put them back in the boiler cupboard to cure for 2 or 3 days before fitting them to the bike & then start the air filter on boxing day.

Flipping eck, thats 10 coats of spray in total.

If I was doing a job like this I would probably have done it all and bolted the lot back on the bike within one afternoon. Sounds like your doing it properly tho. Will look forward to seeing it all when your ready to show us some pics.

simbo wrote:

Mr Intruder wrote:

PS. Are they taking the piss or what with the cost of tack cloth.

Are they expensive ? I usually just put them on works account

You don't need tack cloth Sim.... you can just use your STICKY FINGERS

bigmal wrote:

You don't need tack cloth Sim.... you can just use your STICKY FINGERS

What primer did you end up using Dave ? Is it different from metal chrome.

I went into several shops to buy the "Hammerite special metals primer" that you recommended but could not find it. I did see other brands of special metals primer but didn't want to use a random paint, so I reverted back to spray primer.
From what I understand it is proper chrome on plastic and to get it to stick they use a Copper and nickel based undercoat.

captain crash wrote:

If I was doing a job like this I would probably have done it all and bolted the lot back on the bike within one afternoon

And that is exactly the reason why you end up getting the scenarios that Bluesman (John) was talking about in his post near the top of the page. Rushing a job creates poor results. I will do it properly at each and every stage to the best of my ability and allow the paint to cure before re fitting and using out on the road.

Oh well, I always let you know when things go right so I must be honest and say when it goes wrong as well.
It was looking bloody brilliant after 3 coats of primer and 4 coats of the nebular black so I was looking forward to starting the final step of clear coating. This afternoon I shook the clear coat lacquer can vigorously for a good while and warmed the paint up before spraying. Then I sprayed it on & at first it looked really nice with a nice even coating but it all seemed to go very wrong very fast from this point on. Very quickly the lacquer started to go from crystal clear to a milky colour. I have been reading up on why this happened and as much as I would love to blame the clear coat it would seem it's all of my own doing. Whilst spraying over the last day or so the workshop was lovely and warm inside as I had the heating on. However today the workshop door had been left open for several hours while it was pissing down with rain & I had no heating on. So the atmosphere with in the workshop would have been not only cold but moisture rich, which in turn created a very bad environment for clear coating.
So I have now put the cluster surround back in the boiler cupboard to cure properly before being rubbed down again and having another go.

Never mind, we live and learn.

That's a bummer for sure Dave :shithhappens: Moisture and Lacquer never go together very well for sure Sometimes but only sometimes, If you put it in a warm place the moisture/ milking effect clears itself to leave a decent finish,
Tricky time of year to be spraying for sure, Just think how spectacles steam up going from one atmosphere to the next, Any metal/plastic object will do the same and cause the paint to bloom.

I was spraying some other items today as well for the Mrs with normal black gloss and that seemed to go on fine even with the shitty conditions I subjected them too. So I am going to cut my losses for a while to save wasting the expensive nebular black spray. I think I will rub it down and spray it with normal gloss black, obviously ensuring a dry warm atmosphere. Then go back to this in 8 -10 weeks or so when I can guarantee the right atmosphere in the workshop. What do you think?

Personally I'd leave it for now Dave, with all this wet weather were getting there's just to much moisture in the air, To get the finish you want and are capable of, You'd need a spray booth with ventilation/extractors and a constant temp, Adding heat for a day just creates humidity in the atmosphere your working in.

Yeah I think that sounds like a plan Sim. I just never gave single thought to moisture in the air or minute condensation particles. Although it has buggered it up for the moment, I am not too worried as I know It will be spot on when I do get it sorted.

Thats a shame, so what are you going to do, put it back on the bike all milky?

Clear coat was rubbed back to the black this morning while lots was going on in the kitchen and I new I wouldn't be missed. I will give it two coats of spray tomorrow and that will do until I can do it properly.

Did a bit of spraying today and the two parts I did turned out really well.
Sorry about the quality of the pictures, they are very grainy & make the parts look grey but they are actually jet black & silky smooth.
I sprayed them satin black.






Don't tell the Mrs but while the Cats away, the Mouse will play. So I turned our conservatory into a spray booth



I will post some more pictures in the "done section" when they are back on the bike but they are now going in the boiler cupboard for a couple of days now to harden.

Looks good Dave

Looking good Dave,well done.

Nice one dave, be great to see how it looks on the bike

I was reading up on spraying stuff the other day and was suprised at how long spray takes to cure propely. Great idea to leave them in the boiler cupboard, that should cure them much quicker that way I bet alot of people have wrecked stuff that has been sprayed because they didn't know that, me included

Cheers guys.