Difference in Bicycle Paint Finishes?

Question

I am interested in sending an old frame off to a bicycle renovation firm, and I am not sure what the difference between enamel and pearl paint is?

Answer 1

The only difference you need to know is pearl is a 3 or more stage process. Enamel is a single stage.

Lexus, BMW, etc. use pearls. Yugo's were enamel.

Pearl uses a base, pearl coat then topcoat, usually urethane's.
Enamel is one coat.

If it is an antique bicycle I,d go with enamel. That will more closely match the original paint (which could have been nitrocellulose lacquer).

Answer 2

Ask him for the sample cards! Most good paint shops will have charts which show all the finishes on card or small aluminium plates. Enamel paint is a basic flat, dull finish which can be brightened up to 'Metallic Enamel'. (bright flecks in it which are usually a different colour to the base paint). Pearl paint looks like one colour when you look at it a certain angle and then another, totally different colour when viewed from another angle. Beautiful - but most expensive. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Pearl is simply an additive to enamel paint,,,it's a powder mixed in usually with white, or the clear coat,, that's basically what the Cadillac escalade has on their white models,,,,if you want the big time color changing stuff that would be "holographic paint,,, Dupont and PPG makes it,,,,,if you want the most durable finish that will resist chips and such,,,, check into having your frame "powder coated",,,,,you must have a good classic,,,,because which ever way you go,,,,it woun't be cheap,,,,gl,,,,and br549,,,,,,you're thinking of "candy" colors,,,not pearl

Answer 4

nicely, i anticipate that you'll be able to likely basically strip the former paint off (both chemically or per chance by way of sanding it off) and then basically use a modern spray paint ideal for metallic. basically disassemble the motorcycle as a lot as achieveable, and also you may conceal bits that are too puzzling to take off with painters tape (or newspaper, plastic bags, etc. sealed around the perimeters with painters tape).