Well now that it sounds like we might have problems getting painted parts in the future I will post this email exchange I had with "Gunslinger". It is mostly what we already know but it does include the specific clear they use and a recommended compatible harder clear if it comes to that. The email trail starts at the bottom and proceeds upward, of course.
On Feb 4, 2015, at 11:02 AM, "Shauna Gunslinger Custom Paint" <shauna@gcpaint.com> wrote:
Hi Howard,
I talked to our lead painter; he said he would recommend a finishing glaze (he specifically mentioned the Meguiar’s brand) and a high-end wax. Use a microfiber cloth like you have been, but don’t press hard, just give the bike a light wipe. He said the weather won’t really change the cure time, but although it’s safe to use wax after 90-days, the clear will continue to harden some for up to one year. We use PPG DCU 5200, if you were to re-clear your parts, PPG’s DCU 4000 would be a harder clear option.
Thanks,
Shauna Blackledge
P: 303.225.0854 ext. 251
From: Howard Lockwood [mailto:highonhd
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2015 8:09 PM
To: Shauna Gunslinger Custom Paint
Subject: Re: Paint Inquiry - Clear Coat Curing/Care
Hi Shauna,
Thanks for the prompt reply and advise. It is much appreciated. I understand that the custom paint and clear will require special care compared to factory paint. That is just reality.
I am trying to find out how to best do that and really appreciate your advise. If I could ask a couple follow up questions please. Is there a sealant that you could recommend such as Opti-Coat or other that could improve scratch resistance? I figure my paint is approximately 120 days curing time at this point. I live in Washington and we have had no sun to speak of, or warm weather. My garage is not heated, but is insulated. Is it possible that under these circumstances the standard cure time of 90 days may require even more than the current 120 days? I am just hoping it will get harder.
Please forgive me if I seem like a pain. The paint and quality is beautiful and outstanding. I plan to ride the hell out of the bike like I do all my bikes and want to spend more time doing that rather than polishing it with a DA buffer. I just want to do whatever I can to make that happen. Depending upon your suggestions to the previous questions (and in a worst case scenario) is it feasible to spray a different clear that is harder on top of this clear? Obviously I don't want to do this, but if I have to I will. If so, what would be the suggested compatible clear to do so?
Many Thanks Shauna! I just feel like if I even look at the bike wrong is scratches. It really is soft right now. I am not kidding!
-HL
On Feb 2, 2015, at 12:20 PM, Shauna Gunslinger Custom Paint wrote:
Hi Howard,
Those swirl marks are inevitable. Although, you are correct that they are easier to obtain when the clear cost is fresh, they will continue to occur anytime contact is made with the clear. You’ll want to use a microfiber cloth, but you should make sure it’s lubricated; Harley sells a line of their own cleaning products, we also recommend S100 cleaners. You should also make sure your bike is completely rinsed before wiping it down to avoid dragging dust particles that scratch the clear. You can have the bike detailed throughout its life to minimize the swirl marks as much as possible.
Regarding curing time, this is the statement we give with our custom paint jobs: Curing period is up to 90 days on your new paint. During this time you should try to keep the vehicle free of tree sap, bird droppings, or anything that may stain the paint. Droplets of water combined with the bright sun can act like a magnifying glass to burn little spots in the paint and should be removed with a soft cloth after a rain. Finally, for six-weeks during this curing period, do not use any wax.
Thanks,
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