When you think of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, what are some of the first things that come to mind? For many people, the iconic design and unique customizations are at the top of the list. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the type of paint that goes into creating these works of art on wheels? It turns out that Harley-Davidson has a very particular type of paint that they use to create their signature look.
So what exactly is the brand of paint that Harley-Davidson uses? The answer may surprise you. While many people might assume that they use a special type of paint that’s made specifically for motorcycles, the reality is that the company uses a brand of automotive paint that you may be familiar with: PPG. That’s right – the same brand that’s used by countless car manufacturers around the world is also the brand that Harley-Davidson trusts to create their beautiful and unique paint jobs.
When you think about it, it makes sense that Harley-Davidson would choose PPG as their go-to paint supplier. After all, the company has been around for over 135 years and is known for producing high-quality, durable paints that can stand up to the rigors of everyday use. And when it comes to custom motorcycle paint jobs, durability is key – you want your paint to look great for years to come, even after countless hours on the open road. So the next time you see a Harley-Davidson motorcycle cruising down the highway, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and care that went into creating its signature paint job.
Harley-Davidson’s Motorcycle Painting Process
When it comes to Harley-Davidson’s motorcycles, the paint job is an essential part of the bike’s overall aesthetic appeal. The process they use for painting their motorcycles is quite impressive and showcases the brand’s commitment to quality.
The following are the steps that Harley-Davidson follows in its motorcycle painting process:
- Pre-Treatment: Before painting, the surfaces of the motorcycle parts are prepped through a rigorous cleaning process that involves stripping the old paint, sandblasting, and treating the metal with a phosphate coating.
- Priming: After pre-treatment, the surfaces are primed with a powder coating that helps the paint to adhere better and provide a more durable finish.
- Painting: The basecoat is applied and allowed to dry before the clearcoat is added, which helps to protect the basecoat and gives it a glossy finish.
- Detailing: After the clearcoat dries, the motorcycle is inspected and polished. The detailing process involves sanding off any imperfections and applying decals or pinstriping if requested by the customer.
- Baking: The motorcycle is then baked in an oven to cure the paint and set the clearcoat. This process ensures that the paint job will be more resistant to scratches and chips.
- Quality Control: Once the paint job has been completed, the motorcycle undergoes a quality control check to ensure that it meets Harley-Davidson’s high standards.
Harley-Davidson’s commitment to quality and attention to detail is evident in the motorcycle painting process. The result is a beautiful and durable finish that is sure to turn heads on the road for years to come.
Benefits of using high-quality paint on motorcycles
When it comes to motorcycles, the paint job is often one of the most important visual aspects. Not only does it make the bike look sleek and stylish, but it also protects the bike’s frame from external elements such as sun, wind, rain, and salt. However, not all paint is created equal. Using high-quality paint on motorcycles has numerous benefits:
- Durability: High-quality paint is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and road debris. It is less prone to chipping, fading, and cracking, ensuring that your motorcycle maintains its vibrant color and sleek appearance for years to come.
- Rust prevention: High-quality paint is formulated to protect the metal parts of the motorcycle from rust. Rust can weaken the structure of the bike, compromising its safety and performance. With high-quality paint, you can ensure that your bike remains rust-free and retains its strength and durability.
- Increased resale value: A well-maintained motorcycle with a high-quality paint job can fetch a higher resale value than a similar bike with a subpar paint job. Prospective buyers are often willing to pay a premium for a bike that looks good and has been well cared for.
Importance of using the right brand of paint on a Harley Davidson
Harley Davidson motorcycles are iconic. They represent the pinnacle of American engineering, design, and craftsmanship. A Harley Davidson is more than just a bike; it’s a lifestyle. As such, it’s important to use the right brand of paint to maintain its aesthetics and value. Harley Davidson uses PPG as its exclusive paint supplier. PPG is one of the leading brands in automotive and industrial coatings, and has been delivering high-quality products for over 135 years.
Using PPG paint on a Harley Davidson ensures a perfect match with the original factory paint color, finish, and quality. PPG paint is specifically formulated to meet the unique requirements of Harley Davidson motorcycles, providing superior durability, corrosion resistance, and gloss retention. PPG’s advanced technology and color matching software guarantee an exact color match, eliminating the risk of a mismatched or patchy paint job.
| Benefits of using PPG paint on a Harley Davidson |
|---|
| Exact color match with factory paint color |
| Superior durability and corrosion resistance |
| Advanced technology and color matching software |
| Long-lasting gloss and shine |
At the end of the day, a Harley Davidson is a prized possession that requires the best care and maintenance. Using high-quality paint, like PPG, can ensure that your bike retains its value, lasts longer, and looks great. So if you’re looking to give your Harley Davidson a fresh coat of paint, make sure to use PPG, the brand trusted by Harley Davidson themselves.
Custom Motorcycle Paint Jobs
Harley Davidson has always been known for having that classic American look and feel. One aspect of achieving that unique style is through the choice of paint. Custom motorcycle paint jobs are a popular way to show off individuality and creativity. Many Harley riders choose to customize their bikes with custom paint jobs that help them stand out on the road.
When it comes to custom motorcycle paint jobs, there are many options available, from simple color updates to more complex airbrushed designs. One of the key considerations when choosing a custom paint job is the brand of paint used. Many Harley owners wonder what brand of paint does Harley Davidson use?
- House of Kolor: This is a popular brand of paint used by many custom motorcycle painters. House of Kolor offers a wide range of colors and customizable options, making it ideal for unique and complex designs. This brand is known for its high-quality, long-lasting finishes.
- Dupont: Dupont is a well-known brand that produces high-quality automotive paint. Their paint is known for its durability, which is essential for motorcycle riders who face harsh weather conditions and road debris.
- PPG Paints: PPG Paints is one of the leading brands in the automotive paint industry. Their products are renowned for their high gloss shine and vibrant colors. PPG Paints is also known for their color-matching technology, which can ensure that your custom paint job perfectly matches the existing color scheme of your motorcycle.
Ultimately, the brand of paint used on a Harley Davidson depends on personal preference. However, it’s always a good idea to choose a high-quality brand that will last for years to come.
If you’re considering a custom paint job for your Harley Davidson, it’s important to work with a reputable painter who has experience in motorcycle paint jobs. A professional painter will be able to advise you on the best type of paint to use for your specific application, ensuring that you get the result you want.
| Brand Name | Key Features |
|---|---|
| House of Kolor | Wide range of colors and customizable options, high-quality, long-lasting finishes |
| Dupont | Well-known brand, high-quality automotive paint, durability |
| PPG Paints | Leading brand in the automotive paint industry, high gloss shine, vibrant colors, color-matching technology |
In conclusion, custom motorcycle paint jobs are a popular way for Harley riders to showcase their unique style and individuality. Choosing a high-quality brand of paint is essential for achieving a long-lasting, vibrant finish. Whether you opt for House of Kolor, Dupont, or PPG Paints, it’s important to work with a professional painter who can help you achieve the perfect custom paint job for your Harley Davidson.
Popular Paint Colors for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
When it comes to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the paint job is just as important as the engine. A Harley’s paint job represents the personality and style of the rider, making it a crucial aspect of the overall aesthetic. With so many color options available, choosing the right paint color can be a daunting task. Here are some of the most popular paint colors for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
- Black – The most classic color option in the Harley-Davidson lineup. Black paint represents power, mystery, and sophistication.
- Red – A bold and daring choice for those looking to stand out on the road. Red is a confident and passionate color option that demands attention.
- White – Clean, pure, and timeless. White paint is a popular option for those looking for a simpler and understated aesthetic.
- Silver – A modern and sleek color option that gives off a futuristic vibe. Silver paint is perfect for those looking for a polished and stylish look.
- Blue – A cool and calming color option that gives off a sense of peace and serenity. Blue paint is a great option for those who value tranquility and relaxation.
Harley-Davidson offers a wide selection of custom color options for those looking to create a truly unique and personalized paint job. However, Harley-Davidson also has a limited number of “factory” colors available each year. These factory color options are determined by the experts at Harley-Davidson based on current trends and customer preferences.
Harley-Davidson uses their own brand of paint called V&H Paint. V&H Paint is considered to be some of the highest quality paint available and is used exclusively by Harley-Davidson. This high-quality paint ensures that your Harley’s paint job will look great for years to come.
If you’re looking to create a custom paint job for your Harley-Davidson, it’s important to find a reputable painter who knows how to work with V&H Paint. A skilled painter can create a unique and stunning paint job that will make your Harley stand out from the crowd.
In conclusion, the paint job on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is an important aspect of the overall look and feel. From classic black to bold red, there are many popular color options to choose from. With the use of high-quality V&H Paint, a custom paint job can be a great investment that will keep your Harley looking great for years to come.
Differences between matte and glossy finishes
When it comes to paint finishes, there are two main options: matte and glossy. Here are some key differences to consider:
- Appearance: Matte finishes are known for their flat, non-reflective appearance. They absorb rather than reflect light, resulting in a muted, velvety finish. Glossy finishes, on the other hand, are shiny and reflective, giving off a lustrous appearance that can draw attention to the object.
- Durability: Matte finishes are often more susceptible to damage than glossy finishes due to their lack of protective coating. They can show scuff marks, stains, and fingerprints more easily than a glossy finish. Glossy finishes, on the other hand, tend to be more durable, thanks to their hard, smooth surface. They can resist scrapes, scratches, and general wear and tear better than their matte counterparts.
- Cleaning: Cleaning a matte finish can be trickier than cleaning a glossy finish. Due to its texture, matte paint can be more difficult to clean, and harsh cleaning products or scrubbing can damage the finish. Glossy finishes, on the other hand, can typically be cleaned more easily, as contaminants don’t adhere as strongly to the surface, and it’s possible to use more aggressive cleaning agents if necessary.
Harley Davidson’s paint finishes
So, where does Harley Davidson fall on the matte vs. glossy spectrum? The answer is…somewhere in the middle. Harley Davidson has several different finish types that vary in glossiness. Here are a few examples:
| Finish Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Vivid Black Gloss | A high-gloss black finish that reflects light and provides a polished look. |
| Denim Black | A matte finish that absorbs light and has a velvety, non-reflective look. |
| Charcoal Denim | A semi-gloss finish that provides some light reflection while still maintaining a subdued, muted look. |
Overall, Harley Davidson offers a range of finishes to cater to different style preferences and needs. Whether you prefer a glossy, eye-catching look or a more understated matte finish, you’re likely to find a Harley Davidson paint finish that suits you.
Harley-Davidson paint touch-up tips
When it comes to motorcycles, looks are just as important as performance. That’s why Harley-Davidson puts so much care and attention into the paint jobs on their bikes. All Harley-Davidson motorcycles are painted with high-quality, durable paint that is designed to last for years. If you own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and need to touch up the paint, here are some tips to make the job easier and more effective.
- Match the paint color: Harley-Davidson motorcycles are available in a wide range of colors, and it’s important to match the color exactly if you want your touch-up job to look seamless. You can find the paint code for your motorcycle on the manufacturer’s website or by contacting a local dealership.
- Prep the area: Before you begin painting, be sure to clean the area you want to touch up thoroughly. Use soap and water to remove any dirt, grease, or grime from the surface. Then use a fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the area to create a smooth surface for painting.
- Use the right tools: You can touch up small dings and scratches with a small paintbrush. For larger areas, use an airbrush or spray can for a more even coat. Whatever tool you choose, make sure it’s appropriate for the size of the area you’re painting.
If you’re having trouble finding the exact color match or aren’t confident in your painting skills, you can take your motorcycle to a professional painter who specializes in Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They’ll be able to match the color perfectly and apply the paint with professional-level precision.
If you decide to tackle the job yourself, be patient and take your time. Rushing through a touch-up job can lead to a sloppy, uneven finish.
| Tool | Pros | Cons |
| Small paintbrush | – Good for small dings and scratches – Cheap and easy to use |
– Can be difficult to get an even coat – Easy to leave brush marks behind |
| Airbrush | – Produces an even coat – Good for larger areas – Can create a professional-looking finish |
– Can be expensive – Requires some skill to use effectively |
| Spray can | – Easy to use – Good for larger areas – Provides an even coat |
– Can be difficult to match the color perfectly – Spray can make it hard to control the paint |
Remember, a touch-up job is never going to look completely identical to the original paint job. However, with a little patience and care, you can get pretty close. By following these tips and using the right tools, you can keep your Harley-Davidson motorcycle looking as good as new.
Recommended paint care products for Harley-Davidson motorcycles
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are a true American icon that represent freedom and the thrill of the open road. Whether you ride a Street Glide or a Fat Boy, you know that your motorcycle is an extension of your personality and something that you take pride in. One of the key elements that make a Harley-Davidson motorcycle stand out is the quality of the paint job. Harley-Davidson paint is known for its durability and resilience, but even the toughest paint can eventually wear down. That’s where recommended paint care products come in. Taking care of your motorcycle’s paint will not only make it shine, but it will also protect the paint from harmful elements. Here are some of the best products for maintaining and protecting your Harley-Davidson’s paint job.
- Harley-Davidson Premium Polish – This polish is specifically designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and provides a deep, long-lasting shine. Its easy-to-use formula enhances the color of the paint and protects it from fading and dulling. Using this polish at least once a month will keep your motorcycle looking showroom new.
- Harley-Davidson Roadside Detail Kit – This detail kit is perfect for those who are always on the go. With its compact size, it’s easy to keep in your saddlebag or tour pack. It includes a spray detailer, a microfiber towel, and a detail sponge. The detailer cleans and shines the paint, while the sponge can be used to remove stubborn dirt and grime. The microfiber towel is perfect for drying the surface without scratching the paint.
- Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax – This wax is perfect for restoring the shine on dull paint. Its unique formula is easy to apply and provides a long-lasting protection against UV rays, water spots, and other contaminants. It’s also safe to use on chrome and plastic.
In addition to these products, it’s important to regularly wash your motorcycle with a gentle soap and water. Use a soft, non-abrasive towel to dry the surface to avoid scratches. Avoid using harsh chemicals or brushes, as they can damage the paint. Also, be sure to protect your motorcycle from exposure to the sun, rain, and other elements by storing it in a garage or under a cover.
For further paint care, take a look at the table below for some useful products recommended by Harley-Davidson itself.
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson Sunwash | A gentle, biodegradable soap that removes dirt and grime without harming the paint. |
| Harley-Davidson Spray Cleaner & Polish | An all-in-one cleaner and polish that provides a deep shine and long-lasting protection. |
| Harley-Davidson Wheel & Tire Cleaner | A specialized cleaner that removes brake dust and other contaminants from wheels and tires. |
| Harley-Davidson Wheel & Spoke Brush | A soft-bristled brush that is perfect for cleaning wheels, spokes, and other hard-to-reach areas. |
Using these products in conjunction with regularly scheduled washes can help keep your Harley-Davidson looking its best for years to come. Take pride in your ride and give it the care it deserves.
What Brand of Paint Does Harley Davidson Use: FAQs
1. What type of paint does Harley Davidson use?
Harley Davidson primarily uses high-quality polyurethane-based paints to ensure durability and vibrant colors.
2. Does Harley Davidson use custom paint jobs?
Yes, Harley Davidson offers custom paint jobs for their motorcycles. Customers can choose from various designs, finishes, and colors to create a unique look for their bike.
3. What is the paint process for Harley Davidson motorcycles?
Harley Davidson uses a multi-step process that includes surface preparation, application of primer, basecoat, and clearcoat, and final inspection to ensure a flawless finish.
4. Are Harley Davidson’s paint colors standardized?
Yes, Harley Davidson has a set of standard colors that they use for their motorcycles. However, customers can also request custom colors for their bike.
5. How long does Harley Davidson paint last?
Harley Davidson paint is designed to last for many years, with proper care and maintenance. However, factors such as exposure to the sun, weather, and wear and tear can affect the longevity of the paint.
6. Can I buy Harley Davidson paint for touch-up jobs?
Yes, Harley Davidson offers touch-up paint for their motorcycles. You can purchase it from their official store or authorized dealerships.
7. How does Harley Davidson ensure consistency in their paint quality?
Harley Davidson has a team of trained professionals who oversee the entire paint process, from mixing the paint to applying it on the bike. They also use sophisticated equipment to ensure consistency and accuracy in color and finish.
Closing: Thanks for Stopping by to Learn About Harley Davidson’s Paint
We hope this article gave you a better understanding of what brand of paint Harley Davidson uses for their motorcycles. If you’re a Harley owner, make sure to take good care of your bike, including regular cleaning and maintenance, to preserve its paint’s quality. And if you’re in the market for a new motorcycle or looking to customize your ride, consider getting a Harley Davidson and opting for a custom paint job. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you again soon!