Need help deciding on a paintjob

[acp]

Hey guys,

I want to give my ZL900 a respray. I know that I definitely want it black and dark blue. I've found a nice blue pearlescent lacquer that I could spray over an original gloss black basepaint, it's a bit glittery but I could get used to that. the other option I'm thinking of is a Black/Blue flip paint, if I can find one. Just trying to guage which would look better. Please vote above.

Any hints/tips/site to buy paints from would be appreciated as well.

acp

[Southernstyle]

Just a personal opinion, but laquer sucks. It's easy to spray and very forgiving as far a user error, but tends to spiderweb and crack with age. Base clear is usually more durable and easier to care for than laquer. But like I said, just my opinion. As far as the color, hell man, it's your bike. Paint it whatever color trips your trigger! And just a side note, the flip flops are a bitch to spray correctly, just so ya know.
Later,
SS

[acp]

If I go for the parlescent lacquer then I was going to clearcoat over the top of it to protect it and hopefully stop it from spider-webbing and cracking.

[Southernstyle]

Just out of curiousity, are you planning on spraying this at home yourself? I'm don't know which manufacturer you're looking at, and certainly don't want to step on any toes, but most manufacturer's urethane clears will have a bad reaction with laquer. It may look good for a few hours, but often you'll come back the next day to find your beautifull new paint peeling, lifting, or worse yet laying on the floor. It's not fun, trust me. Learned that one the hard way.
As far as the cracking and spider webbing, that's more of an age and uv thing, so clear won't really help you there.
The reason I asked if this was a home based project is that in the States, the laws are still a little leniant towards spraying laquer, but pretty tough on base/clear. Of course as the old saying goes, it's all legal untill you get caught.
But on a serious note, if you are planning to do this at home, and especially if you go the base clear catalized route, Please wear the proper respirator! It's just not worth it not to. Hope this helps some.
Later,
SS

[acp]

I'll be doing it at home (well, my friends house, he's got the air compressor and spraying gear). They're a bit more leniant in the UK, especially as they won't know I'll be doing it :wink:

I will be wearing the correct safety equipment though, I've already got enough damage to my body from when I got knocked off my Ninja in January so I don't want to add to the damage.

[Southernstyle]

GLAD to hear it! Most people don't realize how dangerous the fumes really are. It doesn't make you dizzy as a bonus like the cracker jack toy, it's a warning that you are about to really mess up. Anyhow, just make sure the neighbors like you. Have you checked on some of the offering from House of Kolor yet? They've got some bitchin colors. Good luck and keep us posted!
Later,
SS