[loudnlow7484]

Yeah, I've never heard of "mid clear" as opposed to "top clear". But then, I didn't spend THAT much time in the back with the painters. But from talking with them, they definitely said that the flake goes in the clear, and then a whole bunch more clear goes on after that, to bury them. As a matter of fact, I don't even know HOW the flake gets in the clear..... the jumbo flakes they used to use didn't look like they'd come out of a spray gun too well.

[starion88esir]

Special tips are needed for the flake. The jumbo flake is huge. Then you have the option of laying the flake dry (just spray the flake) or wet (mix it with the clear and then spray them together). Supposed to be a real ***** to get the flake to lay properly if you spray it dry.

[Mojoe]

I don't see why anyone would want to go with flake this day an age when the wide range of pearls are available. pearls can go right into the base. you can even add a coat of pearl mixed with the 1st coat of clear as well....then a couple of coats of clear on top of that.

much easier to work with than flake, and much better looking, imho.

[starion88esir]

Pearl has it's place but does NOT give the effect flake gives. Two different animals. All depends on the look you're going for.

[viper]

well thanks guys alot of help there its only two weeks before i get the paint and start on the bike, so i'll let you all now how i get on.

[wht00kat]

You can infact mix flake in with your top coat before the clear and that gives it a really nice blended look, and allows for you to just lay on the clear, rather then a mid clear, but it's all personal preference. We love to play in the paint room once we get a car or bike in that wants to get something custom.

I agree that pearl winds up allowing you to do some nice and intricate things with your paint designs(i.e. Ghost flames, ghost designs). But they are two different things, see if you can't go to a paint shop or auto body and ask them to show you some flake and some pearl, stick it on your hand and go in the light and you'll see the difference.

[Mojoe]

Pearl has it's place but does NOT give the effect flake gives. Two different animals. All depends on the look you're going for.

this is true....

but if you look at some of the nice pearls in some of todays car colors, they beat flake by a long shot.

personally, I think flake is a little tacky. not to mention the fact that if you scrape a section of the fairing or tank, it's a bigger PITA to fix. you can't just blend like you would with pearls.

buy hey....each his own. it's just that when I hear "flake", I think 70's.

[starion88esir]

You should think 60's. It was the thing to do for 60's customs. I'll be flaking and lacing the roof and dash of my 64 Valiant to get that bellflower look.

Pearls sure can be pretty though. Just need to avoid the rainbow pearls. Those are disgusting. But it all beats the chamelion paint.

[wht00kat]

Agreed, if you wind up having to repair a fairing, or fix a piece of your parts, flake will never blend correctly. Guaranteed!

[viper]

thats why you always keep it up right