BMW black paint

[jmerlino]

Does the paint that BMW used on frame parts - the flat black - have a widely available match? I'd like to repaint some of the parts on my bike, and I want them to match the frame. Would I need to get that paint from BMW, or is there something I can pick up at say Pep Boys that would work?

[dlearl476]

Jim, If I'm not mistaken, BMW painted their frames "Avus Black" (086) which is NOT flat. There is a "Matte Black" listed for R100RS Mono's, but I don't think this was the frame color.
Any bodyshop can mix a pint and make a couple of aerosol cans for ~ $20.

More BMW paint info than anyone will ever need:Paint Codes, etc. (http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/paintcodes/blacks.htm)

[jmerlino]

Interesting. The sticker on my rear fender says "519", which appears to be a scheme, and my front fender and seat cowling have the red and white pinstriping shown in the picture, so I'm inclined to agree that the Avus black is the right one. The frame is definitely not a glossy black, though, so I'm wondering if the avus is kind of dull until you put a clear coat over it or something.

[pmdave]

There is a "trim paint" available in rattle cans at auto parts stores (Shucks, Kragen, Walmart, etc.) It's a matte black, designed to repaint parts such as windshield wiper arms. Worth a try to see if it matches.

For small touch up jobs (scratches, dings, chips) I spray some paint into a small container and use a fine brush to apply it. Clutch and Brake cleaner (spray can) is handy to clean the brush. If the paint is scratched down to bare metal, I suggest using zinc chromate primer (available from marine stores for priming outboard motors). BMW uses zinc chromate for some frame priming. Same application: spray in a small container (maybe the spray can lid) and use a very fine brush to apply, wait to dry before applying the final paint.

pmdave

[dlearl476]

Interesting. The sticker on my rear fender says "519", which appears to be a scheme, and my front fender and seat cowling have the red and white pinstriping shown in the picture, so I'm inclined to agree that the Avus black is the right one. The frame is definitely not a glossy black, though, so I'm wondering if the avus is kind of dull until you put a clear coat over it or something.

Sorry, my bad. My '70 R75/5 frame is Avus Black, gloss same as the bike. Upon further reflection, I think my K75 frame is a kind of matte black. Dave might have something in the trim paint. If you're really interested in getting it right, I have some Wurth (German) trim paint that may be just the thing. PM me if you're interested. IIRC, it's about $15/can.

>For small touch up jobs (scratches, dings, chips) I spray some paint into a small container and use a fine brush to apply it.

I hate cleaning a paintbrush for such a small job. I keep small plastic containers almost to obsession. I use one of those (like a small yogurt container) and a Q-tip and toss the whole mess when I'm done. BEWARE: Some paint will eat some plastic.

[jmerlino]

Actually, looking at some of the less weathered parts of the frame, they seem to be somewhat glossier than I'd thought. I'm gonna call one of the local dealers tomorrow and see if they've got some Avus in stock. I'll test it first to see if it's too glossy.

If it makes a difference, this is not a "touch up" job. I'm stripping these parts down, priming, and repainting completely.

[jmerlino]

There is a "trim paint" available in rattle cans at auto parts stores (Shucks, Kragen, Walmart, etc.) It's a matte black, designed to repaint parts such as windshield wiper arms. Worth a try to see if it matches.

This, in fact, is the correct answer.

On a whim, I picked up a can of PlastiKote "Trim Black" spray paint. I tried a tiny sample on a bit of the frame, and it matched so well, that once it dried I couldn't even find where I put it. The bonus is that you can also paint plastic with this stuff, so I can do my tail light and turn signal housings.

So, pmdave, if I ever see you at a rally or on the road, remind me that I owe you a beer.

[jmerlino]

Update: I stripped down my engine guard bars and luggage rack and repainted them with this stuff. It's flatter than the Avus Black, but basically the same shade. I actually think it looks better, and I'd eventually like to repaint all the black parts on the bike (except for the shiny stuff like the tank, fender, and seat cowling) with it. Next project is the light housings.