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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: dave1068 on August 21, 2021, 05:55:00 PM

Title: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: dave1068 on August 21, 2021, 05:55:00 PM
As I await the storm in the northeast, I figured Id start some light chat on what the members like on bikes. I have a V85TT which Im going to have painted soon. I know many MGs seem to have matte finish these days, Ive always preferred the look of a more shiny finish that ies easier to keep clean and shiny.

Feel free to leave your .02....
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: ampm7 on August 21, 2021, 06:13:50 PM
Shiny is best as after time matte lets water intrusion to penetrate the upper layer of paint. This can take quite a bit of time or not much time at all according to where you live and how well your bike is protected. I just like shine...think muscle car as none of those except dragsters are going to be matte...
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: 9fingers on August 21, 2021, 08:55:52 PM
Exactly how does one polish out scratches in a matte finish? I wills stick with glosss.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: dsrdave on August 21, 2021, 09:58:30 PM
I always thought the matte finish was a way to hide poor bodywork….
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Vagrant on August 22, 2021, 06:04:13 AM
GLOSS, shiney, anything but matte!
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: dave1068 on August 22, 2021, 06:43:18 AM
So most riders prefer gloss finish, manufacturers give us matte....
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: ToddK on August 22, 2021, 07:10:43 AM
When matte first started to be a thing I thought it looked pretty cool. But I'm all about shiny these days, haha.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: blu guzz on August 22, 2021, 07:16:03 AM
I like polishing glossy surfaces on a motorcycle.  It seems a part of the "bonding" process.  I think matte is good for utilitarian objects, but to me, motorcycles don't qualify as utilitarian. 
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: 9fingers on August 22, 2021, 07:19:36 AM
So most riders prefer gloss finish, manufacturers give us matte....

Yes but, as Moto Guzzi owners..........we are not really part of the mainstream now are we? Or, our opinion does not count..........Ha Ha
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Ncdan on August 22, 2021, 08:00:30 AM
My 02 Stone is my first bike with a matte finish and I like it. I guess for me I’m neutral in feelings and if Im getting a used bike it would not be a deciding factor to buy or not but the bike.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: LowRyter on August 22, 2021, 08:05:47 AM
shiny and deep
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: SIR REAL ED on August 22, 2021, 08:19:40 AM
a timely subject for me.  I recently painted the fame on a 1976 Kawasaki KE 175.  I wet sanded with 220 and went with gloss.  With gloss it is tough to get a consistent shine on the frame, since when paint one section, you are assured of overspray on another section.  At least with a rattle can, I'm sure a spray gun would be better.

Plus in order to get a better shiny finish with gloss paint, I would recommend wet sanding with 400 grit.  Gloss paint jobs magnify imperfections.

With the older bikes, from now on I'm going with matte paint on the frame.  A new matte painted frame on an old bike looks like a well kept original paint job that has just lost some of the shine with time.  A gloss painted frame on an old bike looks like a frame that has obviously been restored.

Regarding flat smooth body work, gloss looks better, it looks OEM and manufactured.  An exception would be for those cases where one is trying to get a utilitarian, military, punk  or "painted in my garage" look.

For added protection, I have noticed that clear coat also comes in gloss or matte.

Flat paints are a step beyond matte on the "no shine" scale.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: sickora on August 22, 2021, 08:36:30 AM
To balance out the responses, I prefer Matte.  Obviously it's all a matter of personal taste, but I like the under-stated, non-shiny aspect of matte.  I'm not one for chrome either, so again, I think it is all pesonal preference. I do agree that Matte seems to scuff a little easier (at least on my helmet)
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Groover on August 22, 2021, 08:44:11 AM
Matte finish, with a gloss clearcoat - win-win  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: twowheeladdict on August 22, 2021, 09:07:20 AM
Shiny is best as after time matte lets water intrusion to penetrate the upper layer of paint. This can take quite a bit of time or not much time at all according to where you live and how well your bike is protected. I just like shine...think muscle car as none of those except dragsters are going to be matte...

Why is that?  They both have clear coat, just one has gloss while the other has matte.  What am I missing?
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: twowheeladdict on August 22, 2021, 09:09:33 AM
I prefer gloss and metalflake.  I'd rather care for matte or single color gloss.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: 80CX100 on August 22, 2021, 09:19:23 AM
Matte finish, with a gloss clearcoat - win-win  :popcorn:

      I wonder if MG is doing something like this now.

      To my eye, that beautiful deep blue on the new V7 850s, has a satiny softness to it, but amazing depth.

      That magical paint job looks like it's the result of more than just adding different pigments to the mix, idk?
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: s1120 on August 22, 2021, 09:20:37 AM
OK, so Ill start by saying that as a old car guy, that has built and drove many project cars over the years...  And always put all the effort into the drivetrain...  Im used to dull, faded, and matte finishes..and Im good with that. But if Im buying something new, or something nice... ya, I want real paint.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Cal3 on August 22, 2021, 09:24:54 AM
Shiny is best.....the flats look nice on a rat bike....
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Seventy One on August 22, 2021, 09:43:14 AM
After owning one bike with matte paint, I'll never own another.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Guzzi Gal on August 22, 2021, 10:49:12 AM
Mirror.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Shorty on August 22, 2021, 10:55:35 AM
If a bike is what I call classically styled,( Bonneville, Sportster, Eldorado, FLH,  CB750 etc) I prefer shiny paint IF the metal is in good shape and not dinged, fuel stained or corroded. If the bike is in poor nick, matte hides a multitude of sins.  Modern insect looking bikes? (Sport bikes, dual sports, touring rigs) Meh. You could gold plate them and they still look like kitchenware.  :grin:
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: LongRanger on August 22, 2021, 11:19:29 AM
My bikes? Gloss. My women? Matte.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: nwguy on August 22, 2021, 11:38:11 AM
Gloss for me. Have been pondering painting my Honda Reflex scooter. Think I'd do it in bass boat flake if I did. I painted my old Suzuki VX800 with single-stage, PPG polyurethane automotive paint. Came out nice and shiny:

http://nwguy.fun/mc/paint/index.html


(https://i.ibb.co/99VC50x/OLYMPUS-DIGITAL-CAMERA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/99VC50x)
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Guzzi Gal on August 22, 2021, 03:05:45 PM
Gloss for me. Have been pondering painting my Honda Reflex scooter. Think I'd do it in bass boat flake if I did. I painted my old Suzuki VX800 with single-stage, PPG polyurethane automotive paint. Came out nice and shiny:

http://nwguy.fun/mc/paint/index.html


(https://i.ibb.co/99VC50x/OLYMPUS-DIGITAL-CAMERA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/99VC50x)

Love that color!
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Moparnut72 on August 22, 2021, 03:29:29 PM
There were a couple of guys at the Broken Arrow rally polishing their bikes. I told them they weren't Harleys, just ride 'em.   :evil:
kk
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Trialsman on August 22, 2021, 04:22:24 PM
I had an F800GSA that was flat earth.  I painted a gloss clear coat and it looked so much better.  Fast forward to my new Centenario which is also matte.  I am contemplating glossing it as well. Time will tell.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Vagrant on August 22, 2021, 04:24:01 PM
I bet you'd play Hell trying to find a matte ranger bass boat or a Mercedes or Cadillac. Now deep metal flake that's simple to find because they like to sell stuff without discounting it.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: stonelover on August 22, 2021, 04:39:03 PM
I like gloss, but my 2016 Stone came in matte.  A simple easy wipe down keeps it looking good. Same for the blackened wheels. Less work& more time to ride!
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: nbags on August 22, 2021, 06:07:17 PM
not a big fan of flat paint looks like clear still needs to be apply

Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: jas67 on August 23, 2021, 05:50:19 AM
Definitely gloss.    It looks WAY better, and is easier to clean the bugs off.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: egschade on August 23, 2021, 06:39:12 AM
I actually prefer satin. Looks like flat with a little clear coat on it.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on August 23, 2021, 09:07:40 AM
Some look better in gloss, others in matte...  really depends on the color and the design.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: TheMuffinMan on August 23, 2021, 09:40:07 AM
Perhaps the best looking bike I ever had was my 2009 Griso in the factory white which had a bit of a metalic iridescent pearl when the sun hit it but didn't look overly metallic or over the top, it was just right! Though the matte burnt/dark orange on my new to me 2017 Griso looks pretty nice too!
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Bulldog9 on August 23, 2021, 07:35:10 PM
Gloss.   Always gloss.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Dave Swanson on August 23, 2021, 09:16:17 PM
Gloss, unless it is this one.

(https://i.postimg.cc/rw71tMcY/v7cent.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k2F60r2x)
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: slowmover on August 24, 2021, 08:17:57 AM
Mattes the best.I hate anything that has to be polished.Matte has that serious “screw the prissy stuff, let’s ride”look.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: willowstreetguzziguy on August 24, 2021, 08:42:03 AM
Matte paint is just a passing fad. Something to be DIFFERENT. Those who look back in history will say “what were they thinking?! “
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Gliderjohn on August 24, 2021, 09:12:43 AM
Still prefer gloss on my motorcycles and looks good on planes too.

(https://i.ibb.co/KjFPpR0/DSC05614.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KjFPpR0)


(https://i.ibb.co/5nrkVx1/DSC04498.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5nrkVx1)

GliderJohn
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Tiki Joe on August 24, 2021, 10:11:50 AM
Gloss!  I don't understand the matte thing.  It came from the hot rodders back in the day that had their cars in primer and just couldn't afford to paint them at the time.  It was "different" but only because they weren't finished with the project.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: bigbikerrick on August 24, 2021, 11:23:09 AM
Matte paint is a PITA to touch up imperfections, and keep the finish looking even all over. It tends to develop a gloss where its rubbed like pants legs etc. I have painted bikes with both finishes, and the matte finish is very un forgiving. It has to come out good from the get go. There is no color sanding/ buffing with a matte finish.
  The best thing I have found to "even out" the gloss on a matte finish is Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser.  I used that all the time on my California Aluminum's finish.
Rick.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Sye on August 24, 2021, 11:40:08 AM
There are some excellent matte finish polishes on the market now. I use Autoglym Rapid Aqua Wax every wash. The polish protects the finish from ultraviolet damage and is non abrasive.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: bulwnkl on September 05, 2021, 08:54:41 PM
Gloss.  Hate matte finishes on vehicles, helmets, even walls.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: AaronH on September 06, 2021, 02:30:54 AM
Gloss is my preference, both for durability/maintenance and appearance.  I have an 08 Superduke R I bought new.  It had flat black paint from the factory, which I thought looked cheap and always felt like it wasn't cared for.  Then one day my boot grazed the tail and it had a scuff that  couldn't be removed, so I bought all the panels in factory gloss white, and the originals stay in the box.  I like the look of gloss paint and the realative ease with which scratches can be polished out. 
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Vagrant on September 06, 2021, 07:10:37 AM
Has anybody seen a matte finish on the new Corvette? I thought not!
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Amstaff on September 06, 2021, 11:16:49 AM
I wonder if the matte is cheaper and they keep doing it because the moto-journalists never express an opinion. If matte isn't less maintenance, as some say above, then there’s no value. Rather look at gloss.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Dave Swanson on September 06, 2021, 11:29:08 AM
You don't need gloss paint to be cool.   :grin:

(https://i.postimg.cc/yxHN9prR/otto_cylindri.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Amstaff on September 06, 2021, 11:47:10 AM
Yeah, its cool, but they had bigger worries than the paint.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: ampm7 on September 06, 2021, 01:02:22 PM
It would seem that a lot of the matte finishes have a matte clear coat on them particularly if they are metallic. Modern urethanes are quite tough whether they are gloss or matte. But it is easier to clean something that is glossy.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Vagrant on September 06, 2021, 02:39:54 PM
What nobodys ever said is that matte green paint is what they had left over from painting the womens potty!
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: twowheeladdict on September 07, 2021, 11:12:34 AM
Has anybody seen a matte finish on the new Corvette? I thought not!

I just did a quick search and many are asking for it, but since the average age of a corvette owner is 61 years old, and the matte finish appeals to a younger demographic, you will probably never see it.  But, you can vinyl wrap it in matte if you desire.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Vagrant on September 07, 2021, 11:29:55 AM
That might be younger than the average Guzzi owners age.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Sye on September 07, 2021, 11:32:12 AM
If you don't like the matte bits just give it 2 coats of 2 pack gloss lacquer, job done 👍
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: twowheeladdict on September 08, 2021, 08:43:32 PM
If you don't like the matte bits just give it 2 coats of 2 pack gloss lacquer, job done 👍

Some polymer polish and a microfiber cloth will shine it up nicely as well. 
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: twowheeladdict on September 08, 2021, 08:44:24 PM
That might be younger than the average Guzzi owners age.

Isn't that motorcyclists in general?  Or at least male motorcyclists.  LOL!
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Trialsman on October 01, 2021, 05:58:17 PM
OK, I gave it a fair chance to grow on me and - it didn't.  The matte is gone now and, while I was at it, I changed the color scheme a little as well.  Already I like it a LOT BETTER.


(https://i.ibb.co/w7zGk5c/IMG-7333.jpg) (https://ibb.co/w7zGk5c)

(https://i.ibb.co/RHbn8Jd/IMG-7334.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RHbn8Jd)

(https://i.ibb.co/p29TqGq/IMG-7336.jpg) (https://ibb.co/p29TqGq)

image upload (https://imgbb.com/)

(https://i.ibb.co/fY2WRHv/IMG-7337.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fY2WRHv)
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: Milosh on October 03, 2021, 04:35:05 PM
Matte paint is a PITA to touch up imperfections, and keep the finish looking even all over. It tends to develop a gloss where its rubbed like pants legs etc. I have painted bikes with both finishes, and the matte finish is very un forgiving. It has to come out good from the get go. There is no color sanding/ buffing with a matte finish.
  The best thing I have found to "even out" the gloss on a matte finish is Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser.  I used that all the time on my California Aluminum's finish.
Rick.

Agreed. Matte finishes on bass guitars ends up being gloss after usage. Gloss all the way for me.
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: tazio on October 03, 2021, 06:50:52 PM
Wow :thumb:

(https://i.ibb.co/nBLqzwP/IMG-7337.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nBLqzwP)
Title: Re: Matte or Gloss finish: whats your preference
Post by: bobrebos on October 04, 2021, 04:32:32 AM
Neither.  I dont like anything in my old age.  Aaaaaaarrrrgghhhhhh    :angry: