Gloss Black or Flat Black Barrels

[RichardL]

I was just wondering which is more popular on the forum, gloss black or flat black barrels. Mine have been gloss, which I liked, then I decided to apply the cylinder black shown in the photo, which is flat. It wasn't until I looked closely at the photo that I realized it didn't cover very well with the first coat.  I picked up the paint several years ago when visiting Leigh Classics, sadly now closed, as Andy has moved on to building custom Harleys. (He can be seen as the one saying "I don't want to grow up, " in the documentary, A Biker's Life for Me at https://youtu.be/CtMTW2fPKaY. I know. Way off topic. Sorry.)

Richard L.

[Greybeard]

I had to make that decision when doing my bike; Looking at old pictures of these machines I wasn't sure if they were gloss or matt; looked kind of semi-gloss so that's what I used!

[chaterlea25]

Hi Richard,
I prefer "satin" 2 finish = semi gloss
Which reminds me that my SR cylinder could do with a freshen up
I have been using "Rustoleum" barbecue aerosol paint recently and it seems to be good stuff
Time will tell

John

[morris]

I used a spray can of Hammerite heat resistant on the plunger's head and barrels. Sprayed it on and put in the oven at 200 deg c for about an hour. Still holding well after 2 years. The aspect is rather matt with a bit of an oily gloss.

[coater87]

Personally,

 I'm not a huge fan of gloss black on an engine. I don't think you can go wrong with flat or semi gloss.

 I do believe semi gloss is more original.

 Lee

[Joolstacho]

Satin. 2K SS (single stage) works for me.

[BSA_54A10]

Pot belly black been using it all my life.
Some times even put some on the bike.

[RichardL]

Pot belly black been using it all my life.
Some times even put some on the bike.

 

[Black Sheep]

Gloss in my experience is longer lasting than matt. A few winter rides can turn a matt black finish into a matt rust finish.

[Butch (cb)]

Mine are gloss, or maybe a bit oily. There is rust that can show through, and I don't ride it in the winter time.

[jachenbach]

IMO, it depends on the overall finish of the bike. If it's all shiny and new looking, with engine covers, etc. kept polished, then gloss can look good. If the bike is more of a daily rider, I prefer a flat black to more blend into the overall look.

[jjbsa]

This is an old chestnut.  For quite a few years now I boil the barrels in caustic soda solution to remove all old coatings and rinse them off etc.  Then I paint them with proper stoving enamel which has the advantage it does not dry while you're doing it.  Then I stove them in the oven.  I always use gloss.  I think BSA used to use gloss but I'm not sure.  Nice new barrels under a vapour blasted head, can't be beaten!  Painting right down between the fins is a pain.  I use an old wooden handles paste brush I squeezed thin in the vice.

[RichardL]

In case I haven't said so, all good stuff, gents. Thanks for your thoughts and keep them coming as you see fit.

Richard L.

[bl**dydrivers]

IMO, it depends on the overall finish of the bike. If it's all shiny and new looking, with engine covers, etc. kept polished, then gloss can look good. If the bike is more of a daily rider, I prefer a flat black to more blend into the overall look.

Couldn't agree more!

[BSA_54A10]

AFAIK ( or have been led to believe ) Barrels were dipped and most likely in the same paint they dipped the frames in.