YC2 Blue clone for $30

[Huff1371]

I recently picked up a set af tail plastics and decided to TRY and match the YC2 Candy Grand Blue  from my tank. I kinda failed but I believe its a pretty close attempt and awesome for $30 that I sent to achieve the results.

So the set I started with were Black with some kinda blue/purple flake, and had the wide decals ging the entire length. I used a window scraper(basically a razor on a longer handle) to remove as much of the decals as possible. Then I sanded the whole thing with some 100 grit to scratch the existing paint. Then, using non-acetone nail polish remover (its what I had sitting around) I poured it down the plasticand watched the paint and what was left of the decals start bubbling up. Removed as much of this as possible with the window scraper, then poured on more and used a scotch-brite pad to get the rest off. This is by far the longest project as it takes forever to go through the whole thing gtting every last bit off. I'm sure there are much better ways to do this but I'm cheap and had plenty of time. Once all the paint was gone I used 240 grit to rough up the bare plastic. I used a cheap filler primer I lightly "dust" the plastic, then proceeded to cover it after it dryed(10 min or so). Light sanded the primer with 320 grit and applied my SILVER base coat.
(Chrysler BRIGHT SILVER METTALIC) :

Then, using Dupli-color Metalcast Blue Anondized that I found at Auto-Zone, I started putting very light coats on. This stuff is really thin so take your time because it will run VERY easy. after three good coats you get pretty even blue. Let it dry completly and then shoot a fourth and final coat. It will look like this:


I then used a scotch-brite .0000 Buffing pad to shine it up a little then applied a Dupli-color clear coat. I would suggest using something better here to get a better end-shine but like I said, I'm cheap. The final result looks like this:



Here's the stuff I used:

Let me know what you think.

[Huff1371]

If anybody wants the paint codes let me know. Also, I didn't mention that you need to wipe it down after sanding.

[steezin_and_wheezin]

I see no failure! that looks pretty damn good.

If i get the time i might have to give this a shot to make my white 04 tail plastics match my tank.

[Kijona]

Wow. I REALLY like that satin looking finish...

Now you just need to do the tank!

[redge]

Slight minor difference under certain lighting/angle.

But damnn, that is pretty nice dude, well done.

[shonole]

Wow. I REALLY like that satin looking finish...

Now you just need to do the tank!

x2!

[infamouz k]

i agree....do the tank next!!!!! your paint job looks great!
\

[Huff1371]

The clear coat screwed me pretty good. The blue had a nice shine but then I used that clear and yeah its not quite as glossy.  But I can't complain too much for the cost. I might do the tank but with $300 TOTAL spent in the whole bike (included a shoei helmet)  I'm pretty happy so far. Also considering this is the first time I've attempted painting anything plastic.

[Huff1371]

Or wait. Do you Gus actually like the not so shiny "satin" or was it sarcasm. I'm confused.

[shonole]

Or wait. Do you Gus actually like the not so shiny "satin" or was it sarcasm. I'm confused.

No, we actually like it! 

[Kijona]

Agreed. I do like the satin look...

It's different and adds a completely new element to the aesthetics. Reminds me of the inside of one of those squeeze balls that has a kind of...gel or something. Looks very similar to that.

Did you paint the rear grab bar too? I just noticed it has a very similar look to it. Man, you need to do the whole bike! Or at least start with the rearsets!

[Huff1371]

I took the grab bar and sanded off the paint with intentions to paint it. But I liked the bare aluminum look so I just polished it with some scotch-brite (green) pad and left it like it was. Now you guys have me thinking I'll go ahead and do the tank as well.

[Kijona]

I took the grab bar and sanded off the paint with intentions to paint it. But I liked the bare aluminum look so I just polished it with some scotch-brite (green) pad and left it like it was. Now you guys have me thinking I'll go ahead and do the tank as well.

Absolutely do it.