I tested out PJ1 case paint on my ignition cover and it looks more like flat black vs satin. It doesn't come close to matching the original black and am wondering if I got a bad can or if this is correct?
I sanded down to bare metal, used self etching primer, then pj 1 primer, then pj 1 satin black case paint.
Try Rust-Oleum High Heat Ultra.
You don't really need high heat, but the Rust-Oleum is much closer to a semi-gloss than most high heat paints.
I've used PJ-1 and VHT, and neither has done as well on exhaust as the R-O, and the R-O tends to look more OEM than the dead-flat paints.
After using a lot of that PJ1 satin black case paint, it doesn't look right. It should have a creamier look to it.
Thanks for the rustoleum suggestion. I bought a can of duplicolor ceramic yesterday. It's a deeper black and a little closer.
I was really hoping PJ1 would be all I needed. Maybe I got a dud can. Idk. Im trying to get things reasonable accurate, then paint the tank, side covers and etc. with an OEM color.
I use VHT Caliper Paint, Satin Black SP739
https://www.2strokeworld.net/forum/index.php?topic=7078.msg58271#msg58271
Those look great! Thank you. I'm about to head to the auto parts store and will take a look at vht.
I'm painting outside too. I got tired of dodging the wind and eventually rigged up a spot in my shed. Haha
Quote from: SoCal250 on May 15, 2026, 12:13:14 PMI use VHT Caliper Paint, Satin Black SP739
https://www.2strokeworld.net/forum/index.php?topic=7078.msg58271#msg58271
That VHT does have a nice satin finish.
The Rust-Oleum High Heat Ultra has a semi-gloss finish.
Finding just the right gloss level and tone of black can be more challenging than most people think!
I had a scrap piece of aluminum and sampled low gloss duplicolor enamel, PJ 1 epoxy, and semi gloss duplicolor enamel. I ended up going with the semi gloss on the right.
I went to o Reilly and they didn't carry the vht. Tired of driving around and figured I'd give the duplicolor a chance.
I get my VHT at Autozone
https://www.autozone.com/p/vht-spray-paint-sp739/419007
I saw it at autozone. I think the semi gloss I used is too glossy. I saw on the vht can that it needed to be baked to fully cure. Theres no way I can get away with that. Haha. I'm guessing I can get good results without heating it?
VHT caliper paint needs to be baked to cure properly. Otherwise it will not have the durability. See my link I referenced above. I baked mine in the gas BBQ for about an hour at low heat (225-250F).
Thanks for the advice. Your cases look great. I don't think I can pull off the baking part of the process. I found a duplicolor satin black engine enamel that I think will work.
I'm guessing the pj1 should've came out "creamy" like this (maybe I would have had a better outcome painting indoors with pj1). The duplicolor nozzle seems more forgiving when painting outside.
ive had extremely good luck with duolicolor caliper paint. low gloss os almost a dead match, no oven curing needed. just another option
Thanks man! I saw that at o Reilly. I'll take a look at it.
The case on this bike is painted with PJ1 from two years ago. Maybe you got a bunk can.