Cost of Custom paint job?

[samkjr]

I really want to do something neat and specialized. If any one has any insight into what they think this would run me, let me know.

I want to have a paint themed bike. Not talking about doing any custom work as far as accessories or body work other than having the bag trim strips filled in.

I would go for 2 tone paint scheme with some custom paintngs done on the side of the bags and tank anf them just large block letters on a few spots. I am thinking a color guard, front view of a barracks building, and a unit crest.

Any ideas?

[cactusjack]

I would think the complexity is the key factor in figuring the cost of such a task. Just a guess, figuring tank, fenders, and side covers...$1500-$3000, depending on the shop.

[Top Cat]

I talked to an artist at Americade and got his card. Went to his shop a couple weeks ago. For what I want he quotesd me $1800.
I take the bike to him and he removes, paints and reassembles the parts. (tank, front fender and bags)
I'm talkin' metalflake with transparent over color and ghosted stuff.

[rooster1]

:)I paid $274.00 for paint. $300 to have my bike shop take bike apart and put back together after all parts were painted. I paid $700 to have all parts painted at local body shop and $75 for pin striping front fender and tank. Total $1349. I had a lot of estimates ranging up to $ 3000 for the same job.
I transported all parts to and from bike shop to body shop. I picked out my paint and paid for seperately. The pin stripe was hand painted by a person recommended by the body shop.The body shop included all primer and 3 coats of clear coat in their $700 fee. The original color of bike was black and silver. I hope this info helps you. Rooster 1

[coacha]

Rooster1, that is a sweet looking scoot my friend.

[samkjr]

Rooster, thanks for the great break down. I guess I would expect to pay nearly twice what you did. I am sure that my specific graphics and airbrushing will definietly double my paint price.

do you think I would be better off Having some basic body and paint shop lay down the 2 plain colors and then take to a specialty graphics shop for the other stuff? or just have one do it all?

[Top Cat]

I think if all you want is a straith forward paint job, no transparent colors or ghosting or fades then probably better off Having some basic body and paint shop lay down the 2 plain colors and then take to a specialty graphics shop for the other stuff?
This is just a guess on my part. i would get a few estimates and look at some of their work before I decided.

[skeeter]

Do you clear over the graphics?

[csguru]

I WAS looking at doing a pretty in-depth paint job, checked around a few places and here is the quote I got....

$3500-$4300

So now you know why the was is emphasized above.

[samkjr]

I hear ya guru. I'l give a few more specifics, just for the curious. Basically I am looking to make my bike a rolling advertisement for my school. I went to a military high school and there is no oubt that it made me into the man i am today. I am a very active alumni and give tours to potential parents, show up for open houses, educational fairs, and other major events. I specifically am looking at this as something both parents and children will see at the events and say "wow he really loves his school. It must be pretty good".
Also Since I only live less than two hours away in a major city where many of are students are from. The bike will serve to get the brnd nameout there every time im on the road or in a parking lot.

I am hoping to secure about 1/2 of the funds to get the paint job done from a few other alum I have been talking to.

[unwind2]

My hubby had a firefighter maltese crose air brush painted on his gas cap cover of this goldwing several years ago at the honda hoot. This guy has done work for Dale Ernhart etc...is real good but he was high. The gas cap cover/door was $200.

Anyway when you 'get 'er done we want pics'!

[johnr475]

A friend of mine just had a custom paint job done on his Harley. It is pretty detailed and very sweet looking. It ended up costing him 2200. I thought it was reasonable considering the amount of work done. The price can vary depending on graphics, color schemes. He got estimates from different painters. They ranged anywhere from 1500 to 4000. I think the best thing to do is shop around and look at the work your painter does, what paints he uses and guarantee.

JohnR

[rksaw]

Thanks for starting this thread. I bought a Maroon and Red '99 about three weeks ago and love everything about it, except for the colors (I'm sorry, but what was MawKaw thinking--Maroon and Silver, or Red and Black would have looked good, but two clashing Reds just don't cut it for me).

I want to do a simple blood pattern--a deep Scarlet dripping over a Pearlescent White--but won't be able to afford it this year. I'm also looking at changing up the tail-lights. I want to put a 6" LED Cross on the rear fender and a 4" LED Cross (red) turn-signal on each saddlebag. Hopefully, by the time my grade-school aged kids are out of college, I'll get it done, that and all the other add-ons I have in mind.
Rich

[samkjr]

that sounds cool. I really like the look of the bikes that have the lightson the bags too. If you dont mind the loss of space, I have seen one guy that had lights frenched and that looked awesome. So smooth. Keep picturing that paint job so that its on your mind. you'll get it sooner.