Help with metal flake paint job

<table id="post7525994" cl***="tborder" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td cl***="alt1" id="td_post_7525994" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229);"> Hello,

I'm seeking advice regarding a metal flake paint job I'm doing on a buddies 68 Triumph. I started with a base of metallic orange, then laid on many coats of .015 orange flake(with clear), followed by several coats of straight clear, then wet sanded. The problem I'm having is; unless the light hits it just so, the flake looks very dark, almost like black pepper. I'm afraid I may have used too light of a base. I tried to match the base to the flake as best i could, but the flake is a tad darker than the base.

I've seen alot of discussions here on this subject, and it seems that some of you have experience with paint, and metal flake, so I thought I'd put it up and see if anyone had any ideas.

Thanks in advance, Pete
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sounds like the metalic base and flake are reflecting off each other giving you a mirror like affect that will look very dark. It`s almost like those infinity mirrors, more reflections deeper the tone, orange upon orange upon orange, until it appears black.....should have used a non metalic orange base or orange pearl base.

 

How about using silver flake over an orange base with a kandy over the top? I was hoping the flake would pop and shimmer from all angles, but it just doesn't. Is there any rule of thumb regarding base color vs. flake color? My goal was to mimic a cl***ic metal flake helmet. Thanks for your help.

 

maybe you need to put more flake on or do it over a black base. A old helmet is just all flake no base. I think the orange base may be taking away from the flake.

 

give that a try Pete. Thats usually how I would go about a flaked candy. Do a spray out on a old panel or fender, something that will not bleed through, do it exactly how you would the car. It`s a pain in the *** but you can gauge your results and adjust before your finished product.

 

If you shoot your flake in colorless blender instead of clear you can shot more flake per p*** without risking running. More flake creates a deeper look. You can also use different shades of orange flake.

 

Thanks guys. This is my first attempt at a metal flake, so not surprising I've stumbled a bit. I'll keep at it with your advice in mind. Hopefully some photos to come. Thanks again. Pete