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Harley Davidson Sportster: Paint Modifications

The simplest and best way to make your Sportster unique is with custom paint on the tank, fenders and side covers. Here's a run down of some of the most popular options.

By Charlie Gaston - January 25, 2016

This article applies to the Harley Davidson Sportster (2000-2016).

The Harley Davidson Sportster is considered by some people to be an entry level bike, but for others it is all the bike you will even need. And there is no denying that the Sportster is lighter and better handling in the canyons that most any big twin. One of the other great things about the Sportster is how easy it is to customize it to your tastes, from light, stripped down and basic black, to loud and flashy with an eye catching paint job. The simple discreet body parts of the Sportster make is easy to paint even with spray cans, even if you don't have a garage. Here are some popular style and color options.

Paint Modications for Every Budget

Factory Color Shop limited edition Sportster
Figure 1. Factory Color Shop limited edition Sportster.

There really isn't a lot to paint on the Sportster, just the tank, fenders, and maybe the belt guard and oil tank cover, so you can really go wild on it. The bike above is a limited release body work set from the Harley Davidson Color Shop, and exemplifies a custom paint job that really pulled out all the stops and used candy colors, metallics, and metal flake to great effect. Any one of those colors applied over the expansive bodywork of a touring bike might be too much, but on the little peanut tank they are just right. Read on for options from flash to stealth you can try on your Sportster.

Flat/Matte/Denim Paint

Flat black paint offers a unique look and texture

DIY Cost – $100

Professional Cost – $250-400(+)

Skill Level – Moderate; it is easy to apply but harder to clean.

Flat paint has its advantages; for one thing it is very easy to apply, and for another, you can use cheap spray can paint and still get a good look. However, it is typically harder to clean than gloss paint, and it will rub to a shiny finish in places like where your knees touch the tank. Flat paint has become such a popular look that Harley offers is in several colors, right from the factory on new bikes. If you want to try out a flat look, you can use a matte finish clear Plasti Dip to temporarily give your current paint a denim look. If you decide to take the plunge, just wash and scuff your current paint with 400 to 800 grit, and spray away. Modern spray can paint can look amazingly good right out of the can, but be warned, if you spill fuel on it, it can smudge and run. Companies like Eastwood make 2K paints in a rattle can, which don't have this problem and they offer a Rat Rod Black with a great flat look. Recommended for its low price.

Metallic Paint

Harley Sportster 48 in Hard Candy Gold paint

DIY Cost – $200-400

Professional Cost – $300-500

Skill Level – Moderate; practice spraying scrap before trying it on your bike.

Metallic paint contains small metal flakes that add incredible sparkle to a motorcycle, especially when it is viewed from up close. Metallic and metal flake paints really accentuate the curves of your bikes tank and fenders, and they really are not all the hard to apply. If you have sprayed automotive finishes with a gun before, metallic colors are just a matter of being consistent, and moving the gun slowly as well as evenly. There are even single stage urethane paints in metallic colors that don't require a clear top coat. To get an effect like the factory Hard Candy paint pictured above, you will have to use metal flake, and color sand as well as run the flakes smooth, then apply a clear coat over the top. But the flakes themselves only cost about $20 for enough to do three bikes, and can be mixed with nearly any color, clear or translucent paint. Popular brands are House of Kolors (HoK), and Eastwood. Recommended for its shiny and sparkly look.

Candy Paint

Go wild with candy paint

DIY Cost – $300-500

Professional Cost – $1,000

Skill Level – Difficult; this job is best left to the professionals, as candy paint shows all your mistakes.

Candy paints are always popular on bikes, with the factory offering Cancun blue, candy red, and several pearl candy colors. Candy paints (or sometimes Kandy or Candeez) are translucent paints that show the underlying paint and graphics, usually gold or silver metallic, with a deep deep luster. Because of the nature of candy paint, they need to be applied by an expert, or you need to practice a lot with them. Any mistakes or variation in your spray and you will end up with dark and light bands of color, instead of a uniform hue. The beauty of these paints, though, is their ability to do ghost flames and stripes, as well as look a mile deep once they are rubbed out. The intensity of candy paint tends to vary under different lighting sources, with the sun offering the greatest intensity. Opt for flames or stripes on the tank of your bike for added effect. Remember, adding graphics drives the price way up. Recommended for its look in the sun and out.

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