People that can create a aged look to paint finish

[kevin green]

Greetings folks - an AMCA member asked me to help him find a painter someone that can provide an aged look to the paint finish on a fender and fuel tank for his 1955 Harley Davidson K Model. Are you aware of painters that can offer this process? If yes please send me the contact info that I can provide. Here is what I believe is the description of this finish process. The process of making painted metal look aged is called antiquing, distressing, or weathering.

Any help is appreciated.

Mike Love
AMCA Forum Admin

[PaulCDF]

Okay so I put your question to GROK:

'The process is commonly called distressing, creating a faux/patina finish, or weathering. “Antiquing” is used more often for furniture or general finishes than automotive/motorcycle work.

myrefinishusca.ppg.com

Popular techniques for an aged look on motorcycle fenders and fuel tanks include:Layering and sand-through: Apply a base (e.g., red oxide or rust-tone primer), then top color(s). Once dry, selectively sand or scuff high-wear areas (edges, corners, tank sides, fender tips) with 220–800 grit sandpaper or Scotch-Brite pads to reveal lower layers, simulating natural chipping and wear.

maxmotorsmissouri.com

Matte or flattened clear: Use a low-gloss or matte clear coat instead of high-gloss to dull the finish and enhance the weathered appearance.

myrefinishusca.ppg.com

Additional aging effects: Thin washes of dark paint for grime, controlled abrasions, or light chemical treatments for subtle rust tones (on exposed metal only). Videos demonstrate cracked or candy-over-flake effects tailored to tanks and fenders.

youtube.com

These methods produce a convincing “barn-find” or vintage look without waiting decades. Proper surface prep, fuel-resistant topcoats (especially on tanks), and practice on scrap parts are essential."

Then asked: Are there any artists or auto or motorcycle shops particularly known for this type of painting?

GROK

Thought for 9s

"Yes. Several artists and shops specialize in (or are well-known for) faux patina, distressed, weathered, or aged-look paint on motorcycles (especially tanks and fenders) and automotive work.Standouts include:Jeremy Seanor / Lucky Strike Designs (Pennsylvania area) — Frequently cited for professional faux distressed/patina techniques. He has demonstrated the process for PPG (layering primers/colors then sanding for wear, matte clears, etc.) and works on motorcycles, cars, and more. His work has appeared in magazines and at events like SEMA.

ppg.com

Time Warp Custom Paint (Adam) — Popular YouTube-based custom painter with extensive motorcycle-focused tutorials on aging new paint (cracked effects, candy over flake, mustard-masking patina methods, sand-throughs). He regularly shows techniques tailored to chopper tanks, fenders, and full bikes.

youtube.com

Proline Paint — UK shop with decades of motorcycle experience (vintage BMWs, Triumphs, Nortons, etc.). They explicitly offer patina, matt/satin, and custom aged finishes alongside traditional restoration work.

proline-paint.com

Fox Custom Paint (with Southeast Custom Cycles, Carolinas) — Notable for a high-profile distressed/patina Harley Road King project involving multi-layer paint that was largely sanded away for an authentic worn look.

motorcyclenews.com

JackSeven Fine Patina Art (Germany) — Specializes in hand-crafted authentic-looking patina finishes (“Patina Lackierung”) for cars, Harleys, hot rods, and motorcycles, incorporating real or simulated aging, rust, and character.

jackseven-ratbike-customs.de

Other shops do this as part of broader custom or vintage work (e.g., some restoration specialists match existing original patina or create faux versions). Search Instagram, YouTube, or local custom paint directories for current portfolios, as many skilled painters operate regionally and showcase tank/fender examples. Contact shops directly to confirm experience with the specific aged look you want."

GROK also suggested search YouTube on topic.

[chuckthebeatertruck]

Am I reading this correctly that you are asking for recommendations on painters who can fake original paint?

Otherwise, what is the point of "aging" the fresh paint?

Asking for a friend.

[PaulCDF]

As an aside I can lay down a real CRAPPY looking rattle can finish with the best? Worst? of them!

[droptopford]

Am I reading this correctly that you are asking for recommendations on painters who can fake original paint?

Otherwise, what is the point of "aging" the fresh paint?

Asking for a friend.

I'm a little fuzzy on the object of the question myself. Why only one fender? Does the K-Model owner want one fender and the tank painted and distressed to match the other naturally distressed fender? That might be a little trickier than your standard generic distressing.

And is that Mike Love asking for AMCA member 'keven green' or is it 'new member' keven green asking for another AMCA member?
And Is keven green the person with the K-Model? And was the K-Model done in Hollywood Green? (Okay that's not really a question)
In any case, whether you're out there somewhere kevin, or being channeled by Mike L, welcome to the AMCA Forum.

[PaulCDF]

"is that Mike Love asking for AMCA member 'keven green'"

Good pick-up DT Ford
I saw Mike Loves name on the post and responded.
How did I miss that big white K on a red background??????

[KNUCK]

Have seen this type of fake patina at some of the auctions. These type of people are just trying to make an old bike look barn fresh. Perfect reason you should never bid on line, you got to be there in person. However, if you have a nice old barn fresh bike and it was missing a part and you find that part that now looks too nice and pretty that would seem like a reasonable need to make it match. Trying to paint match one fender for an OP bike? Not sure if that is kosher.

[ihrescue]

[QUOTE=KNUCK;n352265] However, if you have a nice old barn fresh bike and it was missing a part and you find that part that now looks too nice and pretty that would seem like a reasonable need to make it match. Trying to paint match one fender for an OP bike? /QUOTE]

Thanks Knuck I think that is exactly the reason the member is exploring this process.

Mike Love

[ihrescue]

I'm a little fuzzy on the object of the question myself. Why only one fender? Does the K-Model owner want one fender and the tank painted and distressed to match the other naturally distressed fender? That might be a little trickier than your standard generic distressing.

And is that Mike Love asking for AMCA member 'keven green' or is it 'new member' keven green asking for another AMCA member?
And Is keven green the person with the K-Model? And was the K-Model done in Hollywood Green? (Okay that's not really a question)
In any case, whether you're out there somewhere kevin, or being channeled by Mike L, welcome to the AMCA Forum.

Fellow Forum Member Knuck made this comment that I think is exactly the reason. "However, if you have a nice old barn fresh bike and it was missing a part and you find that part that now looks too nice and pretty that would seem like a reasonable need to make it match. "

Yes DropTopFord it s Kevin. I don't believe he joined the Forum yet so I offered to post a request for information.

Mike Love

[ihrescue]

Am I reading this correctly that you are asking for recommendations on painters who can fake original paint? Otherwise, what is the point of "aging" the fresh paint?

I think Knuck was spot on when he said "However, if you have a nice old barn fresh bike and it was missing a part and you find that part that now looks too nice and pretty that would seem like a reasonable need to make it match. "

Mike Love

[ihrescue]

PaulCDF - I really appreciate this response. I think your response also gives us all some insight into the process. It is an obscure area of looking at finishes but it could make an original condition bike that may have been missing some parts look consistent. I am not naive to think that some people out there could try to pass off a paint job that is "aged" as a true antique.

Thanks for all of you jumping in with questions and commenting.

Mike Love