Need advice on Carbon spray paint

[cheshirecat]

Hello everyone, I’m planning to customize a regular Juliet model to achieve the carbon color similar to the original Juliet Carbon. Has anyone tried this before, and if so, could you recommend a good brand of paint? Additionally, which color would be the closest match to the authentic Juliet Carbon shade? I’d also like to know if it's advisable to apply a primer before adding the carbon black color, or if it can be applied directly onto the metal. Thank you in advance for any insights or advice.

 

[SpecialAdvisor]

I feel for ya on this one. I have an ole beater Juliet Carbon (which I dig just how it is…scuffs and all). Not sure how I’d replicate it. To me it’s a gloss black that is slightly matte.

If I was gonna go for a black frame gloss or matte, I’d go with Steel-It Black polyurethane spray. Stuff goes on in one layer and is amazing. Also 40.00 a can.

Their Charcoal and Steel Gray are just superb all on their own.

Good luck!

First pic is my Carbon Juliet.
Second pic is a Plate I painted in Charcoal and Steel Steel-it.

 

[cheshirecat]

I feel for ya on this one. I have an ole beater Juliet Carbon (which I dig just how it is…scuffs and all). Not sure how I’d replicate it. To me it’s a gloss black that is slightly matte.

If I was gonna go for a black frame gloss or matte, I’d go with Steel-It Black polyurethane spray. Stuff goes on in one layer and is amazing. Also 40.00 a can.

Their Charcoal and Steel Gray are just superb all on their own.

Good luck!

First pic is my Carbon Juliet.
Second pic is a Plate I painted in Charcoal and Steel Steel-it.

View attachment 1190256

View attachment 1190258

Thanks for the advice. I will look into that paint option

 

[TheGreneral]

Hello everyone, I’m planning to customize a regular Juliet model to achieve the carbon color similar to the original Juliet Carbon. Has anyone tried this before, and if so, could you recommend a good brand of paint? Additionally, which color would be the closest match to the authentic Juliet Carbon shade? I’d also like to know if it's advisable to apply a primer before adding the carbon black color, or if it can be applied directly onto the metal. Thank you in advance for any insights or advice.

Thank you for asking this question about primers. I’ve been trying different applications of paints/primers on metal and plastic “O” matter. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve messed up both. Mostly from being in a hurry. I have noticed when I use primer the color/colors change for the better. Enhances the color. I’m going to try the steel it that everyone has recommended. One layer…sounds great to me. Now.. finding time to try it that’s an issue.

 

[SpecialAdvisor]

I have to admit I rarely use primer…unless a specific base coat is required say in a glow or color change paint. But I do sandblast the frames before painting or use laquer thinner on clear parts before translucent paints.

Patience is my Achilles heel. Gotta wait those cure times before second coats or more importantly before assembly or lens install or you will get a chip somewhere

One of the reasons I’m enjoying Racing Jackets and Jawbones at the moment. Very forgiving on reassembly and lens install

 

[TheGreneral]

I have to admit I rarely use primer…unless a specific base coat is required say in a glow or color change paint. But I do sandblast the frames before painting or use laquer thinner on clear parts before translucent paints.

Patience is my Achilles heel. Gotta wait those cure times before second coats or more importantly before assembly or lens install or you will get a chip somewhere

One of the reasons I’m enjoying Racing Jackets and Jawbones at the moment. Very forgiving on reassembly and lens install

The lens and the chip…

 

[Slojack]

Just send them to one of the customizers on here and have them cerakoted. Spray paint is going to chip

 

[cheshirecat]

Just send them to one of the customizers on here and have them cerakoted. Spray paint is going to chip

Cerakote coating is definitely not what I'm looking for. I feel that a matte Cerakote finish makes the Juliet model look very cheap. I did consider this option, but it doesn't appeal to me. Therefore, I am in search of an original paint and process that can authentically recreate the Juliet Carbon finish.

 

[SpecialAdvisor]

All a matter of personal taste of course. I kinda like matte

Only time I've had a rattle can finish chip is when I'm too impatient to let it properly cure...I use a lot of Rustoleum or Krylon paints which I find to be quite durable.

So far Steel-It is like...steel...which supposedly it is suspended in polyurethane. Supposedly you can weld on this stuff.

To quote the web site, "STEEL-IT Polyurethane Aerosol products feature custom-engineered, 316L stainless steel flake and provides superior protection against corrosion, abrasion, salt, alkalis and other chemicals. The coating provides the added benefit of being weldable, UV-resistant, and USDA compliant for incidental food contact. STEEL-IT Polyurethane withstands high-pressure washdowns and detergents without chipping or flaking, a critical feature in so many applications across industries."

Which is why I'd consider their black...but it'll be a higher gloss option. Now truth be told, I don't believe I've ever seen a minty Carbon Oakley to see what it is supposed to look like. Is it glossy, satin, matte? Is is solid color...or distressed with some silver or pewter showing like mine...or is that just wear?

 

[cheshirecat]

All a matter of personal taste of course. I kinda like matte

Only time I've had a rattle can finish chip is when I'm too impatient to let it properly cure...I use a lot of Rustoleum or Krylon paints which I find to be quite durable.

So far Steel-It is like...steel...which supposedly it is suspended in polyurethane. Supposedly you can weld on this stuff.

To quote the web site, "STEEL-IT Polyurethane Aerosol products feature custom-engineered, 316L stainless steel flake and provides superior protection against corrosion, abrasion, salt, alkalis and other chemicals. The coating provides the added benefit of being weldable, UV-resistant, and USDA compliant for incidental food contact. STEEL-IT Polyurethane withstands high-pressure washdowns and detergents without chipping or flaking, a critical feature in so many applications across industries."

Which is why I'd consider their black...but it'll be a higher gloss option. Now truth be told, I don't believe I've ever seen a minty Carbon Oakley to see what it is supposed to look like. Is it glossy, satin, matte? Is is solid color...or distressed with some silver or pewter showing like mine...or is that just wear?

I would describe the Juliet Carbon color as similar to gunmetal but a couple of shades darker. From what I can tell, newer frames have a very subtle sheen—not fully matte, but somewhere in between. This is why I’m interested in the process; it may not be a traditional paint finish but something closer to an anodized process. I’ve noticed that with wear, these frames show signs of "polishing" or wear in high-contact areas rather than chipping or flaking, which seems to indicate a different type of finish. Given the size of this forum, I assumed there would be members who have replicated this process over the past 20 years and could share their insights. Your suggestion of STEEL-IT Black does look promising, but as I started looking into reviews, I noticed a high rate of product issues, with many spray cans reportedly leaking.