Harley Denim Paint: What Is It?

Harley-Davidson’s “Flat” or Denim Paint finish is a popular choice for motorcycles, with some people loving it and others finding it to be like primer. This paint process has become more common, with most factory jobs now being one step. To maintain the black denim paint on your Street Bob, you need to polish it, remove scuffs, and apply a 1k or 2k Matt Clearcoat over the top of the base color.

Each Harley Davidson model has a specific paint code assigned to its colors, which can be found in your owner’s manual or by contacting a Harley Davidson dealership. The reason for the name “Demin” is because it is supposed to fade and have rub spots, but over time, it does wear out, resulting in shiny spots. To match the color correctly, you will need a 1k or 2k Matt Clearcoat to be applied over the top of the base color.

A convenient and quick cleaner is available for denim paints, which is formulated for this purpose. It leaves no streaks or residue and cleans and protects silky matte finishes without leaving streaks or residue. Denim paint is a special clear coat that depends on whether it is a “paintable” coating or not. It is usually done with clear epoxy over patina as a flattening agent. Rat wax can also add shine to the matte finish, and finger prints do not show up after application.

In summary, proper care and maintenance tips for Harley-Davidson’s “Flat” or Denim Paint finish are essential for maintaining the appearance of the motorcycle.