Marin Charcoal Zolatone circa 91

[InConstruction]

I have had a search around and can’t seem to find a definitive answer.

Some of you already know I am restoring a 1991 Marin Bear Valley. Taking my time and want to do it right. This bike has a lot of sentimental value to me.

As the title suggests I am looking for anybody’s experience with a complete re-spray that looks anything like the original? It does need to be a full respray as it is currently blue.....

I will likely do a full build thread on this but bear with me as it’s one of many projects unfortunately not all bike related but can’t be all fun..... can it?

 

[marc two tone]

Re:

I've yet to see a proper satisfactory zolatone replication.

Previous attempts use matt paint with a certain texture and other where the clear lacquer is used to rough up the texture. Still not right though.
The ingredients have remained a trade secret.
There is almost a resin/shot peened appearance to it.

Only (untried) suggestions but may be some powdercoaters can help or plastikote do a range of textured paint, via rattlecans. I will look around as I'm curious now.

Best of luck mate.

 

[InConstruction]

Thanks for getting back to me marc. I feared this may be the case...maybe I should change tactics and build an “as I would have wanted it in the 90’s” machine rather than a catalogue spec, would give me freedom with the paint job.

 

[brocklanders023]

Re:

Some one did re-create something like at a paint shop (in York from memory?) but it was years ago. Should still be on here though, think it was a Palisades?

 

[sherlylock]

Have a look at UPOL Raptor paint. Could be a good substitute (it's truck load bed textured paint)

 

[InConstruction]

First port of call will be to speak to a few paint shops I think, find one that actually knows what I am after then make a decision from there

 

[hamster]

Zolatone paint itself isn't manufactured any more, which is more than half the problem.

 

[InConstruction]

Have a look at UPOL Raptor paint. Could be a good substitute (it's truck load bed textured paint)

This looks like a good options plus it would be damn tough!!!

 

[sherlylock]

There is a paint called Zolatone still in existence in the US......and again it's a truck load bay coating. Pretty sure it's not the same stuff from the 90's but it'd be interesting to see what the finish is like.

https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/zolato ... 18629.aspx

 

[InConstruction]

Thanks for all the info guys, I am away for work for the next 4 months hoping to get the frame stripped and sprayed when I get back so will probably start a build thread sometime in November. Will be about on the forums though looking for parts!!