As simple as it sounds, you've got to figure in six or seven hours of John's highly skilled labor-per side. Is the money required for a good paint job adding up yet?
Now the bike is nearly finished, but it still doesn't look like much until Hudson applies the finishing touch: the clearcoat. This clear sealant helps prevent fading, and it also fully brings the colors to life.
After the clearcoat is dry, a good painter will buff the panels to remove the lines you'd otherwise feel from the graphics. It requires a lot of care, as impatience could create visible burns in the paint from the heat of the buffing wheel.
If everything has gone to plan and you chose the right painter, at this point you'll get that magic phone call telling you, "Hey, buddy, your bike's ready."
This 'Busa owner was notably impressed with the finished paint: "I was in disbelief. I didn't know it could look that good."
One final bit of advice from the experts-don't polish the new paint for at least a few weeks. Let the paint harden, then wax and polish it regularly.
Original Make/Model: 2003 Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa
Front end: Galfer Wave rotors, Performance Machine "Vega" wheel
Rear end: Galfer Wave rotor, Performance Machine "Vega" wheel, single-side 300-section Custom Sportbike Concepts swingarm
Motor: NOS nitrous system and heavy-duty clutch
Paint: Jace Hudson (paint & graphics) and John Philips (airbrush work) Sycotic Designs in Euless, TX
Polish/chrome: Paul's Powder Coating, Mesquite, TX
Bodywork: Biker Zone carbon fiber full body kit
Accessories: Custom grips, levers, mirror block-offs, Vortex rearsets, seat in carbon fiber vinyl, axle spikes
Other: N/A
Owner: Paul Jordan