Paint. Experts chime in please

[Shuriken]

So I have the 2002 Silver Dust edition bike.

Do y'all think I could get a decent result by reapplying a nice clear coat or would I be better off just painting a solid color?

I know it's opinion but I don't know how Yamaha got the paint pattern to look like this and I'm not sure how deep these scratches go.

It kinda looks like I could do a light and careful sanding and then apply some urethane enamel clear and bring back the shine while keeping the underlying 3d pattern.

Maybe can't tell in the pics but the fenders appear dry and dull and the faux cover has dark spots.

 

[gentsvmax]

So I have the 2002 Silver Dust edition bike.

Do y'all think I could get a decent result by reapplying a nice clear coat or would I be better off just painting a solid color?

I know it's opinion but I don't know how Yamaha got the paint pattern to look like this and I'm not sure how deep these scratches go.

It kinda looks like I could do a light and careful sanding and then apply some urethane enamel clear and bring back the shine while keeping the underlying 3d pattern.

Maybe can't tell in the pics but the fenders appear dry and dull and the faux cover has dark spots.

Kyle??

 

[Fire-medic]

Repaint or fabric wrap

 

[MaxMidnight]

That effect is applied by hydo dipping which then transfers whatever is on the decal onto the part. The effect can be altered by changing the colour of the base coat. a clear coat is then applied. Not that this process is different from a vinyl wrap.
This is how I got the carbon effect on my bike.
If the damage is confined to the clear coat then you may be able to flat that back and then re-finish. The risk is that you go through and also take off the carbon effect. If that happens you are no worse off.
An alternative would be to seek out replacement carbon effect parts.

 

[CaptainKyle]

I have brought back a few with new clear but that one looks way to far gone. I would just repaint it.

 

[Fire-medic]

In the 1960-'early '70's Honda used hydro dipping I believe for 'Dragon' paint effects on their 350 twins.




A CL350 Honda Dragon hydro-dip factory option





These OEM Honda option paint jobs are worth more-than an entire bike which usually was a red/white or blue/white paint job.

 

[conwaypc58]

So I have the 2002 Silver Dust edition bike.

Do y'all think I could get a decent result by reapplying a nice clear coat or would I be better off just painting a solid color?

I know it's opinion but I don't know how Yamaha got the paint pattern to look like this and I'm not sure how deep these scratches go.

It kinda looks like I could do a light and careful sanding and then apply some urethane enamel clear and bring back the shine while keeping the underlying 3d pattern.

Maybe can't tell in the pics but the fenders appear dry and dull and the faux cover has dark spots.

Personally, I love the Silver Dust Colour…I just got some rattle cans made up and res prayed the bike back to original…my bike paint was quite badly faded when I got it !

 

[Fire-medic]

conwaypc58, that turned out well for being spray cans.