For years, the allure of Taco Mini Bikes has captivated enthusiasts. While professionally finished, powder-coated bikes are undeniably stunning, many DIYers and budget-conscious restorers seek more accessible methods to achieve that classic look. The iconic Taco purple presents a particular challenge, often proving elusive in off-the-shelf spray cans. This article dives into the world of rattle can purple paint jobs for Taco mini bikes, drawing inspiration from real-world examples and shared experiences within the mini bike community. Discover how to bring that vibrant purple hue to your mini bike project without breaking the bank.
The Challenge of Taco Purple: Finding the Right Spray Can Match
The quest for the perfect purple shade for a Taco mini bike is a common topic among restorers. As one enthusiast, 1stlegendtx, initiated in a popular forum thread, the desire to replicate the “Taco purple” with readily available spray cans is strong. Professional finishes like powder coating offer durability and a perfect color match, but they come at a higher cost. For many, the accessibility and affordability of spray paint make it the go-to option for DIY projects.
Bikebudy, another forum member, highlighted the complexity of purple paint. Referencing modern Taco mini bikes, they pointed out the variations in perceived color due to lighting and questioned the true name of the original shade. Purple paints are known for their transparency, meaning the undercoat significantly impacts the final color. This makes achieving a consistent and accurate purple, especially the elusive Taco purple, a nuanced endeavor.
A modern Taco 22 mini bike kit is showcased, illustrating the contemporary interpretation of the classic Taco purple color.
Spray Can Solutions: User-Tested Purple Paint Options
Despite the challenges, mini bike enthusiasts have shared practical solutions and successful spray can paint jobs. Chipper, a forum contributor, suggested “Plum Crazy” Dodge paint from Automotive Touch-Up as a viable option. While acknowledging it might not be the exact match, Plum Crazy is a well-regarded purple in the automotive world and readily available in spray cans.
An example showcasing the vibrant and deep hue of Plum Crazy purple paint, a popular choice in automotive customization.
However, Bikebudy clarified that Plum Crazy, while a fantastic purple, isn’t the true “Taco purple.” This highlights the subjective nature of color perception and the variations that can occur.
Achieving Custom Purple Hues with Two-Part Spray Can Systems
SimpleTom, a respected member of the mini bike community, showcased a unique approach to achieving a custom purple using a two-part Duplicolor system. He started with a base coat of Duplicolor BFM0382 Medium Blue Metallic, followed by Duplicolor Metalcast MC204 Purple Anodized. This layering technique demonstrates a clever way to manipulate spray can paints to create richer, more complex colors than single-stage applications.
A mini bike frame is shown coated with Duplicolor Medium Blue Metallic, the initial base layer in a two-part custom purple paint process.
The same mini bike frame now displays the Duplicolor Metalcast Purple Anodized top coat, illustrating the transformative effect of the layering technique.
The result, as seen in SimpleTom’s finished mini bike, is a stunning purple that closely resembles the desired Taco shade, achieved entirely with spray cans. This method offers a pathway to custom colors without the need for professional equipment.
A fully assembled Taco mini bike gleams with a custom purple finish, a testament to the effectiveness of the Duplicolor two-part spray can painting method.
1stlegendtx, who initiated the original forum discussion, was impressed by SimpleTom’s results, acknowledging the superiority of the two-part Metalcast system over single-stage paints. He even shared his own experience using Duplicolor BTY1612 Steller Blue Pearl as a base, further demonstrating the community’s experimentation and shared learning.
A Taco mini bike showcases a vibrant blue pearl finish achieved with Duplicolor Steller Blue Pearl paint, an alternative approach to custom coloring.
Powder Coat Purple: A Different Approach
While the focus has been on spray cans, it’s worth noting alternatives like powder coating. Mrpat shared an example of a powder-coated mini bike in a custom candy purple, achieved with a silver base coat and a candy purple top coat. Manchester1 also showcased a powder-coated clutch cover in a “lollipop” purple, highlighting the depth and vibrancy that powder coating can achieve.
Close-up view of mini bike wheels with a candy purple powder coat finish over a silver base, exemplifying the rich color achievable with powder coating.
A mini bike clutch cover is presented with a lollipop purple powder coat, demonstrating the smooth and durable finish attainable through powder coating.
These examples, while not spray can based, provide a visual benchmark for the desired purple hue and illustrate the spectrum of purple finishes available for mini bike customization.
Conclusion: Embracing DIY Purple for Your Taco Mini Bike
Achieving the perfect purple for your Taco mini bike with spray cans is definitely achievable, as demonstrated by the resourceful mini bike community. While the original “Taco purple” might be elusive in a single off-the-shelf can, layering techniques like SimpleTom’s two-part Duplicolor method offer a path to custom, high-quality finishes. Whether you opt for user-tested solutions like Duplicolor Metalcast or explore automotive purples like Plum Crazy, the key is experimentation and shared knowledge. So, grab your rattle cans and embark on your own purple Taco mini bike transformation! Share your projects and purple paint choices in the comments below!
