Ducati Black (matte) (PPG 9423) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the soul of the "Dark" series that saved the brand in the late nineties. While Italian red is about the theater of racing, this finish is about the mechanical grit of the street. It was the defining look for the Monster 600 and 750 "Dark" models, intended to make the bike look like a prototype stripped of its vanity. On a trellis frame, it makes the engine and components look denser and more aggressive. Since your Ducati has likely been out in the elements for years, this black has probably settled into a more industrial patina, absorbing light rather than reflecting it.

Technical Details

This is a solid pigment with no metallic or pearl particles to hide behind. It relies entirely on a flattening agent to achieve its non-reflective state. The biggest risk with a matte finish is "burnishing." If you try to scrub a smudge or polish a scratch, you will create a permanent shiny spot because you are essentially polishing the microscopic rough surface into a smooth, reflective one. Before you spray or dab Ducati Black (matte) (check for code PPG 9423), remember that you cannot buff this paint once it is dry, so your technique during application is the only chance to get the sheen right.

Best Practices

Start by looking for the color sticker under your seat cowl or on the frame rail near the headstock to confirm your match. Before you open the container, shake it for at least two minutes; the flattening agents that create the matte look are heavier than the paint and settle quickly at the bottom. Test the color on the included card to ensure the sheen level matches the current state of your bike. When working in your garage, keep the container moving to prevent any pooling. Apply light, even layers and allow for plenty of drying time between them. Heavy coats will result in an uneven, patchy gloss that won't match the original factory stealth look.