Harley-Davidson Nightwatch Blue (3146) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color defined the early 2000s for the Motor Company, appearing on everything from the chrome-heavy Heritage Softail to the lean Sportster. It is a moody, sophisticated shade that plays a trick on the eyes. In the shade of your garage, it looks like a deep, ink-like black. Once you roll the bike into the sunlight, the blue reveals itself with a deep glow. Since your bike has been on the road for two decades, this color has likely matured, making it a staple of the era before the brand moved into the flatter, modern denim finishes.

Technical Details

Nightwatch Blue is a metallic finish, which means it carries a heavy load of reflective flakes. While these flakes provide that signature depth, they come with a warning. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the flakes will clump together and create dark shadows or stripes known as mottling. You want the flakes to lay flat and even across the surface. Because this paint has a metallic base, the thickness of your layers will directly change how dark or light the blue appears once the drying time is complete.

Best Practices

Harley-Davidson does not make it easy to find your color identity as there is rarely a paint code stamped on the frame or the fender. You will usually find this information in your original owner's manual or by providing your VIN to a local dealer. Before you spray or dab Harley-Davidson Nightwatch Blue (check for code 3146), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure the metallic particles are fully suspended. Always test the color on the included card to gauge the flake density. When applying, keep the container moving to avoid pooling, and allow ample drying time between light coats to build the depth slowly.