Honda-Motorcycle Cloud Silver Metallic (NH-35M) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the definitive silver of the eighties. If you own a Honda from this era, you are likely intimately familiar with this shade. It was the backbone of the lineup, coating everything from the engine cases of the CB series to the sleek fairings of the early Interceptors and the touring bodywork of the Goldwing. It possesses a clean, industrial aesthetic that leans more toward a pure, bright silver than the darker pewters seen in later decades. Because your motorcycle has likely spent a few decades facing the elements, the original finish might have yellowed or faded slightly. This color is exceptional at hiding road dust and light grime, which is exactly why Honda used it so prolifically on their hardworking commuter and touring machines.

Technical Details

This finish is a metallic, though it is notably subtle compared to the heavy "bass boat" flakes found on cruisers. The metallic particles in this mix are fine and tightly packed. This creates a smooth, satin-like shimmer when the sun hits it, but it also presents a specific challenge for your repair. Because the flakes are so small, they like to bunch up if you apply the paint too heavily. If the paint stays wet for too long on the surface, those flakes will swim together and create dark, cloudy splotches known as mottling. To avoid this, you must resist the urge to get full coverage in one go. Multiple thin passes will ensure the silver stays uniform and bright rather than looking like a stormy sky.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Honda-Motorcycle Cloud Silver Metallic (check for code NH-35M), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can usually find this paint code on a white sticker located on the frame rail under the seat or occasionally tucked inside a side cover. Since the metallic flakes in this color are prone to settling at the bottom of the container, shaking is the most important step for an accurate match. Test the color on the included card to see how the silver lays down before moving to the bike. When applying, keep the container moving at all times to prevent the paint from pooling. Give each layer enough drying time so the surface is no longer tacky before you add the next. Finishing with a clear coat is essential to protect those fine flakes and bring out the original factory glow.