ha well thanks for all the help, but i'm officially the worst painter in the world. I'm gonna need another can and a little practice, they came out pretty terrible in all black. Lots of streaking and the gloss is only in patches. gonna have to re-sand and paint again another time.

Consider using lacquer. I believe Duplicolor has what you may need.

You can spray a few color coats, color sand [wetsand] between them, and then clear coat final, then wetsand that and buff it out for a flawless finish...with a rattle can.

With lacquer, if you goof [get a run, or whatever] just sand it out, hit it again, and keep going.

This is paint, not fucking rocket science.

granted its not rocket science, but its not exactly finger painting in art class either.

Imma stick with this rattle can i think, the parts that DID end up glossy look pretty good. i think i just need to put a fuck ton of paint on there to get my desired look. that, and be a bit more consistent with my "strokes".

w/e though im gonna put em on and ride to work tomorrow. i dont really give a F

Well, it does take a little practice, that's why I suggested doing it on paper first (you can get a $3 rattle can to practice with)...but also if you use lacquer, it's "repairable", unlike enamel. You actually have to colorsand, clearcoat, sand and buff lacquer to a smooth finish...allowing you to correct for any flaws in less-than-perfect spray technique.

Don't try to do one heavy coat. You're gonna need to do multiple thin coats.

I'll try again tonight...

back to the store for more paint i guess. what grit sandpaper u guys suggest?

Over 9000

what 9000?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

400 between coats, 800 for final finish coat before buffing.

ETA: You know you should be wet sanding that, right? Good.
While you're at the store, pick up a tack cloth.

JC

Black is also a notoriously difficult color to get perfect.