DIY Painting Tips

[Darth_Awesome]

Lastly is there any sort of additive you recommend for fiberglass? I would like the panels to be able to flex a little bit without just cracking the paint. Such as when removing for servicing.

[Darth_Awesome]

Lastly is there any sort of additive you recommend for fiberglass? I would like the panels to be able to flex a little bit without just cracking the paint. Such as when removing for servicing.

[ducpainter]

I heard you the first time.

Automotive urethanes are suitable for fiberglass as packaged.

The additive is only necessary for flexible bumper covers and the like

[Darth_Awesome]

I blame tapatalk.

[Langanobob]

Will be going to the local paint shop. They do the whole ppg line. My next determining factor is because it's just a track bike and I don't want to end up with $400 just in paint, whether I should go with the cheaper omni line or the middle of the road dextron stuff.

Just a comment from the peanut gallery, I've got some surprising discounts at paint shops just by asking. 

[Darth_Awesome]

How much paint do you recommend for a full set of body work, spare tank, and spare belly?

[ducpainter]

How much paint do you recommend for a full set of body work, spare tank, and spare belly?

Since you haven't told me what kind of bike it is, what equipment you'll be using, how many coats you intend to spray, whether it's a base coat/clear or single stage...

I have no idea.

[Darth_Awesome]

848 track bike. I think I'm going to do a white base coat, then mask off the number plates, spray the silver. Then do the clear. I'm not really sure what the recommended number of costs is per color though to be honest.

[ducpainter]

QT white sealer and any activator/reducer...don't skip the sealer.

1/2 pint for the number plates...just spot them in

Mask plates scuff o/spray

QT silver.

Remember with the PPG product colors get reduced 100% so 1 qt makes 2.

One QT clear plus activator and reducer.

You should be able to get adequate coverage with 1-2 coats of white and a max of 3 coats of silver.

Being a track bike 2 coats of clear out of the gun will do it...unless you're me and wet sand and re-clear everything.

Assumes an HVLP gun. You'll have left overs. If you stay within a product line the activator should be the same. Saves a bunch of money.

[Darth_Awesome]

Is there a particular brand of primer sealer you prefer?

And when you say "spot them in" do you mean just spray the general area the number plate will go and not the whole panel?

[ducpainter]

If you're using PPG color and clear, use PPG sealer. Pick one that uses the same activator as the clear. You'll save money on materials.

Yes, that's exactly it. Just spray the area for the plate. You can scuff sand any overspray. If you are unsure, you can spray the whole panel, but you'll use a lot more paint. It really depends on the size of the upper and tail. Your call.

[TitanMonsterS4R]

What's the best technique to get light scratches out of my tank and seat cowl? Anyone use anything they particularly love/hate?

[ducpainter]

I use 3m compound for cleaercoat with a lambswool pad on a buffer followed by a foam pad. They change the product number and price regularly.

Finish up with a hand glaze.

[TitanMonsterS4R]

I use 3m compound for cleaercoat with a lambswool pad on a buffer followed by a foam pad. They change the product number and price regularly.

Finish up with a hand glaze.

Thanks DP

[scaudill]

Touchup frame paint for my '01 750 M.  Metalized grey 291.601, is there a something available in a small container?
Thanks, Sterling