DIY Painting Tips

[ducpainter]

I've actually been quite surprised what I can still buy in cali.  While all the true PPG lines have gone waterborne, the Omni, and I believe the Nexa lines are just a little more low VOC then they used to be.  Also House of Kolor has a full range of low VOC that is still legal to purchase. 

I try to stay as far from regulation as possible.

[Bradley81]

Thanks!!! I am a very happy new member and looking forward to posting pictures

[Fakeflight]

Hi ducpainter :]

I have had some conflicting advice from two different sources and would like to know your opinion. I am in the process of doing a paint/vinyl makeover of my Monster and I will be applying the Cutgrafix full stripe monster set in red stripe against black gloss. The paint/body shop tells me that doing a clear coat over the vinyl will cause it to bubble (or at least it was the man who did the estimate, there is no telling what exactly his job was.)

Other sources (random google search forum board results) say that doing a clear coat is the best way to protect it. How should I go about this? Also, if I do need a clear coat over the vinyl is it possible to rattle can one on?

[ducpainter]

Cut-Grafix decals can be cleared over. Most quality vinyl can be.

Bubbling is not caused by clearing over vinyl. It is caused by trapped solvents due to inadequate cure/dry times.

You might want to find a shop that knows how.

I'd advise against un-activated products. There are 2K rattle cans available, but I have no FHE with them.

[Fakeflight]

Alright, thank you, that sure clears things up (no pun intended). I think I might know just the shop. Also do you think I might be able to rattle can my way out of a black gloss OEM windscreen? XD I'm just a cheap college student.

[ducpainter]

Alright, thank you, that sure clears things up (no pun intended). I think I might know just the shop. Also do you think I might be able to rattle can my way out of a black gloss OEM windscreen? XD I'm just a cheap college student.

I don't know what you mean.

Rattle can on a windscreen is better than rattle can on a tank.

[Fakeflight]

Ah, I was just worried about the flexibility on the windscreen and whether it would cause it to crack. After digging around a bit I found a post already suggesting rustoleum black works well, but thank you anyway.

[ducpainter]

Ah, I was just worried about the flexibility on the windscreen and whether it would cause it to crack. After digging around a bit I found a post already suggesting rustoleum black works well, but thank you anyway.

The screen isn't really flexible. Only parts that return to shape after impact require flex agents.

[erkishhorde]

Heya, DP can you recommend me a clear coat for carbon fiber exhausts that I can find anywhere? I noticed in one post that you recommended a urethane but when I go to somewhere like Autozone, all of their spray paints are acrylic. I was digging around in the garage and decided it's about time that I did something with my original carbon fiber exhausts that I took off the bike many years ago.

[ducpainter]

Automotive urethanes are usually 2 parts and require some spray equipment. They're bulletproof.

The rattle can stuff at autozone will be OK as long as your packing is good and you don't spill gas on them

[mojo]

Here ya go. 2k clear in a spray can.  It's not something you want to paint a car with, but it's perfect for what you are looking for.http://www.eastwood.com/spray-max-rapid-cut-in-spot-clearcoat-aerosol.html
BTW, if/when you clear any carbon fiber part, you are going to find a TON of pinholes and flaws in the resin.  They can be filled in with clear (touching them up with a brush) but you will need to have a lot of patience to make it look perfect.

[TitanMonsterS4R]

Bought Duplicolor semi-gloss engine ceramic paint to do up my Speedymoto belt covers.  Is the best plan of action for results to -

-  Wash with dish soap then let dry. 
-  Spray metal primer then let dry. 
-  Spray 2 thin coats then let cure in oven @ 200 degrees for a bit.
-  Spray 2 more coats and the oven cure.

Process completed. 

Any guidance would be greatly appreciate. 

[ducpainter]

Bought Duplicolor semi-gloss engine ceramic paint to do up my Speedymoto belt covers.  Is the best plan of action for results to -

-  Wash with dish soap then let dry. 
-  Spray metal primer then let dry. 
-  Spray 2 thin coats then let cure in oven @ 200 degrees for a bit.
-  Spray 2 more coats and the oven cure.

Process completed. 

Any guidance would be greatly appreciate. 

I wouldn't use regular primer if you're oven curing.

Are the covers aluminum?

[TitanMonsterS4R]

6061 billet I believe. 

[ducpainter]

6061 billet I believe. 

My take...

most parts of a Duc engine do not require high temp paint.

Adhesion to aluminum is an issue.

Most primers for aluminum wont stand oven curing.

Get yourself some DuPont aluminum prep or Alodine...treat...paint.

If the paint you bought requires oven cure you won't hurt a primer not suited to heat.