Spray Painting your Bike

[DesMotion]

looks very nice; however, I should say that satin finishes hide imperfections like no body's business. Tape work is exellent though.  What I am trying to say about sanding by hand is that it is much riskier than using a block. Sure it can be done with good results, It's just not as nice as if you blocked it out. it's like  saying you can draw a strait line without a ruler. Yeah it can be done but it will never be as good as if you use a ruler. IMO.

To add to your comment, it is especially important to use a block when there is bodywork to be sanded or imperfections. If you've got a perfect tank it's not that big a deal to sand by hand, if you take a little extra time to get it perfect. A block will save time and get things flat much faster.

[Shortie]

sexy. what did you use to paint it? i remember you were working on this project and made a thread about it. pics?

Most of it is Rustoleum - Satin white and safety red. The black is John Deere Blitz Black; the stuff is really flat and is quite durable. The full thread can be found on TOB in the Womens' forum, however I've contiuned it in the Womens' forum here as well.

I know full well that satin and flat finishes hide imperfections well. That is precisely the reason I chose to do what I did. If you hit TOB and check out what it looked like before, it's worlds better than it is now.

Besides, I like to banter with the boys. 

[red baron]

the stuff is really flat and is quite durable.

do not spill gasoline or brake fluid on it.

[He Man]

do not spill gasoline or brake fluid on it.

ahmen. (see the pic on page 1 for what happens when gasoline meets spray paint) So whens the bike going to up and running?

[Shortie]

Gas does not damage the Blitz black. My BF's Monster is done entirely in Blitz that was sprayed with a gun from a gallon (available in gallons and in cans) and gas hasn't damaged it yet. It's tractor paint and holds up amazingly well.

My tank is not Blitz however, so I am going to have to be extremely cautious when filling up.

Brake fluid is one of the most wretched fluids known to man next to tranny fluid. PITA.

[He Man]

Gas does not damage the Blitz black. My BF's Monster is done entirely in Blitz that was sprayed with a gun from a gallon (available in gallons and in cans) and gas hasn't damaged it yet. It's tractor paint and holds up amazingly well.

My tank is not Blitz however, so I am going to have to be extremely cautious when filling up.

Brake fluid is one of the most wretched fluids known to man next to tranny fluid. PITA.

being cautious is not enough. It is REALLY worth it to just get someone to clear it for you. I didnt know how strong my clear was, and i babied the gas nozzle everytime i filled her up, but after the 2nd or 3rd time,  a drip got past my hand and landed on the tank. Luckly the clear coat is plenty strong against gas. your going to beat yourself on the head when that first drop gets on it.

[scott_araujo]

There are some 2 part curing clear coats available in spray cans now, they're usually referred to as 2K clear coats.  You pop something in the can, shake to mix, and then have a short time to spray.  I think some of them are even sandable so you could wet sand with 2000 and then buff with polishing compound if you really wanted to make it smooth.

Also, glazing putty is great for filling tiny dings.  It is usually red and usually applied over primer.  Apply, wet sand, primer.  Available at any auto store that carries body works supplies.

Scott

[Shortie]

Satin white tank. If I did my math right, satin + clear coat does not = satin.

[scott_araujo]

Sorry, what i posted was a general comment meant as an alternative to taking the tank to a painter for clearcoat.  It did not apply to the satin paint job being discussed.

BTW, there are satin and matte clearcoats but they can be tricky.  The finish can vary with thickness and angle of application.  They can affect the color.  I don't know if any of these are available as 2 part curing types.

Scott

[RobotDan]

Satin white tank. If I did my math right, satin + clear coat does not = satin.

There is a two part satin clear available from house of kolors, as well as a product called "flats" or "flatz".  Good luck
Cheers,
Daniel

[Big Troubled Bear]

Thanx, very informative thread

[He Man]

There is a two part satin clear available from house of kolors, as well as a product called "flats" or "flatz".  Good luck
Cheers,
Daniel

doooo itttttttt. clear is your friend.

[ducpainter]

Satin white tank. If I did my math right, satin + clear coat does not = satin.

You can make clear satin...

or any gloss level you want.

[Shortie]

You can make clear satin...

or any gloss level you want.

I'll be shooting you a PM shortly. The plan was to do the whole thing with cans as I don't have that much experience with a gun. Perhaps you can help me with some info and give me a rough idea of what it would cost. I'm running with kind of a tight budget, which is the reason I didn't do it 'right' in the first place...

[redxblack]

Found this w/ the search function - very helpful!

I'm considering blacking out all the chrome on a Honda Rebel and painting the tank and fenders Olive Drab. Any tips on painting chrome?