Anyone tried their hand at painting?

[KIPS powervalve]

Thanks for the support re rattlers. I can half a can of black caliper paint from my car that I was thinking of doing the spokes in (high gloss black, resistant to brake dust etc). Only thing is it's really runny, like spraying water. Thin coats and lots of time between each one. Been working on forks today. This makes me realise that the paint job is a long way off yet. Months. Possibly more.

[Tazz]

Piece of piss after a few beers.

Just watch the overspray. Wasn't enough to worry about but I got a little on the rear tyre that time.

[Swoop]

But I am pretty good at the texture finishs...

They are called "non-skid" finishes.
Sadly that quote came from a professional sprayer.

Thanks for the support re rattlers. I can half a can of black caliper paint from my car that I was thinking of doing the spokes in (high gloss black, resistant to brake dust etc). Only thing is it's really runny, like spraying water. Thin coats and lots of time between each one. Been working on forks today. This makes me realise that the paint job is a long way off yet. Months. Possibly more.

Autopaint at 159 Central Park Drive, Henderson (quite literally just off of the motorway) are good to talk to. Also they can match paint colours and supply in a tin or an aerosol if you want (of the proper lacquer paint)!

[jonbuoy]

Don't use single stage rattle can paint on the tank - first dribble of petrol will ruin the paint unless it's been clearcoated with a 2 part clearcoat (separate hardener). U Pol do a rattle can clearcoat that is supposedly petrol resistant.

You can buy two pack rattle cans now - there is a separate chamber of hardener at the bottom of the can - you pull a tab to mix the two and then spray. Get a disposable spray mask for isocyanates I think 3M do them. You really don't want that stuff in your eyes or lungs. It's amazing how many of these TV shows you see where the guys painting a whole car are using just a disposable filter - nowhere near enough protection.

[mossy1200]

The results.

Bit of dust from garage sweeping showing in photos.

[SNF]

Done my whole bike in single pack lacquer cans apart from the headlight fairing which I'm still making. I used proper automotive colorpak paint. It has the odd defect here and there but overall its holding up well. Check my sig photo's before and after. I have spilled petrol on the tank, but I don't recommend pouring it on. If you are hasty in wiping it off its won't ruin it.

[DODO``]

I have just acquired an 87 GN250 as a project. I'd like to have a go at painting the tank and wheel spokes. Any thoughts on good products, methods, or just handy tips? Primers, etching primers, lacquer, vinyl, enamel...my head starts to spin

Colour scheme will probably end up being cream on black in one form or another

I used to work as a panel beater.

and here's my tip.

If this is your first time doing this and you want the finish like new, get someone to do it.

If you really want to try it then do following:

use 800 sand paper and rub the surface until the reflection disappears.

sand sand sand with 1200 wet sand paper. and if you think you have finished preping, grab yourself 1200 wet sand paper again and do more prep

prime it.

1200 wet sand.. again again again

paint with colour. let it dry. <- do this 3 times.

wait until the colour drys completely.

paint with clear coat let it dry. <- do this 2 times

Dry for 1 week. (do not use shit supercheap $4 paint)

Grab 1200 wet sand paper again and sand very lightly only on the areas you are not happy with. Make sure you dont sand through the clear coat layer.
Grab a compound and a cloth.

Rub like you never rubbed before until you get that finish.

and then realize you don't have the talent to do the job yourself. cover it will some plasti-dip and regret working on your bodywork while drinking lots of Miller Lite.

The last step is to take it to the shop and repaint the tank in the color of your choice.