Professional paint job at home - how do I do it?

[nudedaytona]

I want to do a professional-looking paint job on my bike but don't want to pay a professional.

I just want one colour (black), with the rest of the look done with stickers.

How hard can it be? So there's a bit of sanding, primer and top coats to apply right?

How much paint would I need, and how much does quality, long-lasting paint cost?

The bike has abs plastic fairings and a plastic tank.

[MSTRS:Me]

I want to do a professional-looking paint job on my bike but don't want to pay a professional.

I just want one colour (black), with the rest of the look done with stickers.

How hard can it be? So there's a bit of sanding, primer and top coats to apply right?

How much paint would I need, and how much does quality, long-lasting paint cost?

The bike has abs plastic fairings and a plastic tank.

Obviously you are not a 'professional' so expect an amateur job. There's more to painting than just chucking several coats at it.

[MIXONE]

Number One Rule.The better the preperation the better the end job.
Number Two Rule.Be patient and don't rush it.
Good onya for having a go and don't forget if you fuck it up sand it down and start again.

[steelestring]

Get the pro. to come round so you can do it at your home.

What about you doing all the paint prep and then take it in to get sprayed? Most of the time spent is getting the surfaces ready.

Just a thought

[MSTRS:Me]

Here's the list of what to do...
Sand back to bare plastic
Prime with a compatible plastic etch primer (make sure you get the right one or your plastics may 'fizz')
Lightly sand the primer
Apply a filler-type undercoat
Sand back till completely smooth and no pinholes. Redo if necessary
Apply colour coat. Black may require 2 coats for depth.
Depending on type of colour coat, apply clear over top.

Sanding needs to be done wet, using 800 - 2000 grit paper.
For long-lasting finish, use automotive paints. 'Standard' paint will fizz up when you spill petrol on it. Ideally, you will use matched paint components and you will bake the colour and clear coats.
Use a proper spray outfit. You may get the right paint in aerosol cans, but won't give you a decent finish.

Or take your plastics to a professional....

[nudedaytona]

Here's the list of what to do...
Sand back to bare plastic
Prime with a compatible plastic etch primer (make sure you get the right one or your plastics may 'fizz')
Lightly sand the primer
Apply a filler-type undercoat
Sand back till completely smooth and no pinholes. Redo if necessary
Apply colour coat. Black may require 2 coats for depth.
Depending on type of colour coat, apply clear over top.

Sanding needs to be done wet, using 800 - 2000 grit paper.
For long-lasting finish, use automotive paints. 'Standard' paint will fizz up when you spill petrol on it. Ideally, you will use matched paint components and you will bake the colour and clear coats.
Use a proper spray outfit. You may get the right paint in aerosol cans, but won't give you a decent finish.

Or take your plastics to a professional....

Thanks. Now some of the parts, like the front and rear huggers, are in really good condition.

It's just the side panels that really need a new paint job. If I just did the bits that needed doing, how much trouble would it be to make sure that the final finish black I used matched the black on the bits I left alone?

[avgas]

search my posts.......needless to say - its cheaper to get a pro to do a pro coat.
You need minimum 1L undercoat, 1L top coat, 1L clear coat, about 1KG of sandpaper and a lot of time.

[avgas]

Number One Rule.The better the preperation the better the end job.
Number Two Rule.Be patient and don't rush it.
Good onya for having a go and don't forget if you fuck it up sand it down and start again.

Rule 3 : Sand, paint, sand, paint, sand, paint, SAND......sand....sand....sand most importantly sand.

[MSTRS:Me]

Thanks. Now some of the parts, like the front and rear huggers, are in really good condition.

It's just the side panels that really need a new paint job. If I just did the bits that needed doing, how much trouble would it be to make sure that the final finish black I used matched the black on the bits I left alone?

Mucho trouble....do you know how many shades of black there are?
A professional will know what's needed and can match the colour. And adjust the gloss to suit....

[nudedaytona]

Spray or use brush? If brush, what is best?

What grade of sandpaper - is finer more effort but not as hard to stuff up?

[vindy500]

Spray or use brush? If brush, what is best?

What grade of sandpaper - is finer more effort but not as hard to stuff up?

brush with grade 60 sandpaper with give you that ghetto look

[scumdog]

Spray or use brush? If brush, what is best?

What grade of sandpaper - is finer more effort but not as hard to stuff up?

Brush?

BRUSH?

[MSTRS:Me]

Spray or use brush?

Not terribly sharp, are you? Have you even read some of the helpful responses you've had?
Perhaps you can answer a simple question...do you want a rough job or a good job?

[nodrog:Me]

Spray or use brush? If brush, what is best?

What grade of sandpaper - is finer more effort but not as hard to stuff up?

for fucksakes dont use a brush, it will look like shit, use a roller!

[MSTRS:Me]

for fucksakes dont use a brush, it will look like shit, use a roller!

One of these would be recommended
http://www.cigarette-rolling-machine...one_roller.jpg