I've been getting spray-paint happy...

[TurkeyChicken]

Well, it all started with getting a new gauge panel cover from utgunslinger13.  It had a few scratches in it so i decided to sand it down and apply a primer, metallic looking black and a clear coat.

While that was off, I also decided to spray the cover that goes on behind the gauges and attaches to the gauge panel. 

Then while that was drying, i decided to paint the hand hold behind the seat since mine was a little scratched up.

Now I'm painting the chain guard, clutch lever and my side stand... all of which were either sun bleached or scratched up.

I guess this is what happens when you can't ride your bike... you end up touching up all the little things that have bothered you since you bought it

//Edit: here are some pics of what was painted.

Gauge plate:


Hand hold behind seat (it was all scratched and nasty looking):


Side stand and clutch lever:


Chain Guard (it was getting sun bleached):


Plastic behind gauge plate (it was that silverish color...)

[utgunslinger13]

well hopefully it turns out well!  Pics are worth a thousand words!

[TurkeyChicken]

I still have to sand and paint some spots on my frame.  Here are a few of the notable scratches and dings...








I'll tackle these after I get back into town.  These have been bugging me for a while and i might as well do something about them.

[LOUiE]

well shoot, if you keep doing such a good job, you might as well just tear her down and redo it all. 

the painted parts look well done!  nice and schnazzy like.  me likes.

[TurkeyChicken]

well shoot, if you keep doing such a good job, you might as well just tear her down and redo it all. 

the painted parts look well done!  nice and schnazzy like.  me likes.

I may eventually get to that point.  I have a few dings on the tank that I want to repair also.  If I get to that point, i might as well just repaint the entire tank and tail to match.

It's amazing what less than $20 in spray paint can do.  It's going to look 50 times better once I get the frame sanded and painted so all the discoloration and scratches are gone.

[dohabee]

a silver sharpie almost exactly matches the silver frame, I used one to cover a few scuffs.

I know its ghetto but looks good enough for me and only takes about 5 seconds.

[TurkeyChicken]

a silver sharpie almost exactly matches the silver frame, I used one to cover a few scuffs.

I know its ghetto but looks good enough for me and only takes about 5 seconds.

That's pretty interesting.  I might go pick one up tonight

[DoD#i]

It's amazing what less than $20 in spray paint can do.  It's going to look 50 times better once I get the frame sanded and painted so all the discoloration and scratches are gone.

Yup - it's not going to fool anyone looking for a hundreds to thousands of dollars paintjob, but it hurts the eyes so much less - I did mine last year, and the theoretical redo over the winter is going to have to wait for a different winter, because it didn't happen and it's riding season. If you change your mind with a rattlecan job, it's not a big deal "throwing away" the previous version if it cost less than $20 (plus labor, of course). If you get to something you're happy with, then you can have the fancy job done if you feel the need and have the scratch to spare.

[qwertydude]

Don't go too crazy with spray paint, it's not gas proof so painting your gas tank is an exercise in futility as gasoline splashing on it will dull it and possibly wrinkle the paint or worse it'll flake off.

[DoD#i]

A little care on filling up does wonders. Don't splash, don't dribble, no problems with paint.

There are supposedly also some gas-proof spray can products available, but given that mine started as a truly terrible rattlecan and stickers job (with gas drool marks as well) there was really nothing to be lost by painting the tank.

[shiznizbiz]

Is there a clear coat out there that can with stand it?

[utgunslinger13]

Maybe its just me, but I've never had any issues with spilling gas?  As long as your not flinging it around and take your time you shouldn't even have to worry about the drips.

[TurkeyChicken]

Maybe its just me, but I've never had any issues with spilling gas?  As long as your not flinging it around and take your time you shouldn't even have to worry about the drips.

same here.  Just shake the handle around a little bit before pulling it out and you should be good to go.

[Kepner]

I just got done with a two month project on a full tear down and rattle can. I was happy with the way it turned out, however for just spray painting it, it wasn't worth it. I should of spent a little more money and painted it right. I have the tools but no air compressor. I must admit there is defiantly a since of satisfaction when you do something like this. I had the bike tore down to just the frame and the engine.

I also have looked into clear coat for the tank. From what I came up with there really isn't anything that completely keeps it free from staining. I've read on other posts that if you just keep giving it more coats it will help. But in the long run it won't matter. 

[skimhitz]

same here.  Just shake the handle around a little bit before pulling it out and you should be good to go.

But remember, if you shake it more than twice, you're playing with it. 

[utgunslinger13]

I was always told if you shake it more than twice its not called peeing anymore.

[shiznizbiz]

Hey, I can wash it for as long and as hard as I want too.