Pin Striping Question

[jdbutler13]

Hey I'm a cold Canadian and although I'm going to push a little more riding out this season I'm trying think of my winter plans for the bike. I've always loved Blue with White/ Silver pin striping. I have a buddy who does a little air brushing. If I get him to do some lines on the tank do I need to sand the area first (and do I need to sand it right down or just take off the clear coat off and make sure its rough enough for the paint to grab) or can I get away with just painting over.
Thanks

[adidasguy]

There are so many things that can go wrong, I suggest you buy "How to Paint Your Motorcycle" from motorbooks.com

2 sites that have paints and stuff:
http://www.colorrite.com       
They have factory colors

eastwood.com
They have everything for painting, pinstriping tools, buffing, sanding as well as tutorials.

My opinion is sand the entire tank to get the wax and gunk off of it or new paint won't stick. Read the books so you do it right. And you'll need to clear coat the entire tank to protect the striping and so it doesn't look like a patch job. You probably do not need to take down all of the clear coat. Just get the surface roughened up and clean so new paint and clear has something to grab on to. That book will tell you everything you need to know and what can go wrong. There are chapters on artwork and clear coating.

That's my 2 US cents worth (what, 1.89 cents Canadian?) Others should sound off with their opinions. I don't claim to be the expert.