...I've seen several of you guys/gals paint your bikes and I'm really impressed. I'd like to go from purple to black. Can someone break it down, step by step, for a noob like me? Can you paint plastic? I wouldn't even mind just takin' off the tank and whatever other metal parts need to be done and have a pro do it. How much do you think it would cost to do this? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19019

Quote from: pslamp32...I'd like to go from purple to black

:x

That is a great link, thanks. It did leave out a few details. Do you use 400 grit for all the sanding including in between coats? Also, do you do the sanding by hand or use something electrical? I've got a grinder I use for some welding projects I do, is this too much? Thanks. I just want to be careful so I don't ruin things. That's why I was thinking about taking the parts someplace and having them do it. Is that just way too expensive?

Quote from: pandy

Quote from: pslamp32...I'd like to go from purple to black

:x

I know, call me crazy!

Forgive me for my ignorance but what exactly is primer and what does it do? I know, stupid noob. Sorry!

Quote from: pslamp32That is a great link, thanks. It did leave out a few details. Do you use 400 grit for all the sanding including in between coats?

I don't sand inbetween coats.  After all of the coats are done, I run some Meguiar's Fine Cut Cleaner followed by rubbing compound (the cleaner is harsher - always go harsh->fine) over the paint to make sure it's happy and even.

Quote from: pslamp32Also, do you do the sanding by hand or use something electrical? I've got a grinder I use for some welding projects I do, is this too much?

A grinder won't work well.  I use a random orbital for cars, but bikes are small enough that hand is fine.

Quote from: pslamp32That's why I was thinking about taking the parts someplace and having them do it. Is that just way too expensive?

Most of the cost of painting (and the skill in terms of a good outcome) is in the prep.

Quote from: pslamp32That is a great link, thanks. It did leave out a few details. Do you use 400 grit for all the sanding including in between coats? Also, do you do the sanding by hand or use something electrical? I've got a grinder I use for some welding projects I do, is this too much? Thanks. I just want to be careful so I don't ruin things. That's why I was thinking about taking the parts someplace and having them do it. Is that just way too expensive?

400grit ?   Grinder ?

I would not use either unless you are removing rust or smoothing out body filler( bondo or puddy)

When painting over existing good paint I just wet sand with 800 gritt until a dull finish then paint and wet sand with 1000 or higher then clear.  If needed I'll wet sand and clear again.  It gives a nice wet look.

Quote from: pslamp32

Quote from: pandy

Quote from: pslamp32...I'd like to go from purple to black

:x

I know, call me crazy!

You're CRAZY!!!

:x  :x  :x  

 



:mrgreen:

Quote from: BlazinjrWhen painting over existing good paint I just wet sand with 800 gritt until a dull finish

400 is standard for automotive repaints, which is why I just go with it for plastic/metal respray.  *shrug*  I've done some race cars and my rearended Miata that way; gives good paint stickage.

Quote from: Blazinjr

Quote from: pslamp32That is a great link, thanks. It did leave out a few details. Do you use 400 grit for all the sanding including in between coats? Also, do you do the sanding by hand or use something electrical? I've got a grinder I use for some welding projects I do, is this too much? Thanks. I just want to be careful so I don't ruin things. That's why I was thinking about taking the parts someplace and having them do it. Is that just way too expensive?

400grit ?   Grinder ?

I would not use either unless you are removing rust or smoothing out body filler( bondo or puddy)

When painting over existing good paint I just wet sand with 800 gritt until a dull finish then paint and wet sand with 1000 or higher then clear.  If needed I'll wet sand and clear again.  It gives a nice wet look.

Awesome! This seems like the easiest route. My paint is not too bad at all. Just a couple of tiny pock marks. So just use 1000 on the plastic and metal, then spray paint, then sand again? Am I following you? Also by wet sand do you need special sand paper and sand while flowing water on the part to be painted? After painting do you spray clear coat? Thanks!

If you have some chips or pot marks you will have to use some spot filler on it then sand lightly to smooth it out.  I would not sand arouond the pits and chips too much because it will require the use of more filler and more filler means more work.  Then primer and sand again.  Using too gritty of a sand paper will leave grooves and the need of more spot filler causing extra work.

If you have not painted anything before I would suggest trying it on something else before you attempt your bike project.  If you want it to look good take your time and play around with some stuff first to get an idea.  An old bicycle or sometype of sheet metal would be ideal.  

I have never painted on a bike before but I have worked on restoring and customizing older cars and touching up newer ones.  I am in the process of sanding and prepping a different tail for my bike right now.  Soon my bike will be sporting a black metallic tail to match my front fender.  

At least go to the library and get a book on autobody, it will really help you out.