So I'm trying to determine which way to go about fixing my scratched up lower fairing for an 06 500f. No, I don't feel like converting it to an E version and I don't want to rattle can it. How much paint would I need to paint the lower right side fairing using a spray gun and air compressor? Would I need a 1/2 pint, 1 pint, quart of color coat? Is it the same amount of clear coat? Is an HVLP gun necessary or is any kind of paint sprayer capable of producing a good finish? I guess the type of gun will determine the size of the air compressor and tank. Just considering my options.

For all the trouble of painting the fairing you would probally come out cheaper buying the fairing from www.oneidasuzuki.com .  It comes pre-painted all you have todo is buy the decals and stick them on the fairing.

I'm also considering that option. I checked the prices and the RH fairing cost ~$150 and the full set of decals cost ~$130. For that price, I might be able to get a compressor and spray gun that I can use again. I don't mind doing the work and learning how to paint.

Quote from: wever411 on December 01, 2006, 10:21:09 AM
For that price, I might be able to get a compressor and spray gun that I can use again.

Not a chance.  A decent gun is at least $50, and that's for the ultra-low-end Harbor Freight model.  A compressor with enough oomph to run a sprayer (especially a HVLP unit) will run you $400+.  Don't forget about the lines, moisture traps, connectors, wiring hassles, etc; and that's before you ever spray one drop. 

A good compressor is great to have and has hundreds of uses.  It's definitely not going to be cheaper than just replacing the fairing though.

I never thought that it would be cheaper than just replacing the fairing. I just wanted to use the money towards tools I could use again rather than another piece of plastic and stickers that would be wasted. You're right about the price of new compressors and good point about the other items needed. But I was thinking I might find something used that somebody was getting rid of. That's why I said MIGHT in my post.

Quote from: Mandres on December 01, 2006, 11:33:05 AM
Harbor Freight

*shivers*

pint will probably be the min you can buy.  Have you considered getting an automotive grade paint in a can.  There are many places that will do that for you.  You can choose whatever color you want and they will put it in a can for you.  The online scratch repair places will do it too.  OR did you consider covering the scratch with a large solid piece of vinyl graphic material.   most sign shops will sell it to you by the foot.  That's an ultra quick fix and very durable.  Also if you hate,  just remove it..

Regards
Graham

Quote from: OctaneMotorsports on December 01, 2006, 12:23:07 PM

Quote from: Mandres on December 01, 2006, 11:33:05 AM
Harbor Freight

*shivers*

I bought a gun from habor freight for 7 dollars.  It has sprayed a couple different bikes and works great.  Nothing to worry about.  You dont need an expensive gun for a good paint job.  Just do everything right and dont rush it.

If your in no rush wait Oneida will have them on sale again I got the whole left with decals for $125.00.

 
I use HVLP, mines a GRACO but suppose any that gives about 8psi with approx 36ltr air a minute should be ok. Paint wise, well you need to think how many coats you will apply and at what microns depth. I recon about 40 microns per coat, seven coats of colour (3 base) and four top/seal. If you are going to candy flip it then you will need 4 top pearl too

to do the entire bike you only need .5 ltr of each and 2 ltr of fast flash thinners however, I do recoment you use a two pack top laqure as this cures extra hard and resilient to most things except a drop/ slide/ crunch

Quote from: fourqbt on December 03, 2006, 08:52:01 AM

Paint wise, well you need to think how many coats you will apply and at what microns depth. I recon about 40 microns per coat

How do you control that?  Is it a function of how quickly you move the gun over the surface?  How do you gauge the thickness of a coat?