G'day guys,
I'm about to repaint the GS500 2003 next weekend, thinking matte black. She's blue and grey at the moment, much like the stock image below but with some rust, including some on the chrome which I would also like to clean up somehow.



I've read a few posts and the tips like to lift the engine up with a floor jack and rotate 90 degrees counter-clockwise to wiggle the engine out without removing any covers, and to take a tonne of pics while disassembling.

I maaay paint the calipers. Might look tacky, I can't tell yet. Blue to match?

Anyhow, I'd appreciate any and all tips including the best type of paint and application method that you guys might have. I just bought the Haynes GS twins book the other day too.

Cheers!
d

It just depends how much you want to spend. If you have the money have it professionally done, seeing as that bike will take no paint at all you could probably work a good deal at a shop with some left over paint.

if you are wanted to do it yourself my only recommendation is be sure to use a polyurethane clear coat, otherwise elements like gas and what not will ruin the paint for good. As for color, you are repainting, get some test strips and just choose what you like best of course

Thanks! Flatraccon's repaint looks sweet.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=59011.msg672518#msg672518

I'll need to look into the types of paint I'll need for the frame, plastics and the tank though. Any ideas? Hopefully it's something I can do myself.

Are you wanting to do like spray paint? or are you going to have it done with professional paint? I guess I need to know since you are doing it yourself, if you use spray I recommend an engine type enamel paint for the frame as it will withstand the most abuse from heat, gas, etc. For the gas tank you can paint with whatever, just be sure to use a polyurethane clear coat, otherwise if you drop gas on it while filling up you will destroy the paint. You'll want to clear coat any other piece probably at least 3 times. Otherwise you will see damage due to elements(weathering). Rustoleum is my favorite spray can. You'll want to lay down either a nice base or primer too otherwise the wet paint will run and not stick well. Only one coat of primer is needed usually. Then about 3-6 base coats and about 3-6 clear. This is all preference based too. If you like the way it looks then keep it that way. Also if you want a more matte look selecting a matte paint will help and then using a clear coat that doesn't gloss, but just protects. 

Thanks Mathias, appreciate it. I intend to just do the frame and header pipes, not the tank (changed my mind on the white colour scheme). I've got a couple of spray cans of dupla matte black for the frame and high temp engine paint for the headers. Sounds like I need clear coat for the frames? I was going for matte and though clear coat was if you wanted it gloss. Thanks for the tips!
dp

If you want shiny you can get ultra gloss 2k max clear coat. Best aerosol can clear coat you can buy! It is great. Done 2 paint jobs with it and swear by it.

I recommend you get actual header paint not engine enamel. The header pipes get ridiculous hot and generally need actually header paint. They make it and you can get at autozone. The matte black is fine, just get a matte clear coat when you are done, and be sure to do all the appropriate prep work. I just repainted my bike to a gloss black with metallic flaking and I have to say, it looks beastly.