Paint stripping question for plastic piece side covers

[Guest]

Recently got a GS650 and the side covers are layered in paint. Looks like some brush work LOL I am decent with prep on metal items but how exactly do you remove the paint without damaging the cover themselves?

[SVSooke]

Short answer is break out the sandpaper.Chemicals that will remove paint will make a plastic glop out of the side cover.I haven't tried to media blast plastic but I can see that going bad quickly.

[chuck hahn]

Plastic safe paint remover..its at Orielleys for sure and probably any reputable supply house. Cant say as if it leaves any residue behind that would effect the paint as I have never used it. Just know it exists.

[Joe Garfield]

Editing Post: After learning more about ABS plastic and the Aircraft Paint Strippers, I would not make a recommendation to use it. Acetone is used to melt/bond ABS together so obviously it will cause a permanent change to the plastic if it makes its way to the surface of the plastic. I'm not saying it can't be used but you would be using it at your own risk, so definitely test first if posible.

Original:
There are chemical paint strippers that will remove paint but not harm certain plastics. Usually they say Fiberglass Paint Remover. "Aircraft Fiberglass Paint Remover" is one, available at automotive stores that supply paint and and bodywork materials. I have used this on composite model airplanes (0.5mm balsa laminated with 2oz fiberglass cloth and epoxy and painted with automotive paint). I have not used it on a motorcycle cover so I recommend testing in an inconspicuous area.

Here is a link:

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/KLN3/AF3541/N0483.oap?ck=Search_N0483_-1_-1&pt=N0483&ppt=C0171

The best thing for paint prep (final cleaning product) is PPG DX330 - 'Acryli-Clean'. It is a wax and grease remover that works great on plastics. You apply it by wiping on in one direction with a clean cloth damp with product (or spraying in a hand-held sprayer/mister), then wipe it off with a clean cloth again in one direction, using a clean side or new cloth with each wipe. The DX330 will 'float' chemicals to the surface where they can be easily absorbed into the cloth and wiped away. By using a fresh cloth or fresh side of the cloth you ensure you won't be spreading contaminants around. The cover is small so you can really do it with the front and back of one rag per cover. Use this as your final step, after washing and rinsing the surface to be painted. It is the best defense against fish eyes and other blemishes caused by contaminants.

[Nessism]

There are chemical paint strippers that will remove paint but not harm certain plastics. Usually they say Fiberglass Paint Remover. "Aircraft Fiberglass Paint Remover" is one, available at automotive stores that supply paint and and bodywork materials. I have used this on composite model airplanes (0.5mm balsa laminated with 2oz fiberglass cloth and epoxy and painted with automotive paint). I have not used it on a motorcycle cover so I recommend testing in an inconspicuous area.

Here is a link:

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/KLN3/AF3541/N0483.oap?ck=Search_N0483_-1_-1&pt=N0483&ppt=C0171

From the label..."Contains Acetone, Methanol, Methylene Chloride, and Toluene."

Risky to use on an ABS side cover. I'd test on a small area before use.

[cyclepat650]

I was worried about sanding and getting too hot, might melt with the chemicals as well. I'll start with some paper and see how it goes.

[Joe Garfield]

From the label..."Contains Acetone, Methanol, Methylene Chloride, and Toluene."

Risky to use on an ABS side cover. I'd test on a small area before use.

That is a good point - prolonged exposure with ABS might cause some damage. You could probably get away with using a rag damp with aircraft stripper followed by a rinse.

But re-thinking this, the need here is just to smooth and prep the surface - if it doesn't have to be paint free I'd probably avoid the chemicals.

[chuck hahn]

Good point Joe. I too am gonna face the side covers and tail piece on my 76 KZ650 project. The paint is done in 3 stages..silver metal flake base,candy red, and then candy clear.

What ive been wondering is this..can I scuff it real nice and apply fresh silver over the old red or does it require to be down to bare plastic again??

[SVSooke]

I'd be VERY careful about leaving any paint underneath.My 85 750's new paint has developed warts on some bits from a paint reaction I'm guessing.Looking at another strip down and repaint.

Not a small job on the EF

[chuck hahn]

Point noted. May do the "plastic safe" stripper and the wax and grease remover treatment as mentioned in an above post. Not a nick in them but the old paints the underlying issue here for me.

[JTGS850GL]

I use a random orbital sander with 100 Grit sandpaper. Once you have the paint off you can use 220 block sanded. Just go easy with the orbital sander along sharp edges.

[Joe Garfield]

After learning more about ABS and acetone I felt the need to update my first response to this thread. I have copied it here:

Editing Post: After learning more about ABS plastic and the Aircraft Paint Strippers, I would not make a recommendation to use it. Acetone is used to melt/bond ABS together so obviously it will cause a permanent change to the plastic if it makes its way to the surface of the plastic. I'm not saying it can't be used but you would be using it at your own risk, so definitely test first if posible.