Painting my gas tank myself

[helmutholderbenz]

Hi, Iv'e bought a new gas tank for my bike. The thing looks awful but has no dents. I don't have the money to get a professional paint job so I'm wondering what can I paint it with that wont get all messed up with gas spillage. Thanks for anyones advice..... Helmut

[Nessism]

http://usa.spraymax.com/index.php?id=796

[helmutholderbenz]

Thanks Ed, I messaged them and asked for more info. looks like a real good product!!!

[WilliamK]

Here is a good source for the Spraymax colors. About $25 a can and only basic colors plus primers and clears. Would be good enough for me.

http://www.66autocolor.com/spraymax-1k-2k-aerosol-auto-paints-s/293.htm

[tkent02]

You can use regular rattle can paint and use the Spraymax to cover it to save money.

[Tylermaslanik]

sand the crap out of it up to 220 or 320 grit. prime with a self etching primer. finish with a high heat engine enamel. shouldn't need more then a can of each. if you want to get really lazy you dont even really have to remove the tank. just tape off the areas. you dont really have to buy expensive automotive paints. the engine enamels hold up great.

[Nessism]

sand the crap out of it up to 220 or 320 grit. prime with a self etching primer. finish with a high heat engine enamel. shouldn't need more then a can of each. if you want to get really lazy you dont even really have to remove the tank. just tape off the areas. you dont really have to buy expensive automotive paints. the engine enamels hold up great.

Remind me to never buy a bike from you!

[JJ]

sand the crap out of it up to 220 or 320 grit. prime with a self etching primer. finish with a high heat engine enamel. shouldn't need more then a can of each. if you want to get really lazy you dont even really have to remove the tank. just tape off the areas. you dont really have to buy expensive automotive paints. the engine enamels hold up great.

Perhaps he wants to do a GOOD job, not a half-fast one.

[Grimly]

There's fancy and expensive, then there's Yacht Enamel.
Works great for me.

[tkent02]

There's fancy and expensive, then there's Yacht Enamel.
Works great for me.

What can you tell us about it?

[Tylermaslanik]

Lmao you guys serious? Sand prime paint. What else is there to painting? He said he wanted an inexpensive paint job. I've painted cars and bikes in booths with professional equipment and out with rattle cans. Prep is key.

[Grimly]

What can you tell us about it?

It's flexible, tough as hell, it lasts for years and it goes on easily.

[Fjbj40]

There's fancy and expensive, then there's Yacht Enamel.
Works great for me.

I have used this marine product on boats and it is what I paint my frame and wheels with on my bikes. If you pay attention to the instructions and watch some videos it can come out as smooth as a spray job, especially the light colors. And yes, it is as tough as any paint can possibly be.

materials to do the body work on a bike would be under $150, this is primer, sandpaper, rollers, reducers and paint. A quart kit would probably be enough to do 3 body sets.

This of course is if you don't mind a non factory color.

http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/diy/products/finishes/perfection.aspx

[alke46]

Sounds good but is it for use with spray gun and compressor? I think that's what the OP is trying to avoid.

[Grimly]

Sounds good but is it for use with spray gun and compressor? I think that's what the OP is trying to avoid.

Brush results are good. If flows out and leaves no marks like very few other paints I've seen.