Painting the tanks with 2K flat clear

[Jedz123]

Morning
So I have a GS300 I'm putting together for the NE GSR and I really want to do a decent job at sealing in my paint job. So I've always used Enamels in the past and got mixed results, generally what would happen is the inevitable drip of gas would hit the tank and mark up the enamel paint... I wanted to explore actually sealing the paint job with a 2K hardening clear coat:

Now I googled using enamels and this (which technically a acrylic) and I've read mixed results, some saying the paint orange peeled and others saying the paint worked perfect and sealed the enamel in...

I was wondering what you folks used to clear coat finish your tanks and bits. I want gas resistance which I know you can only truly get with catalyzed clear coat but to find a matching catalyzed paint in the color I want is damn near impossible.

Looking to do a matte/denim finish and have a color picked out however if the 2 paints aren't compatible I may alternate the color to get the durability I'm looking out of my paint job.

Does anyone have some advice?

Best!

[Nessism]

If your color coat is designed as a "base coat" then you should be okay since they are typically friendly to most top coat clears. If on the other hand your color coat is formulated as a top coat in itself then it's harder to say and a test would be a good idea to check compatibility.

[Jedz123]

If your color coat is designed as a "base coat" then you should be okay since they are typically friendly to most top coat clears. If on the other hand your color coat is formulated as a top coat in itself then it's harder to say and a test would be a good idea to check compatibility.

Hmm Thanks Ed!
The paints I'm looking at are base coats (mostly automotive Dupli-Color variants) which I believe are enamels.

[Nessism]

Base coats are not typically enamels. They are like lacquers which are friendly to different top coats.

[Guest]

I've used the 2K clear over many paint surfaces. From my motorcycles to model cars. I have not had an adverse reaction on anything. I've sprayed over Duplicolor, Krylon, and Rustoleum. I have not used the Eastwood brand, but I don't think that will make a difference. Since the clear "cures" as opposed to "drying" you should have good luck.

This is what I use. Never tried flat or matte finish as they are not my style.

[Jedz123]

Thanks so much for the input!

[1978GS750E]

Anyone ever used Spraymax 2K clear over decals? I bought reproduction decals off of ebay and the ad said that clear coat was optional since they had a protective film??? When I got them today, the decal has "Must be clearcoated - Contact a professional painter". Just wondering if I can use this to clear the tank once the decals are applied. Anyone done it?

[Guest]

I’ve recently used SprayMax 2k over a bunch of pinstriping and zero problems with that.

[Wingsconsin]

The thread is useless without pictures -- of the finished project -

[Jedz123]

I used the satin and I can't believe the quality of the paint job... Completely resistant to gasoline too! I spilled once and it left no marks or blemishes!


I have a GS450 system coming in and once thats on I'll be venturing out for longer rides... I have the DGR coming up and as long as the new bits come in I'll take the GS for a +200 mile jaunt!

[GS1150Pilot]

Glad this thread popped up, as I plan to use Eastwood base and clear in aerosol form to repaint the Bandit.

Jedz, any worries about burnt valves on that beast?

[eddypeck]

those pipes! ... I bet people hear you coming.

[Jedz123]

The $50 GS 450 donor bike had rotted out pipes... I have a new exhuast coming in a couple of days and my $50 GS300 will be running like a dream ! (The GS 300 has a unique head design;exhuast port; size, pitch and spacing is no where close to the 400/425/450 motor)

No burnt valves, I only have a 100 miles on it or so. It's a fun bike to putter around on. I'll be more confident in running the bike for longer runs once I get a proper exhuast on it. Made do with materials on hand!

I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a GS500 for donor for the GS300... This little bike MOVES with the VM34's, little frame and the GS450 engine. It was really even more fun to build!