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Adventures in motorcycle painting.
- Thread starter Nerobro
- Start date
Nerobro
Forum Mentor
Oh, to strip a motorcycle. How about a play by play?
Buy chemical stripper, gloves, brushes, and a bucket. Do it like we did, and do it outside, or else get yourself some serious resperaitors.
First off, As we discovered. Chemical stripper does NOT cut through chain grease. Here I thought I could get away without really cleaning the bike that well before stripping. Boy I was wrong.
Obviously one application of stripper doesn't quite cut it. Most parts of the bike got stripper four times. This ends up to our advantage later. Sorta.
As you can see there are still gobs of crud where chain lube built up on the swingarm and centerstand. it's worse on the frame. What we thought were welds were really twenty four years of gunk.
We did find something to help with that. A scraper.... can anyone guess where this came from?
Stripping the frame turned out to be fun. The chemical stripper ate at the crap paint that the previous owner put on the bike like it was an open buffet.
I had originally thought that maybe the doo-doo brown was the factory color. Due to the stripper not removing all the paint all at once, we did get to see some glimpses of the frames former glory.
Another two applications of stripper later. Some scraping. And a lot of diligence on skreemer's part, we finally got down to bare metal on most of the frame.
Kinda pretty. That's the greatest amount of bare mild steel I have seen in a long time. It would appear that the frame has been repaired in some spots. But maybe those are factory. I will need to compare those welded circles to the bikes in the garage later.
The tank needed to be stripped too. This tank didn't come with the bike.. seeing it's good shape should say something to those who were at my wreck. This tank came off of one of my parts bikes. And I knew nothing of it's history.
It would appear the tank has been kreemed. A good thing. While some of the paint is bubbling, we found the tank to be extrodianarily resistant to attempts at using chemical stripper. Suprizes follow...
It would appear that the tank has had some work done to it in the past. The paint that we thought was factory is.. obviously, not. The last owner of this tank certianly loved his ride. There's a lot of work on this tank, to say the least.
Removing the paint from the tank was a series of repeated paintings with stripper, then scraping the softened paint off. Now the tank is down to the soft skim coat that the previous owner put on it. I will be sanding that down before priming.
I bought rust colored primer, versus the black primer that is going on the rest of the bike so I can tell when I have oversanded the tank. The frame of the bike I would prefer not to show any errors ;-)
Before the day was out I took the time to prime the bits of the bike that we had stripped. We used laquor thinner to wash off the residue of stripper.
You can see the frame, swingarm, and in the back, the headstock in this picture.
A closer look at that tripple tree top mount.
A few lessons were learned in all of this. Chemical stripper needs to be laid on THICK. Be sure to let it stay on for at least a few minutes. If not the full fifteen. Chemical sttripper will also cause instant burns on whatever flesh it lands on. Skreemer, despite wearing glasses almost got some in his eye. And did get some on his arm as well. BE CAREFULL with that stuff.
Also, primer takes a few layers to really mask what it's covering. I think the frame will need another layer or two of primer before the frame is ready for paint. at least now it won't rust.
We used a quart of stripper. Destroyed two paintbrushes. Threw out the bucket and gloves we used. And used two cans of black primer.
Buy chemical stripper, gloves, brushes, and a bucket. Do it like we did, and do it outside, or else get yourself some serious resperaitors.
First off, As we discovered. Chemical stripper does NOT cut through chain grease. Here I thought I could get away without really cleaning the bike that well before stripping. Boy I was wrong.
Obviously one application of stripper doesn't quite cut it. Most parts of the bike got stripper four times. This ends up to our advantage later. Sorta.
As you can see there are still gobs of crud where chain lube built up on the swingarm and centerstand. it's worse on the frame. What we thought were welds were really twenty four years of gunk.
We did find something to help with that. A scraper.... can anyone guess where this came from?
Stripping the frame turned out to be fun. The chemical stripper ate at the crap paint that the previous owner put on the bike like it was an open buffet.
I had originally thought that maybe the doo-doo brown was the factory color. Due to the stripper not removing all the paint all at once, we did get to see some glimpses of the frames former glory.
Another two applications of stripper later. Some scraping. And a lot of diligence on skreemer's part, we finally got down to bare metal on most of the frame.
Kinda pretty. That's the greatest amount of bare mild steel I have seen in a long time. It would appear that the frame has been repaired in some spots. But maybe those are factory. I will need to compare those welded circles to the bikes in the garage later.
The tank needed to be stripped too. This tank didn't come with the bike.. seeing it's good shape should say something to those who were at my wreck. This tank came off of one of my parts bikes. And I knew nothing of it's history.
It would appear the tank has been kreemed. A good thing. While some of the paint is bubbling, we found the tank to be extrodianarily resistant to attempts at using chemical stripper. Suprizes follow...
It would appear that the tank has had some work done to it in the past. The paint that we thought was factory is.. obviously, not. The last owner of this tank certianly loved his ride. There's a lot of work on this tank, to say the least.
Removing the paint from the tank was a series of repeated paintings with stripper, then scraping the softened paint off. Now the tank is down to the soft skim coat that the previous owner put on it. I will be sanding that down before priming.
I bought rust colored primer, versus the black primer that is going on the rest of the bike so I can tell when I have oversanded the tank. The frame of the bike I would prefer not to show any errors ;-)
Before the day was out I took the time to prime the bits of the bike that we had stripped. We used laquor thinner to wash off the residue of stripper.
You can see the frame, swingarm, and in the back, the headstock in this picture.
A closer look at that tripple tree top mount.
A few lessons were learned in all of this. Chemical stripper needs to be laid on THICK. Be sure to let it stay on for at least a few minutes. If not the full fifteen. Chemical sttripper will also cause instant burns on whatever flesh it lands on. Skreemer, despite wearing glasses almost got some in his eye. And did get some on his arm as well. BE CAREFULL with that stuff.
Also, primer takes a few layers to really mask what it's covering. I think the frame will need another layer or two of primer before the frame is ready for paint. at least now it won't rust.
We used a quart of stripper. Destroyed two paintbrushes. Threw out the bucket and gloves we used. And used two cans of black primer.
8
80gs1000e
Guest
Looking good fellas. Are you going to grind out the old bondo? I would while you're there, especially if you glopped stripper all over it already. Bondo doesn't like chemical stripper and if you just sand and repaint....it'll come back to haunt you possibly. Try some of those spongy hard grinding wheel drill attachments to get off any residual paint, stripper, bondo and mess off. They will cut through anything with the quickness and save a ton of time. Can't wait to see it all done up!
S
skreemer
Guest
It was a ton of work, though now I understand why folks use power tools any chance they get while doing this sort of work.
I gotta be more careful as well. While shaking some excess off of the paint brush two droplets got on my right forearm and not quite at a two count started burning like mad. A ton of cold water took care of it and I went and grabbed a long over shirt. A little while later while "unpainting" the frame I moved too quickly and the brush flicked. I got a speck on my right cheek and a drop got me right above the right eyetouching the top of my eyebrow. YEOWZA... more cold water. This time I got my pair of racquet ball goggles out. The fumes alone from the paint stripper permanently "fogged" the front of the lense.
In the future, more power tools and better/more protection.
I gotta be more careful as well. While shaking some excess off of the paint brush two droplets got on my right forearm and not quite at a two count started burning like mad. A ton of cold water took care of it and I went and grabbed a long over shirt. A little while later while "unpainting" the frame I moved too quickly and the brush flicked. I got a speck on my right cheek and a drop got me right above the right eyetouching the top of my eyebrow. YEOWZA... more cold water. This time I got my pair of racquet ball goggles out. The fumes alone from the paint stripper permanently "fogged" the front of the lense.
In the future, more power tools and better/more protection.
first timer
Forum Sage
angle grinder with course wire brush fitting or better yet sand blaster.
been there guys i know your pain.
-ryan
been there guys i know your pain.
-ryan
Yeah,, scrub the frame down with comet, a stiff bristle brush and hose it off.
6" brass wire wheel on a variable speed drill and including washing and wire wheel stripping, you can have the frame down to bare metal in about 1 1/2 hours.
For a gas tank, I start with #80 grit on a pad sander. That usually cuts through the paint quickly.
I hate fumes and caustic chemicals.
Earl
6" brass wire wheel on a variable speed drill and including washing and wire wheel stripping, you can have the frame down to bare metal in about 1 1/2 hours.
For a gas tank, I start with #80 grit on a pad sander. That usually cuts through the paint quickly.
I hate fumes and caustic chemicals.
Earl
first timer said:
8
80gs1000e
Guest
so............... how did it turn out? :-k
first timer
Forum Sage
make sure to wash the frame in some acid maybe rub it down with some vinigar before you paint it, acording to por 15 directions for a gas tank
paint likes a high ph so it may help your paint stick better.
and don't use rust-o-leulm primer bahhh
-ryan
paint likes a high ph so it may help your paint stick better.
and don't use rust-o-leulm primer bahhh
-ryan
A
Anonymous
Guest
WOW,
top effort buddy, you sure got a lot done in a day !!!
Can't wait to see the finals !!
Got a question for you............
How in blue blazers did you put the pix in the post.
I got some to put in another string but I ( computer illiterate me ) don't know how. I did see some directions in another string but it leads you to another website !!..You got yours rite on here..so .. if you wouldn't mind resting from the project and advising me, I'd be mighty appreciative good buddy.
Either way, keep up the elbow work, looks like you'll do a fine job.
Stay upright
top effort buddy, you sure got a lot done in a day !!!
Can't wait to see the finals !!
Got a question for you............
How in blue blazers did you put the pix in the post.
I got some to put in another string but I ( computer illiterate me ) don't know how. I did see some directions in another string but it leads you to another website !!..You got yours rite on here..so .. if you wouldn't mind resting from the project and advising me, I'd be mighty appreciative good buddy.
Either way, keep up the elbow work, looks like you'll do a fine job.
Stay upright
D
DMPLATT
Guest
I use photobucket.com. They have a free subscrip.
I also use Mihov image resizer. Was recommended to me from someone on GSR. Works great.
I also use Mihov image resizer. Was recommended to me from someone on GSR. Works great.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Looks good man. What kind of stripper did you use? Just a few tips for future reference. On cars I've always used aircraft stripper. Rarely have I ever had to use a second application. Magic, that stuff is. I've used wire wheels, but seems kinda slow to me. A grinder with 40 grit will work good on flat surfaces as long as you don't stay in one place too long (heat warping). The last tank I stripped was a 78 Kawa. Just used a laquer thinner soaked rag (factory paint was laquer based). Cheap, effective, and fast. Oh, was that primer self etching? If not, it may not last as long as you'd like.
P
Planecrazy
Guest
Don't forget, Chicago boys, Joe Nardy is in possession of a brand new paint gun I bought at HF, and he already offered the use of his garage. We will, of course, have to pick up some plastic sheet to create a "painting room" in it (and it would be nice if others chipped in on the cost of the gun -- which was only $25), but it should be a great opportunity to test/practice with a decent paint gun. Let me know if you guys are going to try it and I'll try to make it out there for the "festivities."
Depending on when this baby comes I may have several opportunities or none at all. Keep me apprised!
Good job so far!!
Steve 8)
Depending on when this baby comes I may have several opportunities or none at all. Keep me apprised!
Good job so far!!
Steve 8)
Nerobro
Forum Mentor
Yesterdays progress.
Yesterdays progress.
Yesterday I progessed another step on paint.
The first thing I did was the swingarm and centerstand.
And then came the frame. The swingarm and frame were done in the shadows behind the house. I later discovered that the end of our driveway gets sun.
Both the swingarm and frame will need some sanding to make them perfect. At least the visable bits are nice and glossy now. I may just leave the frame as is. But the swingarm will definitely be seeing the 500grit...
The first bit I painted out at the end of the driveway was the tail peice. Lemmie tell ya, removing the decals was a pain. I tried several things. Eventually settling on a sander to grind through the decals.
Remember that chrome front fender? It ain't so chrome anymore.
Well, it was chrome still, just very very scuffed up chrome. After sanding, and priming I found my fender isn't so pristine. I will need to either get some body filler, or abuse my high build primer to smooth it out a little.
And I put some gloss on the headstock.
I did also prime and paint my headlight bucket. But I didn't get pictures of it. And I need to sand it. it got some runs...
Now the tank. THAT was an adventure.
Not so pretty eh? Lots of bondo. Some paint left intentionally. So I used high build primer. This tank will be primered, and sanded a few times ;-) Though I think there's a dent or two that the primer won't handle.
How do you like my runs?
On an added note. Skreemer and I found that my rear wheel wasn't ACTUALLY black!
The wheel was done two weeks ago I think. Skreemer and I found out just how effective laquor thinner is at cleaning up chain and road grime from a bike.
So, now I have a painted frame. I can start putting it all back togother now.
What's left? Priming the Headlight ears, redoing the headlight bucket, patching and painting the sidepannels, and sanding, priming, and painting my gas door. Sanding and re-priming, and painting my fender, tank, and tail.
And eventually, I want to repaint my engine. Some flat black, high temp black paint. *drools* But I have to go pick up some engine parts before I do that. I don't want to have to redo my engine. Again...
Yesterdays progress.
Yesterday I progessed another step on paint.
The first thing I did was the swingarm and centerstand.
And then came the frame. The swingarm and frame were done in the shadows behind the house. I later discovered that the end of our driveway gets sun.
Both the swingarm and frame will need some sanding to make them perfect. At least the visable bits are nice and glossy now. I may just leave the frame as is. But the swingarm will definitely be seeing the 500grit...
The first bit I painted out at the end of the driveway was the tail peice. Lemmie tell ya, removing the decals was a pain. I tried several things. Eventually settling on a sander to grind through the decals.
Remember that chrome front fender? It ain't so chrome anymore.
Well, it was chrome still, just very very scuffed up chrome. After sanding, and priming I found my fender isn't so pristine. I will need to either get some body filler, or abuse my high build primer to smooth it out a little.
And I put some gloss on the headstock.
I did also prime and paint my headlight bucket. But I didn't get pictures of it. And I need to sand it. it got some runs...
Now the tank. THAT was an adventure.
Not so pretty eh? Lots of bondo. Some paint left intentionally. So I used high build primer. This tank will be primered, and sanded a few times ;-) Though I think there's a dent or two that the primer won't handle.
How do you like my runs?
On an added note. Skreemer and I found that my rear wheel wasn't ACTUALLY black!
The wheel was done two weeks ago I think. Skreemer and I found out just how effective laquor thinner is at cleaning up chain and road grime from a bike.
So, now I have a painted frame. I can start putting it all back togother now.
What's left? Priming the Headlight ears, redoing the headlight bucket, patching and painting the sidepannels, and sanding, priming, and painting my gas door. Sanding and re-priming, and painting my fender, tank, and tail.
And eventually, I want to repaint my engine. Some flat black, high temp black paint. *drools* But I have to go pick up some engine parts before I do that. I don't want to have to redo my engine. Again...
