Restoring 650L Side Covers

[MisterCinders]

i would let the paint dry properly for at least a few days before you start sticking masking tape on it. just my opinion

Depending on the paint, you can use tape after 24 hours. Even after a lot of drying time, I like to use lighter tack masking tape for edges. 3M has a "Delicate Surface" line of painter's tape that I have had pretty good luck using to mask off areas.

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The green auto tape is great at holding a line, but even paint that has dried for days or weeks can stick to it, especially if the area has any body filler down below the paint, primer etc. After too many divots popping out when pulling the last line of tape from a tank, I hate that green crap.

 

[exzachtly1]

Since my last reply I have applied the chrome paint, and done some sanding / polishing. I was not too aggressive with the sanding since this was my first go at it but I still noticed a pretty incredible improvement in the finish when done. I may go at it again but for now I'm very happy with it.

As for the chrome - it did not turn out as I hoped. Maybe the wrong primer? I want to reapply something but I have no idea what to use now. This was duplicolor all purpose chrome and it has just kind of been rubbing off with even just minor handling and turning a dull silver. It will pass for now but eventually I want to apply something else - maybe something I can brush on??

Anyways, here are some pics of the before and after. I may still apply some pinstriping tape. Got some gold from the auto store but just read that it is not intended for curves. Straight line only

No adhesive on these badges yet, they're just propped on there for picture time. I also want to get some in natural sunlight but it's dark out

Anyways - I hope I have done justice to these. I loved the original paint scheme but they were soooo beat up. Thinking they look better than when I started!

 

[bruin]

That's the color I have seen chrome paint turn on other stuff too. I don't have any good ideas to make it look like chrome other than actually getting it chromed. Good luck to you.

 

[Gregory]

Wow, that thread of the rattle can painting is amazing!! This thread ought to have something about spray can painting or rattle can painting in it.

 

[exzachtly1]

Wow, that thread of the rattle can painting is amazing!! This thread ought to have something about spray can painting or rattle can painting in it.

You mean the link to the Nighthawk paint job that I posted? I used the same process for my painting. It was just duplicolor rattle cans.

 

[Gregory]

Yep. Good job.

Actually I meant "spray can" in the title of this thread. But hey I found it anyway, and that is what I was curious about.

 

[exzachtly1]

Yep. Good job.

Actually I meant "spray can" in the title of this thread. But hey I found it anyway, and that is what I was curious about.

Gotcha! Yeah I'm not sure if there's a way to edit the thread title at this point.

I'll be putting the covers back on the bike shortly, will probably post here one more time when I get them back on there! Crossing my fingers for some more sunshine soon so I can get a good photo.