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Want to repaint tank, but don't know how

  • Thread starter Thread starter gatecrasher
  • Start date Start date
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gatecrasher

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I ride an 81 GS850GL. This is my first motorcycle and I'm looking to repaint my tank because the one I have needs a facelift. I've never repainted bodywork before (on anything) so I need some help. WHAT DO I DO!?
 
Go to youtube and review some vids. Its not hard and the secret is in the preparation. If the tank is sanded smooth and is clean of dust and oil (always wear gloves when wiping down before paint) the paint will adhere properly and it will look good.

Any blemishes in the surface will show up under paint so take your time and do a thorough job.

Before painting (I'm asuming you will use a spray bomb) if you haven't done it before practice on some cardboard or scrap metal. The idea is to lay the paint on so it looks wet but not wet enough that it runs. If it does run, wait until it dries then sand off the run and try again.

Its not hard just take your time.

Have fun.
spyug
 
You can search here and YouTube has thousands of videos about this. The basic steps are strip, clean, prime, paint, clear, sand. The beauty part is if you mess up just start over.

What you'll get here is mostly discussion about techniques, and the creative process, with the basics already known and most people here have done it a time or 10. It is good to still search here for a sense of the "best practice" that you can actually do with what you have at home. Not everyone has air guns and spray booths. More than you think can be done with a spray can and PRACTICE. Now get to learning and don't be afraid to ask questions but make sure it's not "how do I paint my tank?". You can get farther than that on your own. Oh and POST PICTURES!!!
 
As far as paint goes, I would recommend any acrylic laquer paint followed by Spraymax 2000 clearcoat. The Spraymax is resistant to gas and goes on very nice and even...and is easy to wetsand smooth after it's dry. You can get rid of a lot of sins with very patient and persistent wetsanding of the clearcoat. Just be sure to put enough coats of it on so you don't sand through it into the color. Start with 800 grit wet/dry paper, followed by 1500 grit, then 3000 grit. Followup with a good rubbing/buffing compound (Mcguire's or 3M). You'll end up with very amazing results you would not have anticipated. Good luck with it.
 
I'm more or less stuck on the initial paint removal. I'm trying to avoid using a paint stripper (just don't want to deal with the chemicals). Is it difficult to remove a clear coat just using a pad sander? And do I need to perform wet sanding or can I just dry sand?
 
gatecrasher said:
I'm more or less stuck on the initial paint removal. I'm trying to avoid using a paint stripper (just don't want to deal with the chemicals). Is it difficult to remove a clear coat just using a pad sander? And do I need to perform wet sanding or can I just dry sand?
Click to expand...

You can remove by dry or wet sanding, but when dry sanding, you have the issue of the sandpaper clogging up on you. I would recommend wet-sanding with 320 grip if you don't want to use a stripper.
 
Use something like this on your electric drill, better than pad sander for removing clear coat. Paint stripper will still do the best job.
2EXZ6_AS01


Here is a bit of inspiration. Stripped and painted with a rattle can, not clear coated yet. 5 coats color on top of primer. Wet sanded primer and color is wet sanded with 2000 grit before pin-striping. Will be clear-coated with Spraymax 2K in the next couple weeks.
IMG_20130208_104429_345_zpsbf38a145.jpg

IMG_20130222_180046_233_zps9f2c7114.jpg
 
ddaniels said:
As far as paint goes, I would recommend any acrylic laquer paint followed by Spraymax 2000 clearcoat. The Spraymax is resistant to gas and goes on very nice and even...and is easy to wetsand smooth after it's dry. You can get rid of a lot of sins with very patient and persistent wetsanding of the clearcoat. Just be sure to put enough coats of it on so you don't sand through it into the color. Start with 800 grit wet/dry paper, followed by 1500 grit, then 3000 grit. Followup with a good rubbing/buffing compound (Mcguire's or 3M). You'll end up with very amazing results you would not have anticipated. Good luck with it.
Click to expand...


What he said.
Take your time, the spraymax is good stuff.
I did mine last year, tank, front fender, side covers, and tail. It came out decent.
Not the best picture but...
1100b.jpg
 
I know you said you dont want to go this route but I found using aircraft stripper was the easiest route overall. It doesn't stop you from having to sand but it cuts down on the amount of time you have to put into it. Yes, you'll have to wear gloves and a mask as it's pretty potent stuff but it does the job well
 
cowboyup3371 said:
I know you said you dont want to go this route but I found using aircraft stripper was the easiest route overall. It doesn't stop you from having to sand but it cuts down on the amount of time you have to put into it. Yes, you'll have to wear gloves and a mask as it's pretty potent stuff but it does the job well
Click to expand...

So, something like this? Just a real quick search and that's what turned up. I will soon have to start on the paint/dent part of my project :lol:
 
SO! After much contemplation while removing the paint from the tank, I have decided to just leave it as bare metal and to seal it with something to prevent rust. Any suggestions?
 
gatecrasher said:
SO! After much contemplation while removing the paint from the tank, I have decided to just leave it as bare metal and to seal it with something to prevent rust. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Going for the rat look now are ya?
 
gatecrasher said:
SO! After much contemplation while removing the paint from the tank, I have decided to just leave it as bare metal and to seal it with something to prevent rust. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

A good 2 part clear coat or a bunch of oil and repeat often.:rolleyes:

Why stop there? You have the hard part done. This is what can be done with a rattle can and some patience/practice.

IMG_20130306_225711_032_zpsd7ab2d05.jpg
IMG_20130306_225528_493_zps26c6cc95.jpg
 
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