A custom motorcycle paint job is a great way to give your bike a unique look.You can cut down on labor costs and have more control over the personal touches if you do it yourself.It can be a lot of fun to paint a motorcycle.This article will show you how to prepare and paint your bike, as well as how you can protect the area in which you're working from paint damage.
Step 1: There is a large area where you can make a mess.
There are steps you can take to protect this area, but don't create a paint booth there because it will be a big problem.The best option would be a garage or storage area.
Step 2: Plastic sheets are used to protect the walls.
You can buy plastic sheeting at any home improvement store.Make sure you buy enough to protect the whole area.Use thumbtacks or a hammer and nails to hang the sheeting.The bottom of the sheet should be secured with masking tape.The sheets will not allow paint to stain the wall.
Step 3: The fan should be set up with a variable speed.
You don't want to inhale a lot of fumes if you place it somewhere where it will blow fumes out of the room.
Step 4: Additional lighting should be set up.
Extra lights are placed in the area where you will be working to make sure you can see what you are doing.Side table lamps and desk lamps can be placed on a flat, elevated surface, as well as the floor lamps.Adding reflective materials to the walls can increase the room's brightness.
Step 5: Set aside the parts of the bike you plan to paint.
The same basic method should be applied to all bike pieces.If you are new to painting motorcycles, the tank is a great place to start because it is easy to remove and has broad, flat surfaces.Check the size of the allen wrench you need to remove the bolts.Lift the tank off the frame by removing the bolts holding it in place.Set it aside.Store the bolts in a plastic baggie.
Step 6: Sand the surface you want to paint.
It will take some time and elbow grease, but it is an important step.Nobody wants an ugly coat of paint on their bike if the surface is not perfectly smooth.You can buy sandpaper at any hardware store or home improvement store.Rub the metal surface with a circular motion until you remove the old paint.By the end of the process, you should be bare metal.If you want to prevent fatigue and soreness, switch back and forth between arms.If you need one, take a break.There is no need to finish this project in one sitting.
Step 7: Remove the newly-sanded surface.
Dust or particles can be found on the surface.A clean canvas is what you want to work with.
Step 8: The newly sanded surface needs to be smoothed over with a layer of body filler.
This will make it easier to level a surface.O'Reilly's, Auto Zone, and many home improvement stores sell body filler.Make sure the mixture is loose and not clumpy when applied.It is easy to repeat the process in small batches.It should be applied in a layer of about 1/6” thick.
Step 9: Re-sand the surface after the body has dried.
You should wait about an hour to make sure the surface is dry and ready for a second sanding.If you don't think the surface is smooth enough to be painted, apply another layer of body filler and sand it down again.Paint your bike when you are satisfied with the smoothness of the surface.
Step 10: Two coats of primer is required.
This will help protect the metal against the elements.To figure out which hardener you should mix with, follow the instructions on the packaging.At the automotive store, you can buy the hardener at the same time.Always follow the specific instructions when using these products because they can vary greatly in their treatment needs.The primer should be mixed with the hardener.Put the solution in the spray gun can.Allow the bike to dry after applying one coat evenly.The recommended drying times for the primer are on the packaging.When using a spray gun, make sure to move the spray slowly and evenly across the surface.
Step 11: Once the second coat has dried, lightly sand the primed surface.
If you want to smooth the bike back down to a level surface, you should use a primer that leaves a powdery texture.There is a 2000-grit wet-and-dry sandpaper.
Step 12: To clean the surface, use a rag that has been lightly wetted with thinner.
Don't use too much thinner to strip the primer, just enough to wipe down the sanded surface.
Step 13: The spray gun needs to be cleaned.
You don't want the primer to mix with the paint.
Step 14: The paint should be mixed with the thinner.
If you buy a specific product, use the ratio recommended by the packaging.You want to make sure the products are mixed well.This will ensure a smooth coat on your motorcycle.
Step 15: You can use the spray gun to apply paint to a motorcycle.
Sand down the bike before applying the final layer.Use the recommended drying times on the paint packaging to let each layer dry.Sand the surface again with 2000-grit wet-and-dry sandpaper after the third layer of paint has dried.In preparation for the final coat of paint, you want the surface to be smooth.After sanding, wipe the surface down with a rag.Let the paint dry before applying the final coat.After applying your final coat of paint, clean the spray gun thoroughly.
Step 16: To protect your paint job from the elements, apply two coats of clearcoat lacquer.
If you follow the recommendations on the lacquer packaging, you should be able to cure it before applying the second coat.After the second coat of lacquer has cured, you will be satisfied with the final product.If there are still inconsistencies, sand it again and then apply a coat of clearcoat lacquer.