Wondering if anyone has painted their bike?

I'd like to change my bike a bit. I don't really know all the tools I need to do a good paint job, but they would probably make it worth it to take it to a shop. I was just curious, and what better place to ask than a motorcycle forum?

Has anyone here ever painted their bike, and did it turn out like you hoped? I don't mean any fancy custom painting with a snake filled skull that has flames every where. Just a color change.

Has anyone here ever painted a helmet, and did it turn out like you had hoped?
I know my father painted one once a long time ago when I was very young, and I can actually remember what it looked like, and he hand drew everything on it. It had an angry moon on one side, and an angry sun on the other. I'd like to do away with my plain black helmet, and create something a little more flashy, make it more personal.

 

Jenkins:

I have some paint experience and it can get pretty involved depending upon the products used. And it can turn out like crap if you cut corners too!

But here is a cheap way to paint and it can actually turn out decent.

Clean all plastic that will be painted with a good dish soap and water. Rinse throughly and dry.

Remove all stickers/ decals and remove sticker residue with a sticker residue removal cleaner LOL! Can't think of the name but its at AutoZone, Etc.

Wet sand clean plastic with 220 and 600 grit wet/dry sand paper. Then rinse the sand residue off with water and dry the panels.

When dry, wipe the panels off with "Paint Prep" cleaner and a soft cotton rag that does not shed lint.

Now time to paint!

Go to Autozone (or any autoparts store), pick your color(s)

And spray away!

I suggest getting an extra can and practice a little on something you don't care about (cardboard box) to get a feel for how the product goes on and make sure you pick up a Clear Coat that is compatible with the base color. Should say so on the cans if they work together.

If you go this route Jenkins keep me posted and I'll give you some additional pointers on sanding between clear coats, etc. Some of the spray cans out there are pretty decent. They might cost 8-10 bucks but they work.

Also, look up the "Eastwood" cataloge. They sell paint products and equipment.

BZ

 

Rhino liner the plastics!!!

 

I was thinking of doing that! lol it would ad alot of weight though.

Jenkins an easy way to do the helmet is to find someone with a vynal cutter to make you some graffics that you can just stick on. You can always peal them off and redo it if you want something different. They are pretty cheap usually.

 

Here are some How-To links:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/harley_paintin.htm
http://www.thegsresources.com/garage/gs_repaint.htm

 

I rattle can painted the NSR in my avitar and have a friend with a hplv gun shoot automotive clear on it when I was done. I tured out really nice and only cost about $150
I used Dupli-color paint

 

Ok. Well thanks for the advice. I might not paint my bike, but I think I might buy an old helmet for cheap somewhere, sand it down, and do a custom paint job. If I do, I'll post pictures whether or not it sucks.

 

i heard from a freind that you can paint flat black and throw a semi-gloss clear on top to seal the paint and give it the smooth matte finish that i think is pretty hot, anyone heard anything about that?

 

Just a note on the helmets, not all helmets can be painted. Chemical reaction thing, HJC's I know can be as they are painted w/ automotive paint from the get go. Make sure to check w/ the manufacture of the helmet.

Been meaning to ask since the first time you posted, whats the story behind the avatar?

 

I painted my '82 Yamaha with rattle can paint and HPLV clearcoat. Worked out really nice, just increase the grit you're wet sanding with between coats. If you're shooting a metallic, don't color sand with anything less than 800 grit, or you'll see the scratches. The lighter the metallic, the more noticeable this is.

I actually sprayed the final coat of clear on the tank, and after letting it sit for about a week to cure, started wet sanding it. Once the 2500 grit had been completed, I was able to bring it to a high shine with some rubbing compound/polish, then a high quality wax. Didn't need any more clearcoat after that.

No orange peel, either.