Paint advice sought

[tbonz]

I am a non-perfectionist. Keep that in mind as you answer!

I want a quick way of painting my tank. I will sand it down to 600 grit, but then I don't know how to proceed.

Questions:
Where can I get small quantities of paint?
I saw some flat olive green paint that hotrodders use. Really cool! Is custom stuff like that available in less than a gallon?
laquer? clearcoat? Which and why?
I have a compressor - should I buy a cheap gun, or use Prevals?
What type primer?

I want to keep this procedure cheap, and a one day thing if possible. I would rather spray something that doesn't require final clearcoats. Is that possible? I like the matte look a whole lot.

I don't want that nasty rattlecan look, but I am not too far from going the home depot route.

[spyug]

T,
The cheapest and easiest is a rattle can job and if done with care can turn out really nice. The downside is that they are not as durable a finish as an automotive product.

Rattle can clearcoats are not impervious to gas ( despite what they claim) and again automotive clears with special hardeners are recommended.

Using auto finishes , you can get paint that is a one step finish i.e. color and shine in one. These are urethanes and are easy to apply with HVLP guns and compressor set at 15 to 25 pounds.
The brand I have used on my last 3 projects is Omni Au (MTK) by PPG available at most auto paint stores. Typically they run about 6 times the cost of rattle cans ( around $20/40+ a pint) and require paint, hardener and thinner mixed in a 4x1x1 ratio. The paint dries ( to recoat) in a couple of hours depending on humidity.Cleanup is done with the thinner.

Now using auto finish is a bit more difficult (time consuming) than rattle can but the finish is superior. If you do a great rattle can job and spill gas on it you'll be ready to flip out ( done that). With an auto finish this won't be a problem. Wash it off with water.

My advice, find a friendly auto paint supplier and pick his brains. Often they will steer you to products and methods we don't know about and many times they will have left over paints that you might be able to get for cheap.

With either method, safety is important so you need to setup in an area with good ventilation and you need a good respirator....not those paper surgical masks. An easy to make paint booth will keep down overspray. Find the biggest carboard box you can. Open it along one seam...remove one panel if necessary. Set it up ( clamp)on a bench or table ( i use an old door on two saw horses) in a "c" shape ( i.e. 2 sides and a back). Tape a big trash bag over the top opening. Instant and portable spray booth.

Hope this helps

Have fun.
Spyug.

Forgot to mention, while some different manufacturers products can be mixed and matched it is not always a given and you can ruin a great job easily with the wrong types. Choose undercoats and paints from the same manufacturer for a better outcome.

[82bobber]

Good info spyug, and auto paint is better with its hardeners, and even the pressure used to apply the paint helps its longivity. If you do use rattle can paint (as I just did Frankenstein) get the DupliColor paint, it works real good for a spray on type, its in the auto section at Wallyworld. DupliColor makes a fill primer and it builds up the surface for sanding. Custom colors as well as, auto colors are available.

As most of the peeps in the garage will say, keep your temperature around 70 degrees f and 50% humidity for best results, and watch out for flyin' bugs, get them first ! Spraying outside is risky. I know ya gotta be that much of a perfectionist : )

[Wahoo650]

Personaly I'd rattle-can it, especially going with the flat/matte look. Then it's easy to rehit if needed later on, because scratches and gas spills happen. I spray bombed mine 5 years ago. Rustoleam metalic. Light color sanding and clear coat to deepen the shine. The few occasions I messed it up by dripping gas on it I just rubbed it out a little and a new coat of clear was all it took to make it new again. Still looks pretty good today and I don't freak out if a get a little chip or scratch in it. Did it in the environmentally controlled laundry room. Baked it in my back yard solar powered oven ;D

Matt

[EvergreenXS]

My rattle can jobs came out looking pretty darn good. I just used lots of coats to build up an even finish then about five coats of lacquer over the top. I have definitely spilled gas on the tank several times and really haven't noticed any ill effects. When it happened it turned the clear kind of hazy but water and a rag were all it took to clear that up. The best thing is that when I dropped the bike and dented the tank I really didn't do any damage financially which is the kind I can't handle now. My pride probably deserves a good beating every now and then . . .

[cautioninc]

Supposedly appliance enamel is easy, cheap, and wears good. The only problem is lack of colors.

[bighairyralph]

Many paint shops will mix a color for you and then put it in a rattle can.

[tbonz]

Thanks for all the detailed help.

Maybe I'll go rattlecan. I have my two hour window on saturday morning to decide and act, then back to daddying. Got to find one of these "auto paint stores" that sell to the public. Can't seem to google one up in my neck of the woods.

Maybe I'll rattlecan for now, in hopes of doing the real thing some time in the future.

What if I walked into a small body shop with the tank and and asked them to blast it next time they have some black loaded up?

I actually decided on a cream color, which is maybe a little British 1960's looking, but I like it a lot. Definitely don't like the original blue, or the terrible burgundy with swirly appliques that someone opted for. Yuck. Either tough as nails matte olive, or cream.

Anyone have a good link for logos and stickers? Can you rattlecan laquer over a Yamaha sticker?

[spyug]

T,
Most any sign shop can do graphics for you but be warned they will not be cheap. On the upside, they can pretty much come up with anything you can think of ( even pictures of your loved ones). Yes, they can be clearcoated once applied.

The purists among us will poo poo the computer designed graphics but if you lack the skills and can't afford custom paint than this would be the way to go. After all, the manufacturers have been doing it this way for decades.

I got "650 Tracker" done in one colour vinyl for my tank sides and it cost $30 Canadian ( say $25 US). I'm not in love with it but it looks ok and matches the painted graphics I did myself.

Pop into your local sign man and have a chat.

Cheers,
Spyug.

[tbonz]

Interesting....
I tried to remove paint using Peel Away #1, but it didn't work. Could a winter in a cold garage have ruined the gallon?

Also, detected a plasticy coat on the outside of the paint. I guess this is the clearcoat of yesteryear. Sanded through it as best I could with regular 60 grit woodworking sandpaper, and threw on more Peel away. I'll check it tomorrow and hit the paint store.

Thanks again.

Bike is maybe not restored enough to look good with too fancy a tank. That's an understatement, in fact.

[cautioninc]

I had to use a drill w/ one of the big rubberish spongey looking wheels to get the factory paint off. Took about a week in 30 minute bursts. If I'd had a corded drill it might have gone faster.

[tbonz]

Paint came right off this time. Rattle can colors are a little limited, so after some thought, and buying 3 different colors, went with Rustoleum metal flake blue. It took two cans (so far). Then I'll hit it with the clearcoat. I can't say I'm excited by the color. I've definitely seen it around a lot - on bikes, etc. Hope the decals make it look unique.

Can I clearcoat over decals?