QuestionQUESTION: hi gary.... I am going to try and paint my harley davidson and i have never painted anything before although i have been around where it was done to some degree. could you please tell me how much 2-stage paint i would need to paint the fuel tank, both fenders, both saddle bags,side covers, and possibly the frame?? Since i am really not sure the proper procedure could you please tell me in detail how i need to go about it step by step. I realize this is a lot to ask so if you dont have the time i will understand. Any help on this will be appreciated tho....thank you for your time.....Randall
ANSWER: Hi Randall,
Depends on the type of paint and the color you will be using. Typically a quart of paint will do all you will need to do but it's hard to know for sure because some paint qualities and brands cover better than others.
As for procedure, That will depend on the type of system (Base-coat / Clear-coat, Acrylic Enamel, Acrylic Urethane, Lacquer, etc....) you will be using and the condition your bike is in now. Can you give me some more details and I'll give you some pointers on how to proceed.
Gary
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QUESTION: Hi Gary.....I guess more info would probably help with your answer. Sorry about that. Anyway.....I am going to paint hopefully with PPG basecoat/clearcoat. The color will be probably Black and White 2-tone. At least that is what I want if I can do it okay. Do I need to get PPG primer as well or what kind do you recommend? The bike is in fairly good shape but it has been painted before and I really dont know what brand was used but I am pretty sure it is base/clear.It also has some pinstripes that have been cleared over as well. Could you please tell me how to remove those and prepare the bike for painting and then give me some detailed painting tips. I cant afford to have it done and I really want to learn to paint anyway so I am gonna try it regardless but your help sure would be greatly appreciated. I dont mind throwing ya a little p.pal for some good advise....Thank you so much for your help!!!!Randall
AnswerHi Randall,
Step 1: The pinstripes will need to come off if they are vinyl stripes that have been clear-coated over. If the stripes are paint and you can't feel them when you run your hand over the area you should be able to paint over them. If you can feel them you will either need to wet sand them until you can't feel the transition or you have sanded them completely off.
Step 2: If the rest of the bike is in good shape (no chips, scratches, etc..) you should be able to scuff the existing paint with 600-800 grit wet sand paper for adhesion. Once you have finished wet sanding wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Towel dry or blow dry with compressed air. Now what you are looking for is any glossy spots in the clear-coat. If you see any you will need to re-sand those areas and re-wash again. You'll also want to wipe down witha wax and grease remover and then a tack rag just before your ready to spray a finish. Here is a couple of links to show what I'm talking about:
http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd-prepall.cfm
http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_tack.cfm
Step 3: I would recommend that you seal before you paint. I would recommend PPG's V-Seal products. DPS 3025 with DCX3030 Catalyst. Spray the sealer with a 1.4 or 1.5 Spray-gun.
Step 4: Decide which color you will be spraying first. Usually when two toning it's recommend to spray the light color first. Typically, it's easier for the darker color to cover over a lighter color. If you are using PPG DBC which I recommend you will mix your white paint by this ratio (1 part color to 1 part DT Reducer). Then your paint will be ready to spray. Spray about 2-3 coats allowing 15-20 minutes between coats to allow the solvent to flash off.
Step 5: After your base has dried about 1-1/2 to 2 hours you can use fine line tape and lay out whatever type of pattern that you want. I recommend using 3M 06404 or 3M 06405 blue fine line as it pulls very clean lines after painted on. Here's a link for the fine line tape: http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_scotch_plastic.cfm Be sure to mask off your white paint and you should be ready to spray your black.
Step 6: Mix your white or any other color by this ratio (1 part black to a 1/2 part DT Reducer). Do the same thing as with your previous color. 2-3 coats with 15-20 minutes flash between each coat. Allow the last coat to dry for 5-10 minutes and then you can pull your tape and begin prepping for the clear-coat step.
Step 7: Wait for at least 1 hour before clear-coating. Even overnight wouldn't be hurt as long as you don't go over 24 hours. I recommend using something like PPG's Velocity Clear DC4000 with DCH3085 Catalyst or something similar. The clear mix ratio is 4 parts clear to 1 part catalyst. Spray 3 coats over the bike allow about 5-10 minutes flash time between coats. I recommend using a 1.4 tip with most all automotive clear-coats.
Step 8: If everything looks good (no orange peel, dirt nibs, or runs) you can just hand polish and your finished. However, almost every paint job is bound to have minor imperfections. To remove minor imperfections you can wet sand with 2000 grit sand paper and then compound and polish to a mirror gloss. I recommend using the new 3M Perfect It System. Here is a link to a video and place to purchase the 3M system: http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_3m_06085_perfect_it_rubbing_compound_quart.cfm
Other things you will need:
Lacquer Thinner (cleaning up the gun)
Stirring Sticks
Strainers
Mix Cups
Masking Tape
Masking Paper
Respirator (I recommend 3M, Here's a Link: http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_dual.cfm)
Coveralls
Goggles or Safety Glasses
Nitrile or Latex Gloves
I hope that helps you out Randall, If you have any other questions please feel free to ask a follow up. Gary
