Just stripped my bike, about to re-spray....

[AngelGrinder]

Ok, all plastics have been removed and cleaned, so am going to spend the next 2 very quiet weeks at work rubbing the fairings down so they are ready for painting.

Have had a little experience in the past but just want any tips and advice, I've got a little sanding block for the bigger areas and 400 and 1200 grit wet and dry, the 1200 is mainly for after primer.

Is 400 the right sort of grit I need?

Also, I am not sure on removing the stickers, they have been laquered over. I have seen that sanding the edges off the laquer then using a hairdryer to peel off the sticker. Or shall I just sand them off?

All advice, tips and guidance accepted!

Cheers in advance!

[Deano]

for rubbing the panels down initially I would say 400 is OK.

I would start off with a courser 200 to begin with then going over that with 400 making sure that you have gotten rid off the bigger deeper scratches left from the 200 couser paper.

once the panels are scubbed down give them a little wash with water and let them dry before paint and check for areas that you missed or cracks etc that you want to repair before paint.

once you spray with primer give it 2 coats let it dry and check for imperfections and then resand with 800 until the imperfections or deep scratches are smooth, Then apply another layer of primer. you can do this until the imperfections are disappeared but try to keeps th caots to a minimal as drying the panels will be made longer with the more coats you apply

once the primer is done add your coats of colour of paint and try not to get too close to the panels avoid runs (patient is the key).
I normally give no more than 4 coats of paint. If you get a run then dont panic and try and smooth it out with more paint, just let it dry overnight 8hrs and then go over with 800paper and scratch the run smooth and then apply another coat of paint.

Gloss, this is the hardest part, this is like glue so you cannot let this set and apply again or you will get a wrinkled effect that you get on your hands from staying in the bath for too long and you will have to start all over again.
apply 3-5 coats, but applying them in 15-20 minute intervals, go over the panels lightly as gloss will run more easily than paint. if it does run and I mean slightly, you may find it will becomes unnoticable as it drys away as it is meant to be clear remember.

STICKERS, if you want to apply stickers to you bike, i personally would apply them after I have finished the gloss and after it has dried for at least 2 weeks if you are leaving it too air dry.
The simple reason being that not all stickers meant for paint and you will find that colours on the stickers will run when the gloss is applied and you've gone and naffed all your efforts.


P.S im not an expert but just sharing my experience from painting 3 bikes.

good luck

[AngelGrinder]

Sounds good, will have to go out and get some 200 grit tomorrow!

Any tips for removing stickers atall? Apparently if you just sand over them you are still likely to get a raised outline?

Cheers!

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