fairing painting advice? (update, finished)

[salty21]

Decided to make use of a spare set of fairings i have for the 600rr. There currently blue but have a few battle scars and some have been repainted by previous owners so there not all exactly the same blue so i have decided to have a crack at spraying them up black so i have a stealth option .

I have sprayed a few set's of wheels before using rattle cans with pretty good results but i have managed to borrow a compressor off a mate for these fairings which should hopefully give me a better finish and cost a bit less in paint?

Few questions for those in the know.

Do i need to remove all the old paint before i start or do i just need to rough the old paint up with a bit of sandpaper?

If i just rough the old paint up do i need to apply primer or can i go straight on with colour?

What sort of paint do you use for painting fairings and where is a good place to buy it?

Also i will need to buy a spray gun, i've had a look on egay and there seems to be a few types (gravity fed, canister fed etc..) which would be best?

These are only a spare set so im not too fussed if they dont come out perfect, just thought it would be a good oppertunity to have a bash at using a compressor and spray gun
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04 NSR 125(sold) ---- 03 CBR 600rr(sold) ----90 pan euro ST1100 '' ----02 CG 125
94 CB400 Super Four ---- 2000 VTR SP1 (sold) ---- 08 ninja p8f(sold, meh) ----05 CBR600rr

[Timmeh]

You can get a superb finish just using rattle can and a bit of patience.

No real need to use sandpaper, just wash the fairings in soapy water and allow to dry. Next rub over liberally with kitchen roll soaked in white spirit to get any remaining grease off.

Start with grey primer, build up light coats until you get a nice smooth finish. You can use 1200 grit sandpaper and some water to smooth down any rough edges afterwards.

Wait till its completely dry, then start with your colour, again building up the paint with light coats.

The key is not to go too mad else the paint will run.

Wait 24 hours for the paint to completely cure before spraying on the laquer.

I'm doing my RVF's race fairings in gloss black at the mo, might post a pic when it's done.

HTH

Timmeh
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GSXR400 x2 | '94 RVF400 | '93 TZR125 4DL (again)
20:22:30 BLUEX5: i would love to be forced to undergo a**l plugging with different sizes
20:48:18 Temeluchus: comp you hunk of smouldering homos3x you

[salty21]

I would have though atleast sanding enough for the new paint to key would be a good idea, seems a bit wierd to just start spraying straight onto a gloss finish.

I know it's possible to make a decent job using rattle cans but i've been offered a pretty big compressor to borrow and the spray guns are pretty cheap so thought i'd have a crack at it.

When i did my wheels it cost me a small fortune in rattle cans as i think i used about 8 cans in total including primer, colour and laquer, came to about £50 from halfrauds. i probably could have used less if i held the can closer when spraying but i was playing it safe and spraying from a distance to avoid runs .
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04 NSR 125(sold) ---- 03 CBR 600rr(sold) ----90 pan euro ST1100 '' ----02 CG 125
94 CB400 Super Four ---- 2000 VTR SP1 (sold) ---- 08 ninja p8f(sold, meh) ----05 CBR600rr

[Timmeh]

Primer will stick to just about anything so long as it's clean and dry.

I have a spray gun but tbh going through all the hassle of mixing up primer, 2-pack, spraying then cleaning the gun afterwards isn't worth it (imho), especially if you're using a colour available in a can.

Guns also make a huge amount of mess and should also really be wearing mask, goggles and gloves when using 2-pack as the paint is pretty nasty.


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GSXR400 x2 | '94 RVF400 | '93 TZR125 4DL (again)
20:22:30 BLUEX5: i would love to be forced to undergo a**l plugging with different sizes
20:48:18 Temeluchus: comp you hunk of smouldering homos3x you

[salty21]

i will most likely be using rattle cans for the primer and maybe even lacquer. I just fancy a go with a spray gun

Bit unsure on what i'm doing with the lacquer though, I managed it on my wheels ok by doing 2 or 3 thin coats but i imagine getting it right is a bit more crucial on a flat area like a side fairing as blemishes will be more noticable. Is it normal practice to use a fine wet and dry paper after the lacquer has cured to give it a more uniform glassy look?
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04 NSR 125(sold) ---- 03 CBR 600rr(sold) ----90 pan euro ST1100 '' ----02 CG 125
94 CB400 Super Four ---- 2000 VTR SP1 (sold) ---- 08 ninja p8f(sold, meh) ----05 CBR600rr

[Timmeh]

Oddly the general consensus is to remove the gloss finish using wet n dry before adding the laquer, the theory being that the topcoat will put it back.

This is certainly true for metallic and pearlescent finish paints on metal.

I don't tend to do it on plastic though, but it depends what kind of finish you want.

As for adding the laquer, treat it the same as paint; Be wary of letting it dry too much between adding coats - the trick is to blend them together so you get a thick uniform layer, rather than lots of thin ones which will be prone to cracking.


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GSXR400 x2 | '94 RVF400 | '93 TZR125 4DL (again)
20:22:30 BLUEX5: i would love to be forced to undergo a**l plugging with different sizes
20:48:18 Temeluchus: comp you hunk of smouldering homos3x you

[mentalboy]

Do make sure you key up the old surface, paint will stick to a clean polished surface but not for very long - ideal if you have a go and don't like it 'cos you've only got to nick it and it'll peel quicker than an orange!
If the old scratches are deep you'll have to fill them and at least prime over the filler, if you only patch prime you'll have to fair the primer - so it's usually easier on small stuff to prime the whole lot.
You've got two choices with paint - either a two pack or a base coat and lacquer.
Best thing to do is google paint suppliers and find a local paint shop, they should be able to advise you better and supply all your needs
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Make mine a Corona.

[Tbag]

Painting over Paint is fine, But you really wanna "Key" the surface though first.

HTH

[Dante6686]

I know that they sand the laquer in wet with fine grain then put polishing cream on and buffer with handheld buffering thing. That gives you smooth surface and polishing brings back the gloss.

[salty21]

managed to borrow one of these off a mate

https://cdn.bikechatforums.com/files/000110900.jpg

bit of a weird one as it actually stores its air inside the frame, i was pretty worried that it wouldnt be enough to power a spray gun, but its got a 3.5bhp petrol motor on it and apparently puts out 9-10 cfm which should be enough according to what most guns require?

Its been sat doing nothing for the last 10 years though so took a bit of encouragement to fire up. I had the carb off and cleaned it out and drained all the old fuel out and put fresh in but it only seems to run on full choke, and its a bit chuggy too. As soon as i try to turn the choke off it just cuts out, any ideas on that?
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04 NSR 125(sold) ---- 03 CBR 600rr(sold) ----90 pan euro ST1100 '' ----02 CG 125
94 CB400 Super Four ---- 2000 VTR SP1 (sold) ---- 08 ninja p8f(sold, meh) ----05 CBR600rr

[Shaft]

If it helps, the guns at work run at about 15cfm @ 30 psi.
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Things get better with age; I'm close to being magnificent........
20 RE Interceptor, 83 Z1100A3, 83 GS650 Katana
WooHoo, I'm a Man Point Millionaire! https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=234035

[salty21]

[Shaft]

I wouldn't touch Sealey with yours; used to be OK kit, but I reckon they've changed manufacturers (probaby sourced in China) because I've recently had three separate bits of stuff fail, pretty much straight from the box.

Get yourself on Ebay and buy a secondhand DeVilbiss.

As for paint, if you can spray colour, you can spray lacquer, it's no different.

What you have to watch out for is the colour you use, as some solids are only available in base+clear.

Also, be careful with 2K, it's nasty stuff, so a decent mask is essential, air fed preferably.
____________________
Things get better with age; I'm close to being magnificent........
20 RE Interceptor, 83 Z1100A3, 83 GS650 Katana
WooHoo, I'm a Man Point Millionaire! https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=234035

[Timmeh]

I have a wolf 24L compressor which I picked up off eBay for around 100 quid, which even came with a free spray gun which didn't actually look too shabby, so it would be good for beginners.

It has two connection points, one which is direct to the cylinder, the other which has its own regulator so you can dial up the correct pressure and off you go, which is essential for things like this.

It's important to have a fairly hefty one when spraying, as consistent pressure is key. Too small capacity compressor and it will be running all the time which is no good - when the piston is running it introduces pressure waves into the air line which can cause you issues with the gun.

HTH
____________________
GSXR400 x2 | '94 RVF400 | '93 TZR125 4DL (again)
20:22:30 BLUEX5: i would love to be forced to undergo a**l plugging with different sizes
20:48:18 Temeluchus: comp you hunk of smouldering homos3x you

[stinkwheel]

I'm in the process of wrapping mine in matt black vinyl.

No painting required.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Timmeh]

[stinkwheel]

[salty21]

[stinkwheel]

[titan666]

Hi all

car alert:)

When i sprayed a spoiler for my old audi 80 saloon,i rubbed it down with wet/dry small grain sandpaper untill it looked like a had done a surfboard.

It was a spoiler off some old nissan that my mate gave me ,and i wanted it black not white!.
So i sanded it down untill i was cover'd in white powder, then rubbed it down to get rid of the dust and then rubbed it down again with white spirit.

I let it dry and got another clean rag and rubbed it off again to make sure i had no dust left anywhere,i then hung it in the garage and began to spray it from about 2-3inches(or there abouts) with halfrauds metalic paint.

I must have put 8 layers on till i was happy with it!and supprisingly didnt need anymore than 1-2 tins!
I didnt use primer as i was being a tight ass but id probably have used less black if i had!, but the finish i got was near perfect with near no orange peal finish and you had to look really close to see any imperfections!.

obviously i waited about 40mins to an hour per layer, it took some time!, but the results were worth it and it didnt fade or chip for well over a year and the worst damage to it was done in heavy winds being rubbed by a car cover i had placed over the audi!.

I loved that car but decided to scrap it as i was trying to save money and having two cars was not helping!
The new car had 7 seats and the audi didn't so couldnt take the family in it most of the time!
But it went by its own steam with the scrap guy and that car would do one end of the uk to the other without so much as a cough and never let me down! even running it into the red ALL the time(petrol gauge)even ran out of fuel rolling onto the forecourt(now thats a car:)...

I even scored out the audi symbol from behind in the steering wheel, and then placed blue leds behind with a switch in the wheel and also gave it a electronic start button:)

fun days!!!

get the right distance! and take your time!
spend time making sure its prepped, this is the key to how it lays in the end!
nice fluid left - right sweeps at a steady pace!

still got the vids of my audi 80 on youtube in an account ive forgotten the password too:(
caliper project vids etc etc
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love my susuki gz 125 maraurder 1998

[lihp]

Also make sure that you drain any water out of the compressor or you will contaminate the paint.

Additionally with only 10cfm avoid suction guns as these require more air flow to get the suction.

[Mr Krispy]

[Vincent]

If you're going to spray, don't forget your temperature controlled dust free environment. As soon as you stick the paint on, you can bet that every little bit of fluff and dust will be looking to stick itself onto the paint
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Space Is Deep

[redbull02]

At least scotch the original paint finish and feather out any imperfections. Personaly I'd avoid rattle cans if I could, some paint suppliers will sell 2k primer in a can but you must use it quite soon after purchasing. Also you'll need a mini gun/touch up gun with that compressor as it won't run a full size gun unless your an experienced painter and even then you'll have to wait for it to catch up.

[mentalboy]