Spray painting advice.

[koolio]

I'm going to be painting a tank by myself, read up a lot about which paints etc.

There are two things I'm still not clear about.

Do I have to sand down between primer, coats and the final clear coat. (I know I fine sand the clear coat).

Lastly is there a polishing compound I can use by hand to good effect?
I don't have a rotary polisher.

[Crz]

-Sand tank (use say, 400 grit) and wash it to remove dirt and sanding dust.

-Primer, I used about 3 coats and allowed it to dry for around 24 hours. Sanded extremely lightly with 800 grit (it doesn't take much) and be careful not to burn through. Remember to wash to remove the dust from sanding.

-Colour coat is then applied maybe between 3-5 coats and allow to dry for roughly 24 hours. leave 10-15 between coats. Do not sand this coat!

-Clear coat, I generally use 3 coats. I would leave it for about 1-2 weeks before sanding and polishing so the lacquer is fully cured.

-Sand very gently the whole wheel with 1500+ grit. Polish small sections at a time with the polish so you can easily manage what you have done and for gods sake don't lily foot when doing it you need to be quite firm.

I presume you know the basics of side to side, 1st coat being the lightest and getting progressively heavier.
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[koolio]

[clancy]

You only need to sand between primer and paint layers if there is any marks or uneven paint etc

Biggest thing is if you are going to sand and polish the clear coat make sure it's fully cured, needs a good 10 days or so
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KLX 300r

[Pete.]

I'll give you my best advice, based on years of experience, hours of frustrating hard work and loads of money spent:






























Pay someone to do it!
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[The Shaggy D.A.]

Can of Dulux, paintbrush

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=2479715
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[BTTD]

What paint are you using? And is it fully petrol resistant?

[koolio]

Actually I'm using VHT engine enamel, I will oven cure between the primer, main coat and gloss or maybe once its all gone on, this makes it fuel resistant, have seen some fairly good finishes doing this. Reading a lot about how to do it, have painted parts before but want this to be a good job.

I'm after an old enamel painted look so any slight imperfections are actually welcome.

[gavcarter]

Petrol tank in oven? Are you sure now.....

[Shaft]

[koolio]