Painting Your Motorcycle? Leave It Intact!

Painting a motorcycle without disassembling it can be a rewarding project for motorcycle enthusiasts. It is a cost-effective way to give your bike a unique look, and you can cut down on labour costs while having more control over the personal touches you want to add. The process is relatively easy and quick, and most of the bike's surfaces are easily accessible. However, it is important to note that a one-size-fits-all approach may not work, and you may need to tweak the steps to suit your specific needs and motorcycle model.

Sanding the motorcycle

Sanding is an important step in the process of painting a motorcycle. It ensures that the surface to be painted is smooth and free from any rust, bumps, or ridges, allowing for an even and consistent coat of paint. Here is a step-by-step guide to sanding a motorcycle in preparation for painting:

Step 1: Remove Rust and Imperfections

Before you begin sanding, it is important to remove any rust from the motorcycle frame. Use 40-grit sandpaper to rub the frame's surface and sand down any rust spots until you achieve a smooth finish. Covering rust with paint is not advisable, as it will affect the adhesion of the paint and primer. Additionally, fix any pinholes, dents, or scratches by filling them with glazing and spot putty. Clean the frame with a microfiber cloth before applying the spot putty.

Step 2: Sand the Surface

Once the surface is free of rust and imperfections, use sandpaper to sand down the areas you plan to paint. This step requires some elbow grease and time. Sand the surface until it is perfectly smooth, as an uneven surface will result in an ugly, uneven coat of paint. Ensure that you sand evenly, especially when working with curved surfaces, to achieve a consistent finish.

Step 3: Apply Filler (Optional)

If there are deeper imperfections or scratches on the motorcycle's surface, you may need to apply a body filler to achieve a smooth base for the paint. Prepare the filler by mixing it well to achieve a creamy texture. Apply the filler in a thin layer and allow it to dry completely. Once dry, sand the filler using sandpaper until the surface feels smooth. Repeat this process as needed until you are satisfied with the smoothness of the surface.

Step 4: Sand Between Paint Coats

After applying the third layer of paint, use 2000-grit wet-and-dry sandpaper to gently sand the surface again. Be careful not to sand too aggressively, as you don't want to remove the paint you just applied. This sanding step will prepare the surface for the final coat of paint, ensuring an even and smooth finish. Wipe the surface with a clean rag after sanding to remove any dust or debris.

Step 5: Final Inspection

Before considering the sanding process complete, inspect the surface for any remaining imperfections or inconsistencies in the smoothness. If there are any areas that require additional sanding, use sandpaper to smooth them out. This final inspection ensures that the painted surface will have a uniform and professional appearance.

Remember to take your time during the sanding process, as it is crucial for achieving a high-quality and long-lasting paint job on your motorcycle. Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and a respirator, when working with sandpaper and paint.

Removing rust

Before painting your motorcycle, it is important to remove any rust to ensure the paint sticks better and lasts longer. Start by washing the affected areas with a motorcycle shampoo and water to remove surface dirt. Then, wipe the areas dry with a soft rag or microfiber cloth.

Next, remove the rust from difficult areas using an abrasive material such as steel wool or aluminium foil soaked in WD40. Be careful not to rub too vigorously to avoid scratching the chrome or eroding the body paint. Once most of the rust has been removed, switch to a less abrasive material such as sandpaper or Scotch Brite. Use a polishing cloth to reach hard-to-reach spots.

For small rust patches, an old trick recommended by bikers is to dip the shiny side of an aluminium foil in Coke or any other cola and then rub it on the rusty surface. You can also try using a rubbing compound, such as fine white compound, to clean and shine the surface.

If you are looking for a chemical solution, Evapo-Rust is a safe and easy-to-use option that does not require mixing. Alternatively, you can use a 50/50 dilution of Jasco Metal Prep or a mixture of CLR and water, but be sure to test on a small, unnoticeable area first to ensure it does not damage the paint.

After removing the rust, it is important to apply a coat of wax or a protective coating to prevent rust from forming again. Products such as Rust-Oleum Stops Rust provide excellent resistance to rust and leave a tough, attractive finish.

Choosing paint

Choosing the right paint is essential for achieving a professional and durable finish when painting a motorcycle. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the paint:

Quality

It is crucial to invest in high-quality automotive paint designed to withstand the elements and the wear and tear of riding. Cheap spray paints should be avoided as they tend to have poor-quality nozzles that cause paint to scatter, resulting in excessive waste. Opt for a reputable brand that offers vibrant and durable colours, such as Angelus Direct.

Compatibility

Ensure that the paint is compatible with the motorcycle's material, such as metal or plastic. Using incompatible paint can result in improper adhesion, fading, or other issues.

Type of Paint

Select a paint suitable for the specific motorcycle part you are painting. For example, if painting the frame, choose a paint designed for metal surfaces, like Rustoleum semi-gloss black engine enamel. If painting plastic components, select a paint compatible with plastic.

Primer and Clear Coat

Use a primer that matches your paint type. A good primer will enhance paint adhesion and protect the surface from rust and corrosion. After painting, apply a clear coat to seal in the colour and add a glossy finish. The clear coat also protects against fading, chipping, and scratching.

Colour Scheme

Consider the motorcycle's existing features and how your chosen colour scheme can enhance or transform its look. The design and colour scheme should reflect your personal style and complement the bike's character.

Testing

Before committing to painting the entire motorcycle, test your chosen colours on a small, inconspicuous area. This will allow you to see how the colours look on the bike and ensure they are to your liking.

Applying paint

Before applying paint, ensure that the surface of the motorcycle is adequately prepared. Clean the surface and sand it down manually, making sure to sand evenly around the curved surfaces. It is important to remove any rust from the surface using sandpaper to ensure the paint sticks better and lasts longer. Sand the surface until it is smooth, and fill any imperfections with a filler or putty. Once the filler is dry, sand the surface again to achieve the ideal base for the paint to stick to.

After the preparation process is complete, apply a coat of primer and allow it to dry completely. This creates the perfect base for the paint to adhere to and helps prevent rust. When choosing a paint, opt for a high-quality paint that can withstand harsh elements and prevent fading over time. Mix the paint with a thinner, following the recommended ratio provided on the packaging. This will ensure a smooth coat of paint.

Use a spray gun to apply three to four layers of paint to the motorcycle, allowing each layer to dry completely between applications. After the third layer of paint has dried, sand the surface again with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth finish. Finally, apply the last coat of paint and let it dry.

To finish and protect your paint job, apply two coats of clear coat lacquer. This will add a protective finish to shield the paint from debris and water. If you are unsatisfied with the smoothness of the lacquer coats, you can sand them down and apply another layer.

Finishing touches

Once you have applied the third layer of paint, take the 2000-grit wet and dry sandpaper and sand the surfaces again. This prepares the motorcycle plates for a final coat of paint. However, gently sand for a few moments to avoid removing the paint you have just applied! Take a clean microfiber cloth after sanding and wipe the surfaces down.

Now, you are finally ready to apply the final coat of paint. Make sure to move the spray can uniformly over the frame in one direction to ensure a better finish. Allow it to dry.

If you want your motorcycle’s paint job to last, you will also need to apply two coats of clear coat. This lacquer will add a protective finish to your paint job, shielding it from debris and water. As with the other stages of motorcycle painting, if you are unsatisfied with the smoothness or evenness of the lacquer coats, you can always sandpaper down the inconsistencies. Then apply another lacquer layer afterward.

Before you reinstall the parts, make sure to put the bolts in an area you can remember so you can put the plates back on properly.

Finally, if you want to improve the look of your motorcycle, you can install sissy bars, backrests, crash bars, fairings, and handlebars. You can also improve the storage capacity of your motorcycle by installing trunk bags, sissy bar bags, and saddlebags.

Frequently asked questions