Leo Martínez
Paint chips are an inevitable part of motorcycle ownership, and while they may not cause damage to the frame, they can ruin the aesthetic of your bike. Luckily, there are several ways to repair paint chips, depending on the extent of the damage. If it's a small chip, you can use a Sharpie marker or touch-up paint to camouflage the scrape. For deeper chips, you may need to sand the area, apply a base coat, and then use a clear coat to finish. If the chip has exposed the metal of your bike, it's best to get it professionally assessed to prevent corrosion and structural damage.
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What You'll Learn
Finding the right colour match
Identify the Colour Code
If you know the colour code of your motorcycle's paint, you can use it to find an exact match. Modern motorcycles usually have colour codes that can be found in a database at paint shops. Providing this code can help you obtain the precise colour match for your bike.
Consult a Paint Colour Chart
If you don't have the colour code, you can refer to a paint colour chart to find the closest match. RAL is an industry-standard colour chart that includes over 200 different colours. While the colour chart fan can be expensive, you may consider borrowing one or checking if the paint manufacturer offers a similar guide.
Test in Different Lighting Conditions
Colours can appear different under various lighting conditions. Examine the paint colour you've chosen next to your motorcycle in natural daylight, artificial light, and shaded areas. This will help you confirm if the colour truly matches in all lighting scenarios.
Sample Testing
Once you've identified a potential match, it's a good idea to test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area of your motorcycle. Apply the paint to a hidden spot, such as a wheel arch, using a small artist's brush. This way, you can ensure that the colour truly blends with the rest of the bodywork before proceeding with the repair.
Touch-Up Paint Options
You have several options for obtaining touch-up paint. Motorcycle dealers may supply touch-up paint, or you can purchase a high-quality motorcycle paint kit online. Some places sell paint specifically designed for bicycles, and certain bike brands offer touch-up paint for their models. Car touch-up paint can also work, as it comes in a wide range of colours.
Blending Techniques
When applying the touch-up paint to the chipped area, consider using gentle dabbing motions instead of brushing. This technique can help minimise brush marks and create a smoother finish. Additionally, using a toothpick to apply the paint can give you more precision and control.
Practice and Patience
Repairing paint chips on a motorcycle requires patience and practice. It's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the process and techniques before starting the repair. Practising on a less noticeable area of the bike or a separate surface can help you perfect your skills and ensure a better outcome.
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Preparing the surface
Before you start repairing a paint chip on your motorcycle, it's important to prepare the surface properly to ensure a smooth and seamless finish. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the surface for a touch-up:
- Assess the Damage: Start by evaluating the extent of the paint chip. If the damage is significant, deep, or the result of an accident, it's recommended to seek professional help. A trained mechanic or dealership can assess the damage and advise if it can be repaired or if parts need to be replaced.
- Clean the Area: Ensure the area to be painted is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Use a dedicated motorcycle cleaner, a damp microfiber cloth, or warm soapy water to remove any dirt, grease, or grime from the chipped surface. It's crucial to have a clean surface before applying any paint.
- Remove Old Paint: Use sandpaper to gently remove old paint from the edges of the chip. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper (around 80-grit) and gradually move to finer grits (400 and 600) as you clear the area. Be cautious not to sand too deeply, as you don't want to expose and damage the metal surface underneath.
- Surface Preparation: Depending on the size and depth of the chip, you may need to apply a primer or base coat before adding the touch-up paint. If the chip is down to the metal, consider using a rust inhibitor or a base coat with rust-inhibiting properties to prevent corrosion.
- Colour Matching: Finding the right colour match is crucial. Consult a paint colour chart or seek assistance from a specialist to identify the exact colour of your motorcycle. Test the paint on an inconspicuous area, such as a wheel arch, to ensure a perfect match before proceeding.
- Surface Levelling: Once the area is clean and prepared, use fine-grade sandpaper (1500-grit or higher) to level the surface and create a smooth foundation for the new paint. Wet the sandpaper and work gently to avoid damaging the surrounding paint.
By following these steps, you'll effectively prepare the surface of your motorcycle for a paint touch-up, ensuring a seamless and professional-looking finish.
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Applying the paint
Before applying the paint, make sure the spot to be painted is perfectly clean and free of any dirt or grease. Use a dedicated motorcycle cleaner, a damp microfiber cloth, and a buffing pad to remove dirt and grime from the area. If the paint has faded, find a good paint shop and have them mix you a match. If the paint hasn't faded, you can get a spray can of the factory colour from Color Rite along with some appropriate clear coat. You can also use a small artist's brush to test the paint on a hidden part of your motorcycle, such as a wheel arch.
Once you have the right colour, start applying the paint to the chip. If you are using a paintbrush, try to gently dab the paint into the chip, keeping the level lower than the actual painted surface. If you are using a spray can, follow the instructions on the can and spray an even coat over the chip.
After the paint has dried, use very fine-grade sandpaper (at least 1,500 grit) to sand the new paint. Wet the paper first and work slowly to get a good finish without disturbing the surrounding paint. You can then use a clear lacquer, such as nail polish, on top of the paint and polish it down to blend in with the rest of the surface.
Finally, you can add some wax to your touch-up job to help restore the shine to the surrounding paint. Pop it on and leave it to sit for a few minutes before polishing off with a soft cloth.
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Sanding and polishing
Sanding:
Before starting the sanding process, ensure you have the right tools, including various grit sandpapers (such as 600, 1000, 1200, 1500, and 2000 grit) and a sanding block or a lollypop stick. The sanding process will depend on the extent of the paint chip and whether you are dealing with a single or multiple layers of paint.
If you have a deep paint chip that exposes the metal, start by using a coarse grit sandpaper (around 80 grit) to remove any loose paint from the edges of the chip. Be careful not to sand away the metal underneath. Then, use finer grit sandpapers (400 and 600) to smooth out the area and remove any scratches left by the coarser sandpaper.
If your motorcycle has a clear coat over the base coat, you will need to sand the surrounding area before applying the touch-up paint. Use a fine grit sandpaper (1000 grit) to gently sand and level the area, ensuring you don't sand through the clear coat.
Polishing:
After sanding, it's important to polish the area to achieve a smooth and shiny finish. You can use a polishing compound, such as Farecla, which can be applied with water and a G mop. Start with a coarse compound, such as G3, and gradually move to finer compounds until you achieve the desired finish.
Finally, apply a wax polish to add shine and protect the surrounding paint. Leave the wax for a few minutes before polishing it off with a soft cloth.
It is important to note that if the damage is deeper than a cosmetic chip, it is recommended to seek professional advice to assess the extent of the damage and determine if any underlying structures have been affected.
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Preventing future damage
While it is impossible to prevent all paint chips and scratches, there are several measures you can take to reduce their occurrence and protect your motorcycle's paintwork. Firstly, be mindful of your surroundings when riding or parking your motorcycle. Loose stone chippings, supermarket trolleys, and carelessly opened car doors are common causes of paint damage.
If you're storing your motorcycle for an extended period, keep it in a safe, enclosed space, away from potential hazards like bicycles in a garage. Additionally, consider investing in a paint protection kit to safeguard your motorcycle's paintwork from future damage.
Regular maintenance and inspections can also help prevent future paint chips from becoming more severe. Even if you're not planning to repair the paint immediately, it's important to assess the damage and ensure it hasn't affected the structural integrity of your motorcycle. If the chip is deep and exposes the metal, take your motorcycle to a professional for assessment and repair to prevent corrosion and further issues.
Finally, when repairing paint chips, take your time and follow the recommended procedures, such as cleaning and sanding the area properly, to ensure a seamless finish that will last longer and prevent the need for frequent touch-ups.
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Frequently asked questions
First, assess the damage. If the chip is deep and has exposed the metal of your motorcycle, it is best to get professional advice to prevent corrosion and structural damage. If the chip is shallow, you can repair it yourself. Clean the area with a motorcycle cleaner, a damp microfiber cloth, and a buffing pad to remove dirt and grime. Sand the area with rough sandpaper to remove old paint. Then, apply the paint using a small artist's brush or a very fine paintbrush. You can also use a touch-up pen or a Sharpie marker if the colour is dark. Finally, polish the area with a buffing compound.
Take your vehicle to a specialist who can identify the exact colour for you. You can also use a paint colour chart to match the colour. Test the paint on a hidden part of your motorcycle, such as a wheel arch, to ensure it matches.
You can use touch-up paint specifically designed for bicycles or motorcycles. Car touch-up paint can also work, as well as modelling enamel. If you are using a spray paint, make sure to cover the surrounding area to avoid getting paint on other parts of your motorcycle.
You can invest in a paint protection kit to protect your motorcycle from further damage.
