Isabella Flores
Motorcycle fairings are plastic shells placed over a bike's frame to reduce air drag and can be customised to add style. Painting a motorcycle fairing is a great way to add a personal touch to your bike. To paint an ABS motorcycle fairing, you will need to sand and prepare the surface, apply primer, paint, and then finish with a clear coat or lacquer. Sanding the fairing helps to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to and can be done by hand or with an electric sander. After sanding, the fairing should be cleaned and primed before painting. Once the paint has dried, a clear coat or lacquer can be applied to protect the paint and add shine.
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What You'll Learn
Sanding the fairing with an electric sander or by hand
Sanding the fairing of your motorcycle is a crucial step in achieving a smooth and professional-looking paint job. You can choose to sand by hand or use an electric sander, depending on your preference and the tools available. Here is a detailed guide on how to effectively sand your motorcycle fairing:
If you choose to sand by hand, you will need sandpaper with the appropriate grit for the job. It is recommended to start with a lower grit, such as 320 or 400, and work your way up to a finer grit like 600 or 800. This will help fill in any deeper scratches and create a smoother surface. Wet the surface of the fairing with water and use a rubber sanding block or a foam block behind the sandpaper to smooth over imperfections. You can also use soapy water or a filler, such as cellulose stopper, to identify and fill in finer scratches. Ensure you sand in circles and avoid straight lines to achieve an even finish.
For more serious scratches, you may need to use an even coarser grit such as 120 or 220. However, be cautious when using these coarser grits as they are more suitable for sanding plastic than glass due to the layered nature of glass. Additionally, avoid using the edge of the sander and stay away from the curves around the seat to prevent accidental damage.
If you prefer to use an electric sander, a 4- or 5-inch electric D.A. orbital sander is a suitable option. Similar to hand sanding, you can attach Velcro-backed sandpaper with a grit of 220 or 120 for deeper scratches. Remember to stay away from the curves and use a foam block or double the paper over and sand in circles to avoid straight lines.
After sanding, use a microfiber cloth to remove any remaining dust or grit. Ensure the fairing is completely dry before proceeding to the next step of priming and painting.
By following these steps and choosing the appropriate tools, you can effectively sand your motorcycle fairing and create a smooth base for a high-quality paint job.
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Removing dust and cleaning the fairing
Sanding the surface of the fairings will cause dust to accumulate, so it is important to remove this dust before painting. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the fairing with water, ensuring that all the dust is removed. The fairings will probably take about an hour to dry completely.
You can also use a tack cloth to remove dust from the fairings. This is a type of adhesive cloth that you can buy at most hardware stores. Spray adhesive gunk remover on the plastic and start rubbing it with the tack cloth. You may need more than one cloth, depending on the size of the fairing. Keep spraying the gunk remover along the entire plastic surface and rub it in with the cloth. The gunk remover softens the paint and makes it come off more easily.
If you are using a rattle can to paint the fairings, you can also use a blower to remove leftover dust caused by dry sanding.
After sanding, you will need to apply a coat of primer to the fairings and allow it to dry. Spray the primer so that the surface is covered in a smooth, consistent layer. Be sure to use plastic primer for your fairings. You can buy aerosol primer at any paint supply store.
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Applying primer to the fairing
Before applying primer, it is essential to prepare the surface of the fairing. Use 400-grit sandpaper to sand the fairing, creating a smooth base for the primer to adhere to. Sand in a circular motion, applying moderate pressure to remove any imperfections and create an even surface. Ensure you cover the entire surface, paying extra attention to any areas that may have scratches or imperfections.
Once you are satisfied with the smoothness of the surface, wipe down the fairing with a microfiber cloth and water to remove any dust or residue left over from sanding. Allow the fairing to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Now it's time to apply the primer. Select a suitable primer for plastic surfaces, such as an aerosol primer specifically designed for motorcycles or automotive use. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area and wear a breathing mask and safety goggles for protection from fumes.
Hold the primer can about half a metre away from the surface of the fairing and spray in even, smooth strokes. Avoid stopping in one spot for too long to prevent drips or an uneven finish. Apply a thin, consistent layer of primer to the entire surface of the fairing.
After applying the primer, allow it to dry completely. This typically takes around 3 to 6 hours, depending on the product and environmental conditions. You can lightly sand the primed surface with a fine grit sandpaper (such as 1000-grit) to ensure an even smoother finish before applying your base colour coat.
By following these steps, you will achieve a professional-looking primer application that will enhance the overall appearance of your painted motorcycle fairing. Remember to refer to the specific instructions on your chosen primer product and take the necessary safety precautions during the application process.
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Spraying the base colour coat
When you are ready to start spraying the base colour coat, ensure you are wearing a breathing mask and safety goggles. Inhaling spray paint fumes can cause unpleasant side effects such as headaches, nose and throat irritation, and nausea.
If you are using a spray gun, place your fairing on a metal platform. Start by spraying the base paint underneath, then go around to cover all the edges. Use a spray gun with a 1.4 mm thick nozzle to apply two coats with 15-minute breaks in between. These breaks will allow the primer to harden enough so the next coat will settle over it. If you leave it for less than 15 minutes, the second coat will run over the first layer and create uneven thick patches. If you wait longer than 15 minutes, the two layers of undercoat won't combine properly. Once both coats are applied, leave the second coat of primer to dry before rubbing the fairing lightly with 600-grit paper or a Scotch Brite.
If you are using an aerosol can, hang the fairing parts with metal hangers and chains. Spray a coat of your base colour and let it dry. You can then wet-sand the fairing with 1000-grit sandpaper to smooth it out. Spray another coat of the base colour and wait 3 hours for it to dry. Repeat this process 3-4 times to put multiple coats on the fairings. This technique is called "grip coats", where each coat of paint "grips" the previous coat. This results in a thicker, richer look to the paint.
After applying the final coat, wait at least 6 hours for the paint to dry. You should apply a total of 4-5 layers of paint to your fairings for the best look.
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Applying lacquer for a glossy finish
Once you've finished sanding your motorcycle fairings, rinsed them off, and allowed them to dry, it's time to apply lacquer for a glossy finish. Lacquer paint will give your fairings a solid finish that is durable, chip-resistant, and waterproof.
First, you'll need to prepare your work area. Put on safety gear, including a breathing mask and safety goggles, to protect yourself from the spray paint fumes. Then, make sure the walls of your work area are covered, and hang the fairing parts using metal hooks or hangers and chains to ensure you have 360-degree access for spraying.
Now, you're ready to apply the lacquer. If you're using a spray gun, empty it of any primer and fill it with your chosen lacquer paint. Spray the first coat of lacquer evenly across the surface of the fairings. You can use a microfiber cloth to help spread the lacquer evenly and remove any grit. Allow the first coat to dry for about 2 hours.
Once the first coat is dry, apply the second coat using the same method. Again, ensure that the lacquer is applied evenly for the best results. After applying the second coat, allow the fairings to dry for 24 hours before reattaching them to your motorcycle.
With these steps, you'll achieve a glossy and durable finish on your motorcycle fairings.
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Frequently asked questions
Sandpapers with grits of 400, 800, 1000, 2000, and 5000 are all mentioned by different sources.
Before painting, you should clean the fairing with hot, soapy water, rinse it, and allow it to dry. Then, sand the fairing with sandpaper and apply a coat of primer.
You should use a plastic primer for your ABS motorcycle fairing. You can use either Montana MTN PRO Plastic Primer or Montana MTN PRO Grey Filler Primer.
You should wait for the primer to dry for between 3 and 6 hours.
You should apply the paint in thin coats, keeping about half a metre from the surface of the fairing.
