Paint Touch-Up Repairs
Stuff happens! It may not be today or tomorrow, but eventually that beautiful paint job on your pride and joy will be "compromised," shall we say. Perhaps it's best if you think of paint as a sacrificial coating, which protects the metal underneath from corrosion, along with providing cosmetic properties.
When that time comes, you have several choices: ignore it, take it to a professional and pay a bundle to have it repainted, or do it yourself. DIY paint doesn't have to look awful; with some effort you can have professional-looking results. The three most important things in painting are preparation, preparation, and preparation! The finish you get will be directly determined by how carefully you prep the surfaces and the work area, and do the painting process itself.
Most DIYers don't have a paint booth or large air compressor, air drier, and paint gun, so we're going to show you how to paint with spray cans. AutomotiveTouchup.com offers color-matching services and can provide paint in small bottles with a brush, cans for spraying with a gun, and spray cans that match your motorcycle's stock colors. We chose spray cans, which can give a pro appearance if done right. Protect yourself—wear gloves and a respirator mask.
Begin by removing the part(s) you intend to repaint. If it's a gas tank, of course, drain it first. Wet sand the entire part with 600 grit wet and dry sandpaper, trickling water over the surface with a small bottle as you sand. Use a sanding block for flat and fairly flat surfaces. Work evenly and remove any scratches or flaws in the old paint. Apply masking tape as needed to protect decals, two tones, etc.
Next, sand with 1000 grit and water. When the surface is smooth and scratch-free, wipe it down with prep solvent and a clean lint-free cloth, then allow it to dry. Next use a tack cloth to wipe down the part.
Work in moderate humidity and temperatures (the 70s are a good range) in a well ventilated and lighted area that's not dusty. Wet down the floor if it's concrete to avoid any stirred-up dust particles that may settle into your paint job. Spray on the primer in light, even coats until the surface is completely and evenly covered. Usually this requires two coats. Avoid putting on too much primer or paint, which leads to runs and drips. (Too little paint results in poor gloss and a dry appearance.) Hold the can about 10-12 inches from the surface and keep moving side to side, back and forth smoothly. While you are waiting for the primer to dry, test the base coat on a piece of cardboard or scrap sheet metal for practice spraying. Wait at least 30 minutes.
Inspect the primed surface to be sure it's ready to paint. Use a fresh tack cloth for prep. Spray the base or color coats on carefully as described above. Allow about 30 minutes between coats.
If you are applying a clear top coat, again wait 30 minutes or more. Apply as described above; generally two clear coats look best. Allow to dry overnight before removing tape or handling.