Omar Khalid
Spray painting plastic fairings is a great way to add some style to your bike, but it can be frustrating when mistakes happen. Whether you're dealing with drips, orange peel textures, fisheyes, or blobs, there are several ways to fix bad spray paint on plastic fairings and achieve a smooth and glossy finish. The process involves removing the old paint, preparing the surface, priming, painting, and applying a clear coat. With the right tools and techniques, you can fix your spray paint mistakes and give your motorcycle fairings a professional-looking paint job.
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What You'll Learn
Use the correct primer and allow it to dry
To fix bad spray paint on plastic fairings, it is crucial to use the correct primer and allow it ample time to dry. The primer plays a vital role in ensuring the paint adheres properly to the plastic surface. It provides a base layer for the paint to grip onto, preventing issues like chipping and excessive obscurities.
When selecting a primer, opt for a plastic primer specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. These primers are typically available in aerosol containers, making them easy to apply. Before applying the primer, ensure that the plastic fairings are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Remove any previous paint or coatings, as new paint will not adhere properly to an existing paint layer. You can use a spray adhesive gunk remover and a microfiber cloth to soften and remove old paint.
Once the surface is prepared, apply the primer in long, even strokes. Avoid stopping in one spot to prevent build-up and ensure a smooth, consistent layer. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. The drying time can vary depending on the product used, but it typically ranges from 2 to 6 hours.
During the drying process, it is important to maintain adequate ventilation in the workspace to facilitate proper air circulation. If possible, set up a pedestal fan to help blow away fumes and odours. Additionally, wear protective gear, such as gloves, a respirator, and long-sleeved clothing, to safeguard yourself from any paint fumes and particles.
After the primer has dried, you can proceed to the next steps of the painting process, such as sanding, applying the base colour, and adding subsequent coats of paint. Remember to follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen paint products to ensure optimal results.
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Apply paint in thin, even coats
When applying paint to plastic fairings, it is important to apply the paint in thin, even coats. This is because thin coats ensure there is extra grip for the paint to hold on to, resulting in a more professional-looking finish.
To achieve this, it is recommended to use a spray gun or spray paint can to apply the paint. When using a spray gun, ensure that the spray movement of the hand is sufficient for an even application. Avoid stopping in a particular spot to prevent leaving patches. Similarly, when using a spray paint can, keep the can constantly moving to avoid creating drips.
It is also important to maintain a consistent distance from the work surface when applying the paint. Holding the spray gun or can too close to the surface can result in heavy spray and dripping. On the other hand, holding it too far away can cause the paint to dry before it reaches the surface, resulting in an uneven finish.
Allow adequate drying time between coats. Depending on the paint type, this can range from 15 minutes to 3 hours or more. Not waiting long enough between coats can lead to issues such as crackling or "orange peel" texture.
By following these guidelines and taking the time to apply thin, even coats of paint, you can achieve a smooth and professional finish on your plastic fairings.
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Remove old paint and repair any damage
To remove old paint from plastic fairings, you can use a variety of methods, including:
- Brake fluid: Soak the painted area with brake fluid and scrub with a soft-bristled brush and plenty of cold water and soap to clean off the old paint. This method is effective but be cautious as brake fluid can damage the plastic surface if not used carefully.
- Paint remover: There are chemical paint removers available specifically designed for plastic parts. These can be purchased from auto parts stores. However, some paint removers can be harsh and damage the plastic, so it is important to choose a product that is safe for plastic.
- Sanding: Manually sanding the surface with sandpaper can remove paint. This method is more labour-intensive but ensures control over the process. It is important to use the correct grit sandpaper and to sand in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the plastic.
- Heat gun: Using a heat gun can help remove paint from plastic, but it is important to keep the gun moving to avoid melting the plastic.
Before removing old paint, it is important to ensure that the paint does not contain lead, as it can cause irreversible damage to your health. Additionally, always wear a good respirator mask and gloves to protect yourself from paint fumes and residue.
Once the old paint is removed, it is essential to repair any damage to the plastic fairings before applying new paint. This can be done through plastic welding or using adhesives such as PlastiFix, PlastAid, or Oatey Medium Black ABS Cement. Ensure that the repaired area is level to guarantee an even finish after painting.
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Wet sand to smooth out the surface
Wet sanding is a simple process that can help you achieve a perfectly smooth and shiny texture on your plastic fairings. It is a great technique to remedy rough "orange peel" areas, and it can also be used to remove "fisheyes" or unsightly dimples caused by surface contamination.
To begin the wet sanding process, fill a spray bottle with filtered water and lightly mist the surface of the plastic fairing. You don't want to over-saturate the surface, just add enough water to moisten it. Then, take a wet/dry sanding sponge or wet/dry sandpaper and lightly mist or dampen it as well. Start sanding the surface of the fairing using a back-and-forth or circular motion, working in sections until you achieve the desired smoothness. If the surface dries out or starts to grab, simply add more water.
It is important to use the right grit size for your sandpaper or sanding sponge. Starting with a coarser grit, such as 150 or 600, can help you quickly assess how effectively it knocks down any brush strokes or imperfections. Then, you can adjust the grit size accordingly, moving to a medium or fine grit to achieve a smoother finish. Be careful not to oversand or make the surface too smooth, as this can impact the adhesion of subsequent paint layers.
Once you have finished wet sanding, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any sanding residue, such as pigment, acrylic solids, or foam. Rinse your cloth as needed to ensure a thorough cleaning. Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding to the next step, which may involve applying a new coat of paint or a clear coat to protect your work. Remember to always follow the specific instructions for your chosen paint or coating product, including recommended drying times.
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Clear lacquer for a glossy finish
To fix bad spray paint on plastic fairings, you must start by removing the old coat of paint. Use a spray adhesive gunk remover and rub it into the plastic with a microfiber cloth. You may need more than one cloth, depending on the size of the plastic part. Once the old paint has been removed, repair any broken pieces using plastic welding or adhesives like PlastiFix, PlastAid, and Oatey Medium Black ABS Cement.
Before you begin painting, make sure you have set aside space at home or in your garage. Cover the space with plastic sheets to catch any paint spillage. Wear gloves, a respirator, and long-sleeved clothes to protect your skin and lungs from the paint.
Now, you are ready to start painting. First, apply a plastic primer to the entire surface of the fairings. Spray long, even strokes across the surface, ensuring you do not stop the paint stroke directly on the fairing to avoid build-up. Allow the primer to dry for 2 to 6 hours.
Next, apply a thin coat of your base color. Spray the color over the fairings quickly, without worrying about covering the primer completely. This will allow you to spot any bumps or flaws that need to be fixed. Let this thin layer dry for about 6 hours.
After the thin base layer has dried, apply 3 to 5 coats of color. With each coat, make the layer progressively thicker, ensuring a more professional-looking result. Allow three hours of drying time between each coat. Once you have applied all the color coats, wait 6 to 8 hours for the paint to fully dry.
Finally, apply a clear lacquer coat to protect your paint job from extreme weather conditions and give it a glossy finish. Apply 2 to 3 layers of clear lacquer, waiting two hours between each coat. After applying the final lacquer layer, refrain from using the automobile for a full twenty-four hours.
By following these steps and allowing adequate drying time, you can achieve a smooth and glossy finish on your plastic fairings.
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Frequently asked questions
To fix spray paint blobs, you can sand the area smooth and then reapply paint. To prevent blobs, ensure you thoroughly mix the paint and clean the spray nozzles after use.
If the paint is still wet, smooth out the drips with a camel hair paintbrush. Reapply the paint in light coats, keeping the sprayer constantly moving.
"Fisheyes" are caused by dirt, rust, or moisture trapped under the paint. To fix this, wet sand down to the primer or bare surface, clean thoroughly, and then reapply paint.
To prevent spray paint crackling, always wait at least 24 hours between coats.
