Alexei Volkov
Painting plastic motorcycle parts is a great way to improve the aesthetics of your bike and give it a new look. Whether you're repairing minor damage or completely changing the colour, there are a few important steps to follow for a smooth and solid finish. Firstly, you'll need to remove any previous coats of paint, as new paint will not adhere to another layer. You can use a product like Xylene paint remover for this step. Next, you'll need to sand the plastic to prepare it for a new coat of paint. After sanding, you can apply a primer or sealer, which will help the paint stick to the plastic and give a smoother finish. Once the primer is dry, you can apply your choice of paint, using either a paint gun or spray paint. Allow the paint to dry completely before using the motorcycle again.
Characteristics and their Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Paint gun, paint, primer, adhesion promoter, sandpaper, cloth, cardboard, paper towel, xylene paint remover, gunk remover, rubbing compound, wax, solvent, thinner, scotch brite sponge, tape |
| Workstation Preparation | Well-lit and well-ventilated area, covered with cloth or newspaper |
| Pre-painting | Remove previous paint, decals, and warning stickers. Clean the surface and remove dust. Repair any damage. |
| Painting | Apply primer, allow to dry, sand, apply paint in even coats, allow to dry, seal with wax |
| Post-painting | Allow paint to cure for about a day to a week before using the motorcycle |
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What You'll Learn
Removing old paint
Next, remove the plastic parts from the motorcycle and place them on cardboard or a similar surface. Clean the plastic with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris. If there are any decals or stickers on the plastic, it is important to remove them before proceeding.
Now, you can begin the process of paint removal. There are a few different methods you can use, depending on the tools you have available and the thickness of the paint. One common method is to use a chemical paint remover or adhesive gunk remover, such as Xylene or Goo Gone, which are safe for use on plastics. Soak a paper towel or soft scrub pad with the remover and apply it to the plastic surface. Leave it for 15-30 minutes, then start rubbing the surface with the paper towel or scrub pad to remove the paint. You may need to repeat this process multiple times, especially for thicker paint layers.
Another method is to use brake fluid, which can effectively strip paint without damaging the plastic. However, it is important to note that brake fluid can be difficult to remove completely, and any residue can cause issues with the new paint job. If using brake fluid, create a form-fitting "bowl" with aluminium foil to minimise fluid usage and fully cover the painted area. Leave it to soak for several hours or overnight, then wash the part thoroughly with hot water and soap to remove any residue.
For smaller or more detailed areas, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a non-marring plastic tool, such as a plastic kitchen scraper, to help lift the paint off. If there are any stubborn spots or remaining bumps, you can use fine sandpaper to sand them off, but be careful not to damage the plastic surface.
Once the paint has been removed, it is important to clean the plastic part again with a microfiber cloth to ensure no residue remains. You can then proceed to the next steps of repairing and preparing the plastic for a new coat of paint.
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Preparing the surface
Firstly, it is essential to remove any previous coats of paint, as new paint will not adhere to an existing layer. This can be done using a paint remover, such as Xylene, and a microfiber cloth. Soak the cloth with the paint remover and place it on the painted surface for 15-30 minutes. Then, start rubbing the surface to remove the softened paint. Repeat this process until all the paint is removed.
Once the old paint is removed, the plastic part should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dust or residue. Use a microfiber cloth and a mild detergent or solvent to gently clean the surface. Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
The next step is sanding, which helps create a smooth base for the new paint to adhere to. Use fine-grit sandpaper, such as 80-grit, and sand in uniform strokes in one direction. Do not sand too aggressively, as you only need to roughen the surface slightly for better paint adhesion. If there are any bumps or imperfections, use higher-grit sandpaper to smooth them out.
After sanding, it is important to remove any dust or debris created during the process. Use a tack cloth or a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface, ensuring no dust particles remain.
Finally, apply a primer to the prepared surface. The primer will help the new paint adhere better and create a smoother finish. Choose a primer suitable for plastic surfaces, and apply it evenly using a spray gun or a brush. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the painting stage.
By following these steps, you will effectively prepare the surface of a plastic motorcycle part for repainting, ensuring a smooth and durable finish.
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Choosing the right paint
Identify the Type of Plastic
Before choosing the paint, it is essential to identify the type of plastic used in your motorcycle parts. Most motorcycle fairings are made of plastic, specifically polyethylene or polypropylene. However, some sports bikes and dirt bikes may have lightweight fairings made of carbon fibre or avio fibre. Understanding the plastic type will help you select the most compatible paint.
Prepare the Surface
Proper surface preparation is key to paint adhesion and a smooth finish. Start by removing any previous coat of paint, decals, or stickers. You can use paint removers, such as Xylene, and adhesive gunk removers, which are safe for plastics. After removing the old paint, thoroughly clean the plastic surface with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or grease.
Select the Appropriate Primer
The next step is critical: selecting the right primer. If you are dealing with raw plastic parts, they will require a shock treatment, including passing a flame over the surface and using a solvent. After this treatment, apply a transparent plastic primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as a PE or PP primer. For other plastics, a general plastic primer or a two-component primer will help create a strong foundation for the subsequent paint layers.
Choose a Compatible Paint
When choosing the paint, ensure compatibility with the primer and the original paintwork. Modern automotive spray paints are mostly acrylic-based, while hobby spray paints may be synthetic resin-based. If you are unsure about compatibility, test on a small, hidden area. If the paint wrinkles, cracks, or turns matte grey, it is not compatible with the existing paintwork, and you will need to sand off the old paint completely. Two-part automotive paint ("2K") is highly recommended for plastic surfaces, although it may be challenging to find locally. Alternatively, Krylon Fusion is a suitable option for rattle cans.
Consider a Clear Coat
To enhance the protection and finish of your paint job, consider applying a clear coat. A 2K clear coat will provide superior protection against gasoline, oil, and other elements. It will also ensure that your paint job lasts longer and maintains its shine.
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Painting techniques
Before painting, prepare your workstation by finding a well-ventilated area with good lighting to avoid inhaling toxic paint fumes. Put your bike on its centre stand and clean the fairings from top to bottom. Cover the space below the motorcycle with cloth or newspaper.
When you are ready to paint, start by taping over any parts you do not want to paint. If your plastic part has a surface finish, you can begin by sanding the topcoat of the fairings with 80-grit sandpaper, moving in uniform strokes in one direction. If you are working with raw plastic, you do not need to sand all the way down to the bare plastic. Simply clean the surface with mineral spirits and allow it to dry.
Once the surface is prepared, apply a coat of paint. If you are using a spray can, you may want to use an adhesion promoter before applying the paint. Two-part automotive paint is the best option, but it may be difficult to find locally. Krylon Fusion is a good alternative if you are using spray cans. After applying the paint, allow it to dry before moving on to the next step.
To achieve a smooth and solid finish, you may want to apply a clear coat. Use fine sandpaper to sand off any bumps or blemishes, then use a rubbing compound and microfiber cloth to achieve a shiny finish. Seal the paint with wax once you are satisfied with the shine. Allow the paint to cure for about a day to a week before using the motorcycle.
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Finishing and sealing
Once you have applied your chosen paint, you will need to finish and seal the paint job. Firstly, you should let the paint rest and set for a while before using your motorcycle—this could be anywhere from one day to a week. Next, you will need to sand the paint with fine sandpaper to remove any remaining bumps and blemishes. You can then use a rubbing compound and a microfiber cloth to achieve the best finish.
If you want a shiny finish, you can seal the paint with wax. To do this, you will first need to use a paint gun to apply a coat of sealer or primer. A thick coat will make the surface smoother and ready for lacquer paint. After applying the primer, you should wait for it to dry before using 400-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. This will help the paint stick better and give a more attractive finish. Finally, apply one or two coats of lacquer paint. Make sure to apply the paint evenly for the best results and allow enough time for the paint to dry before using your motorcycle again.
If you are painting plastic, you will need to use an adhesion promoter before applying the paint. You should apply this and wait about 10 minutes before applying your paint. Two-part automotive paint is the best option, although it may be difficult to source locally. You can also use Krylon Fusion if you are using spray cans. If you are not using two-part paint, you should at least use a two-part clear coat, which will provide a superior protective layer.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove any decals or warning stickers. Then, clean the plastic part and remove any dust using a microfiber cloth. If the part has been previously painted, you will need to remove the old coat of paint using a paint remover. You can then sand the part to prepare it for the new coat of paint.
You can use automotive spray paint, but a paint gun will give you more control and a better overall result. Two-part automotive paint is your best bet, but it may be difficult to source locally. If you are painting on plastics, you will need to use an adhesion promoter before the paint.
Tape over any parts you don't want to paint. Then, apply a sealer or primer with a paint gun. After the primer has dried, use sandpaper to rough up the surface, which will help the paint stick better. Finally, apply up to two coats of lacquer paint, making sure to apply the paint evenly for the best results.
You should wait about a day to a week for the paint to cure. The top coat will take about 48 hours to cure completely.
