Ethan Clarke
Spray-painting plastic fairings is a relatively easy task, but it requires patience and a spacious, well-ventilated workspace. Plastic fairings are those plastic shells placed over the frame of certain vehicles, such as motorcycles, to reduce air drag. To spray paint plastic fairings, you will need to remove them from the vehicle, clean them, sand them, apply primer, spray paint, and then add a clear coat for protection and gloss.
How to spray paint plastic fairings
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Choose a spacious area with even flooring. Cover the walls with plastic sheets. Set up a pedestal fan to blow away the fumes. Ensure good lighting. |
| Workspace | Remove the fairings from the motorcycle and place them in an open workspace. Cover the rest of the motorcycle with a tarp. |
| Cleaning | Clean the fairings with hot, soapy water using a sponge. Rinse and allow to dry. |
| Sanding | Sand the surface of the fairings with sandpaper (grits ranging from 240 to 2000, depending on the source). |
| Primer | Apply a thin layer of plastic primer. Allow to dry. Apply standard primer (7 light coats, according to one source). |
| Painting | Spray 3 to 5 coats of your chosen colour, leaving a drying interval of 2-3 hours per coat. |
| Wet Sanding | Wet sand the fairings with fine-grit sandpaper (1000-2000 grit) to smooth the surface. Remove residual paint particles. |
| Final Coats | Apply another coat of paint, let it dry, then apply the last coat. Wait 6 to 8 hours for the paint to fully dry. |
| Clear Coat | Apply 2 to 3 layers of clear lacquer to protect the paint and add shine. Allow two hours of drying time between each coat. |
| Drying | Wait a full 24 hours before using the vehicle. |
| Safety | Always wear an air-purifying mask and ensure proper ventilation. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the work area
Next, ensure that the work area is well-ventilated. Open any windows or doors in the space and consider setting up a pedestal fan to blow away fumes. It is also important to wear a protective mask to avoid inhaling any paint particles. Set up additional lighting if needed; good lighting is essential when working on detailed tasks.
Before bringing the fairings into the workspace, remove them from the motorcycle by unscrewing all the bolts attaching them to the body. Place the fairings on a flat surface and clean them with hot, soapy water to remove any dirt or residue. Use a sponge and a circular scrubbing motion to effectively clean the surface. Once the fairings are clean, rinse them with water and allow them to dry completely.
Finally, prepare your sanding equipment. Sanding the fairings will create dust, so ensure you have a dust mask and a wet cloth to wipe down the surface afterward. You may also want to consider wet sanding to minimise dust.
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Cleaning the fairings
Before you start spray painting plastic fairings, it is important to clean the fairings thoroughly. This step is crucial as it ensures the paint adheres properly to the fairing surface. Firstly, remove the fairings from the motorcycle and place them in a well-ventilated workspace. Cover the surrounding area with plastic sheets to protect it from paint spills. Then, use a mild detergent, such as hot soapy water, and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the fairings and remove any dirt, dust, oil, or residue. Rinse the fairings with water and allow them to dry completely.
If there are any decals, warning stickers, or old coats of paint on the fairings, you will need to remove them before proceeding. You can use a paint remover or adhesive gunk remover to soften and wipe away the paint. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product you are using. It is important to create a smooth and consistent surface for the paint to adhere to, so pay attention to detail and ensure all traces of the previous paint job are removed.
Once the fairings are clean and dry, inspect them for any cracks or damages. Use a quality plastic filler to repair any cracks or minor damages, ensuring that the cracked area is level to maintain an even finish after painting. Plastic welding is a recommended method for repairing broken or detached pieces. After filling or welding, use a plastic bonder specifically designed for fairings. Once the bonder has cured, sand the area smooth with sandpaper or a dual-action sanding machine. This step will ensure that the surface is flush and ready for primer.
Before applying primer, it is important to clean the fairings once more to remove any dust or plastic particles from the sanding process. Use a microfiber cloth or a damp sponge to wipe down the surface. Ensure that the fairings are completely free of dust and residue before proceeding with the primer application.
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Sanding the fairings
Firstly, remove the fairings from the motorcycle and place them in a well-ventilated workspace. It is important to work in a space where you can make a mess, such as a garage or storage area. Cover the walls with plastic sheets to protect them from paint and dust. Set up a pedestal fan to blow away fumes and ensure good lighting to see any details.
Once your workspace is prepared, clean the fairings with hot, soapy water to remove any dirt or residue. Use a sponge and a circular scrubbing motion for the best results. Rinse off the fairings and allow them to dry completely.
Now, you can begin the sanding process. Start by using a fine grit sandpaper, such as 240-400 grit, to sand down the entire surface of the fairing. This initial sanding step will help create a smooth base and remove any minor scratches or imperfections. Take your time during this step, as sanding requires patience. Ensure you do not sand too aggressively, especially if you are working with thin or damaged plastic.
After the initial sanding, you may need to apply a filler or putty to any cracks or imperfections. Let the filler dry, and then sand it down again with finer grit sandpaper, such as 500-600 grit. This step will ensure that the filler is smooth and even with the surface of the fairing.
Finally, you can move on to priming the surface. Primer will help the paint adhere better and create a more durable finish. However, before applying the primer, you can lightly sand the fairing again to improve adhesion. Use a very fine grit sandpaper, such as 1000-2000 grit, and sand the fairing until it is smooth. Remove any dust with a microfiber cloth and ensure the fairing is completely dry before applying the primer.
Remember, always wear a mask when sanding and painting to avoid inhaling dust or fumes. Take your time and follow the recommended drying times between each step for the best results.
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Applying primer
When applying primer to plastic fairings, it is important to prepare the work area and the surface of the fairings. Designate a spacious work area with good lighting and ventilation. Cover the walls with plastic sheets and secure them with nails and tape. Set up a pedestal fan to blow away the fumes and odour. Remove the fairings from the motorcycle and place them in the workspace. Cover the rest of the motorcycle with a tarp to protect it from exposure.
Before applying the primer, clean the fairings with hot, soapy water using a sponge and a circular scrubbing motion. Rinse off the fairings and allow them to dry. Sand the surface of the fairings with sandpaper to create a smooth base for the primer. Remove any dust caused by the sanding process with a microfiber cloth and water. Ensure the surface is completely clean and dry before applying the primer.
Apply the primer using a spray gun or aerosol can. Shake the can for about a minute, listening for the noise of the metal mixing ball inside. Spray the primer in even strokes without stopping in a particular spot to avoid patches. Apply the primer in thin, consistent layers to ensure complete coverage. Allow the primer to dry for about 3 to 6 hours before proceeding to the next step.
Depending on the type of primer used, you may need to apply two coats of primer. After the first coat has dried, use 2000-grit sandpaper to sand it down again using the wet-and-dry method. This helps to create a smooth and shiny texture. Remove all excess water and plastic particles after wet sanding. Once the second coat of primer is applied, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the base colour coat.
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Spraying the base colour
When it comes to spraying the base colour, the first step is to ensure that the fairings are clean and dry. This can be achieved by rinsing off the fairings to remove any dust and allowing them to dry for approximately one hour. It is crucial to remove any dust or residue before applying paint, as this will ensure a smooth and even finish.
Once the fairings are thoroughly dried, it is time to apply the base colour. It is recommended to apply 3 to 5 thin coats of the base colour, with each coat getting progressively thicker. This technique, known as "grip coats", ensures that the paint adheres well and results in a professional-looking finish. Allow adequate drying time between each coat, typically around two to three hours. During the application process, it is important to maintain consistent and even spray movements to avoid patches or uneven coverage.
While applying the base colour, it is essential to work in a well-ventilated area to minimise the inhalation of paint fumes. Set up your workspace in a spacious area, such as a garage or storage room, and cover the walls with plastic sheets to protect them from paint overspray. Using a pedestal fan can help blow away fumes and improve ventilation. Additionally, ensure that you wear an air-purifying mask to protect yourself from inhaling paint particles.
After spraying the final coat of the base colour, allow the paint to dry completely. The drying time may vary depending on the paint type and environmental conditions, but it is generally recommended to wait for at least 6 to 8 hours to ensure the paint is fully cured. Once the base colour is dry, you can move on to the next step, which may include wet sanding, applying decals or custom designs, or adding a clear coat for protection and gloss.
It is worth noting that the specific instructions for spraying the base colour may vary depending on the type of paint used and the manufacturer's recommendations. Always refer to the instructions provided with your chosen paint product to achieve the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the fairings from the motorcycle and set them in a well-ventilated open space. Cover the walls with plastic sheets and use a pedestal fan to blow away the fumes. Clean the fairings with hot soapy water and dry them. Sand the surface of the fairings with 400-grit sandpaper and then apply a layer of primer. Allow the primer to dry and then spray a thin coat of your base colour. Apply 3 to 5 coats of colour, leaving a drying interval of three hours per coat. After the final coat of paint, apply 2 to 3 layers of clear lacquer.
Most motorcycles have fairings made of plastic (polyethylene or polypropylene). When it comes to painting these parts, they should not be considered plastic. You should use a plastic primer for your fairings and then a paint that matches the manufacturer's colour.
Before you begin, make sure to read the instructions on the epoxy primer packaging. You will also need a decent air compressor and spray gun. Throughout the process, pay attention to the details and ensure smooth transitions between layers. After the final paint layer, apply a clear coat for protection and gloss. A 2K clear coat is recommended for a durable and glossy finish.
