Paint - enamel or laquer?

[dbeardslee]

dbeardslee,

Have you even considered using commercial auto paint? Do you have a small air compressor (10-15 gallons)?

I am by NO MEANS a professional painter. However, I've done some decent paint work that I am very proud of with little/no training using the proper materials and pickin' the brains of the guy at the PPG paint store.

I will not go into any detail if you're just plain not interested but my off the top of my head estimate is <$150 to do a bike paint job (tank & side covers) and all the supplies/materials needed (assuming you have a small compressor or access to one).

I know I've seen some guys do some out-of-this-world work with: spray cans, brushes, rollers, finger paints. I think those guys are the exception rather than the rule. I believe most people will have better more predictable results and repeatability with professional automotive paints.

KURT

The last time I did it I used a professional automotive paint system. But since then my trusty thirty-year-old Coleman Powermate gave up the ghost, and I replaced it with a thirty gallon oiled compressor with a vertical tank. I don't have a paint booth, so my painting happens in the back yard. The new compressor is pretty big and it wants 15 amps of dedicated power, and even with a 50' air hose on it I'd have to move it into the backyard with an extension cord. And since I'm anticipating it taking several days to do the deed, I don't want to drag all the equipment back and forth.

I've seen some pretty doggone good paint jobs done with rattle cans, and I figure with them I don't have to worry about driers, and inline filters, and cleaning spray guns. So this time I'm going to go the rattle can route, and see how good of a job I can get.

[mrhammer2u]

To be more clear...my local auto body supply uses the same commercial grade paint in their rattle cans. They whip them up upon request. Goes on same as a sprayer (so long as you don't get any splatter when the nozzle clogs...HATE that!). Not sure all places do this.

[mrhammer2u]

I've recently used duplicolor. I followed directions, used matching products primer, paint and clear and the gas ate through the clear. I let the tank dry a few days before riding. Maybe it needed to cure a LOT longer?

I would not use duplicolor on gas tank EVER again. I would spend more and get some commercial grade rattle can at local auto body supply.

[kboehringer]

PPG Shopline

dbeardslee,

Have you even considered using commercial auto paint? Do you have a small air compressor (10-15 gallons)?

I am by NO MEANS a professional painter. However, I've done some decent paint work that I am very proud of with little/no training using the proper materials and pickin' the brains of the guy at the PPG paint store.

I will not go into any detail if you're just plain not interested but my off the top of my head estimate is <$150 to do a bike paint job (tank & side covers) and all the supplies/materials needed (assuming you have a small compressor or access to one).

I know I've seen some guys do some out-of-this-world work with: spray cans, brushes, rollers, finger paints. I think those guys are the exception rather than the rule. I believe most people will have better more predictable results and repeatability with professional automotive paints.

KURT

[dbeardslee]

The time is drawing near for me to repaint Betsy, and I think this time I'm going to use rattle cans. I'm thinking Dupli Color primer and color, with a 2 part clear for better gas resistance. But I'm wondering whether to use laquer or enamel.

I'm also wondering if I can put down the primer coats, and continue with the color coats, or if they're going to react with the primer if it isn't cured. Would it be better to let the primer cure, then wet sand and apply the color? I figure to let the color coat cure well, then scuff it and apply the clear.

Any painters care to opine?