Gas Tank Paint - where?

[Shuriken]

Hi XSive friends,

I just got the TravelCade double-bucket seat kit from Dennis Kirk. But before I get it all together, I want to paint the side panels and tank.

My friend has an airbrush and compressor and will do this job for only the cost of materials. Where can I get the right kind of paint and/or clear coat that will not f$#!@$!$@!@# up when gas/fumes come into contact with it?

Ben

[webbcraft2150]

Purchase automotive paint from your local supplier, NAPA has a good selection. I was able to get a perfect match for my 2-tone 80hardbagger. Be sure to use acrlic enamal with hardner. Let it dry for a few days and no gasoline will even touch it!

[Shuriken]

Thank you - I'll print your message and check with NAPA here in town.

Sorry to the forum - I realized I posted this in the wrong forum.

Ben

[Mike Hart]

no problem, I'll just move it to XS/XJ Discussion....

[sixtysix]

If you want the exact colors try http://www.color-rite.com/ they had the exact match for the diamond silver on my 80G, but it was not listed, I had to call and ask for it.

[Shuriken]

Thanks for the msg move and also the color-rite addy. I'll check there too. Are the factory-matched color-rite paints gas resistant?

Ben

[Dragonrider]

Another option is Polyurethene paint. Gas and such won't touch it. I had my Midnight done in gloss black polyurethene. Yum!

[sixtysix]

As far as I know, you can get enamel or acrylic laquer. You would have to ask them, you can get it in a spray can as well. I did that on my venture.

Originally posted by ae7f
Thanks for the msg move and also the color-rite addy. I'll check there too. Are the factory-matched color-rite paints gas resistant?

Ben

[xjguy]

Has anyone heard of using sign paint? After my wife's 7 month ordeal of getting her custom red with flame paint job-during which time her tank rusted. And I thought my wife didn't have much patience. Anyway, I talked with the bodymen in the dealership where I work and they reccomended sign paint. According to them You can brush it on and it dries to a smooth glossy finish.. They learned of this method from former painter at dealership who now does custom Harley's here locally. I did call about the paint and found out it is very expensive, but no more so than good quality paint that you spray with. Sounds more user friendly and quick. Anyone familiar with this process?

xjguy and "gone with the wind"

[dasuchbe]

Some of the sign paints that I have seen are an Acryilic paint. They are very durable and hold there color well. I would be very cautious about using it without some kind of sealer to protect it against the gas.

The ones I have seen are 100% acrylic and generally a glossy paint. These are what make them so user friendly.

Unless of course the paint you have found is a solvent base which then makes what I said, useless.

Hope this helps some.

[Shuriken]

Well, it would be kick -a to get the same maroon type color on my bike, but I'll have to check into that. I really want to get it done since I have a new seat now. I have to find a way to attach the vinyl cover to the metal seat pan. It will stretch around the screws and pull - maybe rivets or even flat washers on the screws or something.......

But I do like a really glossy black paint job - it seems to give my bike a meaner quality. The maroon just didn't do it. Black looks better on older bikes - my opinion. If I had the cases all polished up and new exhaust pipes, maybe a brighter color would work for me.

I'll probably check into color-rite first for prices and then check NAPA. I've heard about the polyurethane paints. I want a gas-resistant clear coat too.

Ben