Hey guys, I haven't had my bike long but I'm ready to start changing it up. I want to paint the tins flat/denim/wrinkle black or whatever you call that color. I've done a little searching to see what brands of paint people are using and it seems there are several options. Is this project too big for DIY? Should I just suck it up and have a shop spray my tins? Has anyone done it themselves with good results? here is what I'm starting with. I am tired of being asked if I am a Lakers fan!!



Comments and pics would be great!

 

I wouldn't think the project is to big,, if you got the time and tools to do a good job,,,All the info you need to prep and paint is out there ,,,just gotta do some reading ,,,One plus is when your ready to paint again you know what your up against ,,,

 

There's nothing BETTER than a slick paint job, but there's nothing WORSE than a half *** paint job. If you know how to paint then go for it, but if not you should pass. I would rather people ask if your a lakers fan, than ask if you painted it your self

 

First get a tutorial painting video. After painting a few cars and such, I thought I knew it all, but the video taught me more than I ever knew about painting. Gun adjustment is critical, but easy to do.

Good paint doesn't come in a rattle can, it has to be mixed because of it's short pot life. Cheap paint sprayers don't cut it, either, at least get a Devilbis or Sharp knock-off. Use a water separator, then an inline filter and regulator at the gun. Definitely use a cartridge respirator and at least a strong window fan and an intake source for fresh air, it can be a slightly open door or window on the other side of the room. For small projects I've painted outdoors, just get a wind free day and do it before the bugs come out. Use temperature appropriate reducer or thinner.

An automotive paint store is your best source for equipment, supplies and knowledge. I strongly suggest visiting such a place.

Gas tanks are about the trickiest thing to paint, it seems that runs are almost unavoidable.

On the other hand, plenty of rattle can paint projects have been posted in this forum, and flat colors are the easiest for a novice to do. Paint bought premixed in a rattle can will not have a hardener, so it will be soft and easily scratched.

 

Put it this way... DIY... take your time and if all really goes bad you can always resort to the shop to get it done... it is always nice when you DIY and get the brag rights! You can always save money too if you really don't want to do the paint job just Prep the parts meaning(sanded primed ready to go)....

 

A shop may just be the way to go.. Just be aware that some shops will not touch a paint job that was previously prepped. I guess they like to use their own proven materials from beginning to end.

 

You gotta DIY! Practice on some scrap metal, take your time and research as much as possible. Do it on a warm dry day and take your time, since your are doing a flat denim paint you can have a few problems without it showing to bad. If you screw it up let dry and sand it down, Denim paint is not hard to do. It's nice to say that your whole bike wasn't done by someone else.

Good luck!

 

the problem with this philosophy is that if everyone lived by it... no one would ever learn to paint. Paint it brotha. If you eff it up, paint it again. When its right, bolt em back on. Its your bike.

 

All good comments so far...

I've done a lot of painting in my life and can tell you that if you've never done it before I'd try something else first before my Harley. Even if you just practice on some pieces of scrap. You can get the basic how-to's from many sources but until you actually do it you may not understand what you're really getting into to. Really nice paint jobs are expensive for a reason.

One thing in your favor is the color you've chosen. Those flat denim finishes can be pretty forgiving as far as the quality of finish is concerned.

 

Keep a lookout on ebay and you might find a set painted like you want, then sell yours to a laker fan to cover the cost..