Motorcycles can be incredibly sleek and elegant, and they function as excellent transportation vehicles for those who like to go on casual rides but prefer two-wheeled vehicles. However, first impressions matter, and one of the first things that will likely capture people’s attention is your motorcycle’s paint job. Additionally, a custom paint job is an effective way to make your bike look unique. Let’s analyze the proper way to custom paint a motorcycle, including what steps to take in order to prepare for this process.
Steps To Custom Paint A Motorcycle
Many of the tools typically used for painting a motorcycle can often be found in hardware stores, fortunately, so you won’t need to spend much time searching for these. There are four main steps to custom paint a motorcycle. Here is a close look at each of these steps.
Set Up A Paint Booth
Select a sufficiently large area that you won’t mind getting paint stains on. Garages and storage spaces are both great areas for performing this type of project. Be sure to protect any walls and set up additional lighting (e.g. floor lamps), if at all necessary.
Preparing The Motorcycle
After you have gathered all the tools you need for your paint job, remove the parts of your motorcycle that you intend to paint and put them off to one side. If this is your first experience painting a bike, you may wish to begin with the tank, given that it has mostly flat surfaces and is relatively easy to take off. To remove the tank, you will need an allen wrench (various sizes for this tool exist because of the different sizes of bolts). It is a good idea to place the bolts in a plastic bag and label it to avoid confusion.
The next part of this step involves sanding down the surface you plan to paint so that you have even coats of paint. By the end of the sanding process, only bare metal should be showing. You should also wipe down the sanded surface to get rid of any remaining dust. Finish it off by adding a layer of body filler over this surface. Sanding can take quite some time, so give yourself a break if necessary. Wet-and-dry sandpaper with a high level of grit (e.g. 2000-grit) is recommended.
Painting The Motorcycle
Your motorcycle is now finally ready to be painted! Before adding the paint, however, it is highly recommended to apply some epoxy primer. This material will shield your bike’s metal from moisture and, eventually, rust. Also, mix this primer with the hardener.
Apply three to four layers of your desired paint color to the bike. After your paint job is complete, be sure to wipe all surfaces down and clean your spray gun. Leave ample time for the paint to dry off completely.
Another highly beneficial action you can take at the end of the custom paint process is to apply coats of clear-coat lacquer, which helps provide an additional level of protection. If any part of your paint job appears uneven, don’t hesitate to sand down these areas and then apply an appropriate amount of primer and paint.
Ultimately, it’s important to have patience when custom painting a motorcycle because it is a relatively lengthy process. Be sure to wear gloves and clothing that you won’t mind getting paint, primer, or dust on. Above all else, have fun with this project and ask for help if you need it!
Speak To The Professional Custom Auto Body Shop
Reach out to the experts at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia for more information on motorcycle custom paint jobs. At Robs, we can go as far as to completely remove old paint layers in order to ensure that your custom paint job lasts a long time. Our professional finish will make your bike look good as new for years to come.
At Robs, we know that motorcycles are prone to rusting and corrosion. Therefore, we understand the importance of taking care of a bike (especially its metal parts) because this type of damage can become severe if not treated immediately. Whether you wish to change the color of your bike to a more lively hue, add specific elements, or simply wish to restore its original appearance, Robs’ team will work tirelessly to give your motorcycle a dazzling new look. We can also provide you with a cost estimate so that you don’t spend above your budget. Call Robs Customs & Restorations today at (703) 552-5001 or contact us online to learn more about our services, which also include custom bodywork, frame repair, and engine swaps.