I have a motorcycle fender I need to paint and I just wanted to confirm I'm gonna be doing this right. I didn't want to hijack ExtraSlow's thread so I just started my own.
From what I've read around the net, here's what I gathered. Please feel free to correct me or make suggestions since I've read a lot of contradictory information.
1. Don't spray on days colder than 60F (~15C) and not when there's humidity.
2. Warm the cans in hot water for a more even spray.
3. The (steel) fender will have the original paint sandblasted off and will have a decent scuff for the primer to stick to. From what I've read, I should be using epoxy primer and not self-etching. Apply a light coat, wait 10 minutes, apply a thicker coat, wait another 10 minutes, then apply the final coat. First question: I'm reading I should be letting this dry from anywhere between 1 hour, 3 hours, to over night. Suggestions?
4. Sand primer. Should I be sanding with 400 grit or 800 grit? I've read both.
5. A question on Abeo's suggestion from the other thread:
Assuming the fender has no gouges or scratches, can I skip the filler and sealer primer? Or will I have to do that regardless? Some sites I've read didn't even mention the filler/sealer primer and went from primer straight to base coat.Originally posted by Abeo
What I would do:
Sandblast the rust
epoxy primer
fill the pits with filler (if needed). Scuff the rest of the bumper
filler primer, block sand
seal the filler primer, base, clear (could use single stage since it's a solid color)
6. Apply the base coat. Like the primer, apply a light coat, wait 10 minutes, apply a thicker coat, wait another 10 minutes, then apply the final coat. Again, I'm reading I should be letting this dry from anywhere between 1 hour, 3 hours, to over night. I've even read letting it cure for a few days before applying the base coat. Suggestions?
7. Sand the base coat. Again, 400 grit or 800 grit?
8. Add clear coat. Like the primer and base coat before it, apply light coat, wait 10 minutes, apply thicker coat, wait another 10 minutes, then apply the final coat. Let it dry/cure.
9. Sand out dust and bugs and whatever from the clear coat.
10. Polish and wax.
11. Install fender on bike.
How does that sound? I'm not expecting this to be perfect, but I don't want it to look like ass either and chipping/peeling within a year.
Thanks guys.