Painting advice...Need help.

I can't remember the members name, but one of you knows how to paint.

I've been painting my inner fairing the last few weeks. In the next week or so, I'll be laying down the most important coat...the clear coat.

Now the black came out with a bit of orange peel look, but I'll be adding another coat this next week...so theres a chance to correct that either in the black, or in the clear.

I've got 400 and 800 grit paper to sand in preperation for up coming coats...and tack cloth to clean up the sanding dust.

When I spray, do I want the paint to look wet?...or am I supposed to be laying down a fine mist that just slowly builds up?

Finally, if there is a bit of texture to my final clearcoat, can I buff it out using a polishing compound?

That would be chuckTx, I’m sure its just a matter of time before he chimes in…

They are all rattle can. Krylon Fusion for the base coat since it is supposed to bond with plastics.

The silver and Clear are Plati-Coat offerings of acrylic enamels.

I've done a test piece to check for compatibility and paint lifting...tested good.

Prepped the ABS fairing with 180 grit sand paper. Cleaned with a wax and grease remover several times. Shot probably six coats of black waiting 5-10 minutes in between. Sanded the area to take silver paint with 800 grit paper, cleaned with tack cloth, taped off, and shot probably 6-8 coats of silver metal flake.

I planned to tape off the silver portion this next weekend and shoot a couple more coats of black to clean up the lines and make sure I have a nice thick base coat before the clear.

Then I'm not sure if I should wait a full week (as I have been) to paint the clear or just let it set up for an hour and shoot clear.??

I know this may not come out looking like a pro paint job...but for the budget I'm on, I think it will look nice.

Heres a pic of how it looks so far.

I'm new to photobucket...and I'm not at home so I don't have access to an image editor....sorry for the over large pic.

Whats this two part epoxy?...I've used epoxy glues and I like the sound of that. Does that come in clear? I need a product name and I can look into picking some up if it would work better and not be overly expensive.

Thanks so much Chuck!! I've been waiting all day for your response and I think you gave me exactly the kind of information I need.

I have Meguiar's Step 9 polishing compound at home that I used last winter to remove some scratches from my saddlebag lids and tank.

Will that make a good final polish for the clear?

I thought of another question Chuck.

When you sand with the really fine 1200-1500 paper, do you sand in staight lines?...or a circular motion?

How bout when using the polish? I have a small random orbital buffer with a polishing pad (sheep wool looking one)...would you use that or buff it out by hand?

By the way....this is the polish I have at home:

http://www.autogeek.net/meg9swirrem.html

Thanks Chuck, You've been a big help.

I just haven't decided if that one sag in the middle of the speedo/tach is worth sanding back down and adding another step....I may just try to find some decal to fit in that area

Let me be Captain Obvious here...don't forget to CONSTANTLY shake that can. It'll keep the consistency of the paint just right.

Just had to say it....hope it was it least worth a laugh, if not a good reminder.

Scoot

Hey Chuck...Take a look.

Followed your instruction in regard to wet sanding and the build up of clear. I am very happy with the results as they stand right now. Hopefully it looks as good when the paint dries completely. Thanks for your help Chuck. These pics were taken while wet.

Seahag: Great looking job!

Thank god for winter up here....or this would never get done. I'm five weeks into this project and I still have to get everything reassembled. With my bike an hour away at my Mother in laws, I've had to wait a week in between each step of the job.

The results are going to be worth it though. Thanks for the praise guys. I'm doing my best. Not too bad for a first timer; but I think I know of some things that I can improve next time. And based on the comments from my father in law, I think I can expect a next time when I do his.

looks good....

Before & After shots

Since the last look, she's had two weeks to cure. I then polished out the clear coat, pinstriped the fairing and cap, and reinstalled the mirrors (which were also painted). Heres a before and after look (although I have yet to reassemble the fairing).



And here is why I knew this had to get done: