Custom paint on Sportster tank
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 329
Likes: 21
From: Brooklyn
Custom paint on Sportster tank
An artist friend approached me about painting my gas tank. I'm a fan of his artwork, so it seemed like a good idea. And he's willing to do the job for free in the hope it will attract more business for himself.
Removing the tank seems fairly easy from what I've read and watched online.
But, when it comes to prep, paint and finish I'm lacking on information.
I've seen some people sand the hell out of the tank before painting, and continued with multiple layers of primer. Others have painted directly over the factory paint.
Neither he, nor I, know what type of paints are to be used, either. Assuming it's something specific. (He's going to hand paint, not airbrush, if that makes a difference).
Then, I'm assuming a clear coat needs to be added?
For people in the NYC area, any recommendations on someone who'd be willing to do the first and final steps? And does this sort of thing run a high price tag or is it moderately priced?
Thanks... welcome any other learnings/advice on the topic.
Removing the tank seems fairly easy from what I've read and watched online.
But, when it comes to prep, paint and finish I'm lacking on information.
I've seen some people sand the hell out of the tank before painting, and continued with multiple layers of primer. Others have painted directly over the factory paint.
Neither he, nor I, know what type of paints are to be used, either. Assuming it's something specific. (He's going to hand paint, not airbrush, if that makes a difference).
Then, I'm assuming a clear coat needs to be added?
For people in the NYC area, any recommendations on someone who'd be willing to do the first and final steps? And does this sort of thing run a high price tag or is it moderately priced?
Thanks... welcome any other learnings/advice on the topic.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 329
Likes: 21
From: Brooklyn
Resurfacing this thread.
I didn't get any advice from HDF, but I ultimately purchased a raw 3.3 gallon Sportster tank. Had it professionally finished and painted, including clear coat.
I'm ready to hand the tank over to the artist, but wanted to be armed with some more knowledge as neither of us have done this. The base painter made a great suggestion - whatever paint we do end up using, do small test area on the bottom that won't be see. Wait a day or two and see if any bubbling or discoloring happens. If not, the chemicals in the paints won't wreak havoc on each other.
But, does anyone have any recommended brands to go? He's still going to use the paint and paint by hand so anything we can purchase in small quantities would be ideal. Or even off the shelve of an automotive shop.
Thanks.
I didn't get any advice from HDF, but I ultimately purchased a raw 3.3 gallon Sportster tank. Had it professionally finished and painted, including clear coat.
I'm ready to hand the tank over to the artist, but wanted to be armed with some more knowledge as neither of us have done this. The base painter made a great suggestion - whatever paint we do end up using, do small test area on the bottom that won't be see. Wait a day or two and see if any bubbling or discoloring happens. If not, the chemicals in the paints won't wreak havoc on each other.
But, does anyone have any recommended brands to go? He's still going to use the paint and paint by hand so anything we can purchase in small quantities would be ideal. Or even off the shelve of an automotive shop.
Thanks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
Once his artwork is done be sure to keep it extremely clean & free of hand prints. Do not touch any part of that tank with bare hands. I'd get the clear on it a.s.a.p. after his artwork is done.
Shoot the whole tank with adhesion promoter. Then I'd shoot 5 light tack-coats of clear prior to the wet coats. You'll want a minimum of 3 wet coats of clear. If brush strokes are showing up, go with 5 wet coats. If they still show up after 5 coats, let it cure for a week then sand it smooth and give it 5 more.
To make it a perfect finish once cured, wet sand it with 2000 grit followed by a good buffing with 3M Perfect-it.
Any pro painter already knows this. But if you do it yourself, just follow the above info.
Best of luck!
Shoot the whole tank with adhesion promoter. Then I'd shoot 5 light tack-coats of clear prior to the wet coats. You'll want a minimum of 3 wet coats of clear. If brush strokes are showing up, go with 5 wet coats. If they still show up after 5 coats, let it cure for a week then sand it smooth and give it 5 more.
To make it a perfect finish once cured, wet sand it with 2000 grit followed by a good buffing with 3M Perfect-it.
Any pro painter already knows this. But if you do it yourself, just follow the above info.
Best of luck!
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: York, PA
With over 25 years of experience working at Harley-Davidson (York, PA) I now own a shop called T&C Custom. My paint range is mild to wild and we accept any kind of bike or parts. You can even ship it to us!
Give us a call for a free estimate: 717-900-4396
Check out our work on Facebook: T&C Custom
Give us a call for a free estimate: 717-900-4396
Check out our work on Facebook: T&C Custom
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