Motorcycles are a great way to get around, but they can also be a lot of fun to customize and personalize. If you’re looking to give your motorcycle a new look, one of the best ways to do it is by painting it. In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of how to paint a motorcycle step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from preparing the surface to applying the paint job. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, this guide has something for you!
GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES
You will need a few basic supplies to paint your motorcycle. These include:
– A spray primer
– A spray paint color of your choice
– Paint thinner or mineral spirits
– Paper towels or rags
– Masking tape
– A plastic drop cloth or painter’s tarp
Make sure to wear protective clothing and eyewear as you will be using toxic chemicals.
REMOVE MOTORCYCLE'S PARTS
Take the motorcycle apart. Remove all of the parts that will be painted, though large parts, such as the fenders and the gas tank, can be left on if the parts around them are masked off and covered with tape and paper. Tape over any openings, bolts or bolt holes so the parts won’t be covered in paint. Be sure to label each part so that you can easily put them back together once the painting process is complete. You may also want to cover any areas that you don’t want painted with masking tape or newspaper.
Next, wash the bike with a degreaser to remove any dirt or grease. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Super Foaming Action
- Cleans and degreases motors, bearing and O-rings
- Brings new brilliance to painted surfaces
- Adds sparkle to bright work, wheels and trim
- Imparts a rich luster to vinyl, rubber and tires
- Biodegradable, non acidic, PH controlled and containing corrosion inhibitors; helps prevent water spots
- Refill Jug for our 32 Fl. oz. Part Number MC44 Ergonomic bottle
- Super Foaming Action Trigger Sprayer
- Cleans and degreases motors, bearings and O-rings
- Brings new brilliance to painted surfaces
- Add sparkle to bright work, wheels and trim
- Biodegradable, non-acid, PH Controlled and contains corrosion inhibitors; Helps prevent water spots
- SAFE AND EFFECTIVE - EkoPedal degreaser doesn't just remove tough greasy grime. The active ingredients bond to the oil and grease, breaking up the hydro-carbons and converting grease into its harmless constituent components.
- STRONG FORMULA - Next generation, professional strength, odor-free formula.
- REMOVES DIRT AND GRIME SAFELY - Feel at ease rinsing grease down the sink or in the yard. EkoPedal is 100% safe for the environment.
SAND AND PRIME THE MOTORCYCLE FRAME
Now it’s time to start painting! Begin by spraying the entire bike with a primer. This will help the paint adhere better and will give your motorcycle a nice, even finish. Let the primer dry before moving on to the next step.
Sand all of the parts to be painted with 300 grit sandpaper until they are dull and smooth. Use your hand and the sandpaper only. Do not use a sanding block or sander. Sand them again with 800 grit sandpaper in the same way. Wipe the parts down with wax and grease remover.
- Ideal for use on interior/exterior surfaces including wood, plastic, plaster, metal, masonry and unglazed ceramic
- Oil-based formula is low odor, resist chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Dries to touch in 20 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can
- Durable formula provides excellent hide and goes on smoothly
- Flat primer provides a surface ready for painting
- Primer spray paint is suitable for use on wood, metal and fiberglass surfaces
- Oil-based paint with Stops Rust formula provides rust resistant base coat for cars, trucks and other vehicles
- Covers up to 12 sq. ft. and dries to handle (and can be recoated) in 15 minutes
- High quality spray paint ensures long lasting, durable coating
- Flat finish provides superior adhesion and works with any topcoat
- Ideal for updating the exterior of barbeque grills, wood-burning stoves, radiators, engines or other metal items
- Oil-based formula designed to renew and protect metal surfaces subject to heat up to 1000°F
- Covers up to 7-8 sq. ft. and dries to the touch in 30 minutes
- Retains excellent color retention after repeated heating
- Provides a rich satin finish that prevents rust, corrosion and chipping
PAINT THE MOTORCYCLE FRAME
The best spray paint to use for a motorcycle frame is engine acrylic aerosol paint. This has shown to work well with motorcycle frames and proven tough durability. Using this type of spray paint makes painting the frame easy and gives it a professional look if used right. a chrome or silver metallic paint. Other options include bronze, copper and gold paints.
The first step is to clean the frame with soap and water. Remove any dirt from it because if there is dust on it, the spray paint will not stick to the frame properly. Then dry off the motorcycle thoroughly and give it at least two hours to completely dry before painting it.
Open the aerosol can and hold it about 18 inches away from the frame while spraying. Apply even coats of paint to the frame, making sure to avoid any drips or runs. Let the first coat dry for about 15 minutes and then apply a second coat.
Once the frame is fully painted, let the paint dry for 48 hours before using it. This will allow enough time for the paint to completely set and cure.
In between each coat of painting, avoid touching or bumping into any other surface so that you don’t get any fingerprints on your work-in-progress frame! It can be frustrating when this happens because you have to start over again, so be patient and take your time.
- Use for Automotive, motorcycle, lawn and garden
- Paint and Primer in one
- No prep, no sanding needed
- Ideal for metal, plastic, wood and fiberglass
- PJ1 Fast Black 500F Wrinkle Finish Paint was developed to be used for just about any part of the motorcycle (i.e. engine cases, cylinders, etc.) where you want to achieve a durable wrinkly texture coating that you can see and feel
- PJ1 Wrinkle Finish Paint applies easily and provides an extremely durable textured finish
- A professional grade coating
- Formulated to withstand heat, abrasion, gasoline, and lubricants
- Heat resistant up to 300˚F
- Seymour is thoroughly committed to protecting the natural environment
- Seymour products do not contain lead, cadmium, mercury, chromates or chlorinated solvents
ASSEMBLE THE MOTORCYCLE AND ENJOY!
Now that your motorcycle is painted and dry, it’s time to put it back together. Start by reattaching the handlebars and front wheel. Make sure all of the screws and bolts are tight so your bike stays in good condition. Once everything is secure, take it for a test drive around the block! You’ll be amazed at how different your bike looks – and how much better it rides.
Thanks for reading our guide on how to paint a motorcycle! We hope you found this information helpful and that you’re now ready to take on this project yourself. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments section below. Happy painting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paint do you use on a motorcycle?
