painting plastic gas tanks and body work

[SIR REAL ED]

I'm sure many of you have been down this route.

Your suggestions of primers, paints, and methods will be most appreciated.

thanks in advance!

[Guzzistajohn]

I painted the plastics on a Gas Gas trials bike a few years ago. There is a specific primer for plastic. Can't remember what it's called.

[dirtiegirtie]

I have had good success using Fusion All-In-One by Krylon for color. Then coat with SprayMax 2k clear coat (it's HIGHLY toxic... don't take it lightly!) Here's my winter project that I used these paints on. The front fender is plastic, as well as the side covers. I just finished reassembly last week.

[chuck peterson]

Haven’t tried it, but I spotted a new Rustoleum product callled

Peel-able Primer

Sounds cool, if you want to change your paint, you peel it off. Whatever you’ve done above the primer comes off.

Spray again, start over

[kirby1923]

Just a suggestion, be sure you select a paint that is not affected by gosoline...

:-)

[SIR REAL ED]

Haven’t tried it, but I spotted a new Rustoleum product callled

Peel-able Primer

Sounds cool, if you want to change your paint, you peel it off. Whatever you’ve done above the primer comes off.

Spray again, start over

that could save me a lot of money on church shoes.  sounds easier than covering with duct tape.......  its always tough to avoid wrinkles and hide the edges......

[dave1068]

I was gong to say the same thing, make sure the paint wont be ruined by gasoline or other liquid. I had my V85TT painted last summer and while tempted to buy $5 kylon rattle can, as soon as spiiled gas or other chemical hit it, it could be ruined.

[9fingers]

I have had good success using Fusion All-In-One by Krylon for color. Then coat with SprayMax 2k clear coat (it's HIGHLY toxic... don't take it lightly!) Here's my winter project that I used these paints on. The front fender is plastic, as well as the side covers. I just finished reassembly last week.

That looks fantastic!
Scott

[SIR REAL ED]

That looks fantastic!
Scott

Seconded!  I've heard the SprayMax 2X is almost bullet proof.

[SIR REAL ED]

Lots of interesting information/opinions here: 

https://www.finishing.com/141/73.shtml

From a seagull's perspective, I would expect the painting of a color impregnated, unpainted gas tank to be much more problematic than an OEM plastic that is painted by the manufacturer.

Very different materials I would suspect.

[PeteS]

You can find SEM paint in a lot of auto stores like Advance Auto and NAPA. Their trim paints are made for plastic bumpers and the like and are a urethane that will be resistant to gasoline. They come with a spray nozzle that produces a fine mist in a fan like pattern like a spray gun.

Pete

[SIR REAL ED]

You can find SEM paint in a lot of auto stores like Advance Auto and NAPA. Their trim paints are made for plastic bumpers and the like and are a urethane that will be resistant to gasoline. They come with a spray nozzle that produces a fine mist in a fan like pattern like a spray gun.

Pete

Thanks Pete.  SEM is one of the highly recommended brands I have encountered in my research.