Paint

[dave]

I will be repainting a VFR800 that I am restoring, and I am posting to ask for recommendations concerning what brand of paint I should use. I'll be painting the gas tank, along with all of the plastic fairings. I have used Rust-oleum brand in the past, and achieved acceptable results, but I am wondering if there is a better paint brand out there. The Rust-oleum brand doesn't seem to have very good chip-resistance, at least not compared to original, factory paint. Any recommendations and painting tips are welcomed. Thank you.

[iamheero_imp]

Are you using a spray gun setup or rattle cans?

[redbirds_imp]

Colorrite paints can be bought in rattle can or for use in different spray guns. Perfect match for factory colors but expensive. For a good quality inexpensive paint try ACE Hardware brand spray paint for metal and plastic. I've used this as well as the Colorrite and the ACE is hard to beat for price and quality.

[dave]

I am using a rattle can. Since nobody had replied, I did some research and it's a good thing I didn't listen to the bike shop that I visited (I won't mention the name). They told me PJ1 paint (that I discovered was rated very highly) could be used for plastic fairings and such; they were just out of stock, but they could order it for me. So I contacted PJ1 factory and they told me exactly the opposite, that their paint is not recommended for plastics. To make a long story short, Rust-Oleum sells paint specific for plastic, (I learned this by researching on the internet) and I ordered some from Amazon. I wanted to buy it locally, but nobody stocked it. I have neve painted plastic before, but there's a first time for everything.

[pekingduck]

Painting a whole bike with spray cans is a real challenge, given the large flat panel areas. I had a friend who used spray cans to paint helmets and gas tanks with great results. But it was so time consuming and labor intensive. He would color sand between each of the 6-7 coats, and didn't use or need clearcoat.

[dave]

[quote='pekingduck' pid='265468' dateline='1588908900']
Painting a whole bike with spray cans is a real challenge, given the large flat panel areas.

I have painted gas tanks and frames before, using a rattle can, but never fairings. Wish me luck!