General question about paint\clear coat.

[brody334]

I am going to paint a harley flht tank, front fairing and front fender. I am going to paint them gloss black with a clear coat. I have never done a clear coat before. My question is does the paint have to be completely cured before I clear coat or can I spray the clear coat while the paint is still tacky? Also the front fairing is plastic. Do I need a flexible additive to keep the paint and clear coat from cracking off? Could anyone give me the steps for the paint, sanding grit and clear coat? Thanks for any info you give.

brody334

 

[hoss]

you should be able to ask for a tech sheet from where you're getting the paint. this will tell you everything. after reading these responces i would advise you to get the tech sheet for the paint that you'll be using.

If the cycle has paint on it already, you can scuff that w/ 400-600 wet and shoot the basecoat right over that. make sure you sand all raised areas flat (block sand) be careful not to go through the clearcoat of the previous paint job. the basecoat will feel dry to the touch after 10-15 min, if you didn't lay it on too thick. anytime after that, and before 24 hrs you'll be fine to clearcoat. you want to clear within 24 hrs so that the clear will chemically bond to the basecoat.


are you using a 1 stage black (the kind w/ the clear already in it) or a basecoat. hopefully you'll use a basecoat. that is what i explained above.

if you are painting the bike from bare fiberglass, i would sand down the fiberglass, shoot an adhesion promoter, sealer, basecoat, then clearcoat it.

good luck!

 

[brody334]

I am using a base coat of black and then the clear coat. Everything black already, just needs to be redone because of dents and scratches. Thanks for the info Hoss! I appreciate it.

Brody334