Paint Timing Protocol

[Vettra]

Well I have my bike prepped and primed. Man there are a lot of body parts on an Electra Glide. I have a couple questions.

1. If I start laying down the base the day after shooting primer- Do I need to scuff the primer?
2. Similar to question 1. If I don't shoot clear until a day after all base paint is on will that be fine or do I need to shoot a mid coat clear and scuff it as well?

THX,
Craig

 

[TAZ]

Hey C,
Yes, if you have just a regular primer (not sealer), you will need to 'sand' it very good. Not just scuff it.
In fact, I know you want to do a brighter candy tangerine, so on lighter candies like this, we normally 320, then buzz over it with 600 grit. Just to make sure you don't see any off the scratches through the candy.

As far as the clear over the base, you 'should' do everything the same day. Sealer, base, clear. BUT, if you can't, next day will be fine to clear over the base. I wouldn't wait any longer than that though.

Start early and get 'er all done :bigokay:

Yep alot of parts. I believe a E-G has 15 pieces including the inner fairing. You'll save quite a few $$$$ though

 

[nzgrip]

If there is one thing i have learned it's always sand the primer! You can sand and buff the clear all you want, but if you have imperfections in the primer there's no hiding it once the color goes on! A good great paint job is only as good as the base it goes on.

 

[Maylar]

Well I have my bike prepped and primed. Man there are a lot of body parts on an Electra Glide. I have a couple questions.

1. If I start laying down the base the day after shooting primer- Do I need to scuff the primer?
2. Similar to question 1. If I don't shoot clear until a day after all base paint is on will that be fine or do I need to shoot a mid coat clear and scuff it as well?

THX,
Craig

1) Primer must ALWAYS be sanded before color else it won't stick. Use whatever grit the spec sheet on the base coat says.
2) Check with the paint supplier, the answer varies with paint brands. Most BCC systems can be cleared next day after tack ragging the dust off, but some will require a 1200 or 1500 grit scuff if you wait more than a couple hours. Presta Scuff Stuff is very good for that. Some base coats specifically say don't sand them.

Good paint is expensive, and so is my time. The guy behind the counter at my paint store knows more about what he sells than I ever will.