Picking paint out

[Jeager]

In the process of buying paint now, have most of my prep work done so its about time. I need a bit of help because I dont really know all the terminology.

Item Detail Thats the main black paint i'll be using, with a white for the graphic. However it will be done using an airbrush, so do i need a reducer for the paints? I have a size 5 tip, which is over 1 mm. Also, im unsure of the term "sealer" I would of thought it would be a overcoat to the paint to "seal" it. However it keeps saying to apply before colors. Is it needed? And also, is the sealer a primer, and if not what should I look into? Also for the clear coat. Its on a bike so I need a good one that will hold up for any gas splash on the tank. And would anyone happen to know how much I need? Would a pint be enough for 2 fenders and a tank (new: After painting with a 2oz bottle of spray, im wondering if I can get away with 4oz... I covered a large area of a box without using half)?

Guys already have helped me out a ton, so this is nearly the final step. So thanks ahead of time.

 

[TAZ]

You will need reducer for the paint. I do not recommend spraying a motorcycle with an airbrush ( you mentioned airbrushing both the black and white). I would at least use somesort of jam gun.
I normally use 1.3 for base and 1.5 for clear. But I 've been known to use a 1.5 for base and vice versa...
I would suggest one pint of the base (assuming it's black), and at least a half pint of white,

I normally use sealer to help cover the complete area to make the base color cover even easier.
In your case if you used a black sealer, it would take only 2-3 coats of black to cover.

 

[tomsteve]

i had major paint peeling on my tank after i painted it. found out there should be some kind of sealer at the paint line so gas and even gas vapors cant get under the paint. i've heard that JB weld or fiberglass resin work pretty good for that. justa a thought to maybe keep you from pullin out hair like i did.
as for paint amount, i did tank, 2 fenders, swingarm, battery box, frame covers, and a few other little parts. a pint of paint (midnight black metallic) was more than enough, mixed 1:1 with reducer.

 

[Jeager]

A pint for all the parts? And how many coats did you use? Also, i imagine you mean the 1.3-1.5 is the ratio of reducer used? And after all this, any clear coat over top? Also I dont ever see primer being used.. So just to get everything right: pint of black (base), reducer, 1/2 pint of white (for graphic), and a pint of clear? And use a sealer for a "primer" to make the black easier?

Edit: Suggestion of the gun is taken in, i'll end up picking one up.

 

[LoneStarBrand]

A pint for all the parts? And how many coats did you use? Also, i imagine you mean the 1.3-1.5 is the ratio of reducer used? And after all this, any clear coat over top? Also I dont ever see primer being used.. So just to get everything right: pint of black (base), reducer, 1/2 pint of white (for graphic), and a pint of clear? And use a sealer for a "primer" to make the black easier?

Edit: Suggestion of the gun is taken in, i'll end up picking one up.

base coat/clear coat..
Prep: clean surface, remove any contaminates, oil, grease. Dish soap work good for me. 400 grit sand and Primer/sealer of you choice. Scuff primer/sealer 400 grit, wipe down/tack cloth.

pint of black usually a 1:1 1 parts paint 1 part reducer give you a total of 1 qt sprayable. Usually takes 3-4 good coats, Smaller pieces cover faster. You can ask for the TECH sheet for particular brand you buy as for flash time and recoats... base is pretty easy it dries satin finish.

Graphics, not sure what kind of graphic you are doing, cant help you there.

clear depends on brand and longevity as per cost. smallest they sale is 1 qt plus hardener and if needed reducer depending on brand most common is 4:1. Ask for Tech sheet, give you the 411 on laying it down. ex. medium coat followed by heavy coat...


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