Paint disaster / new colour

[beardylondon]

My Dad is kindly helping me sort out my bike and he took the tank off, and thought it was completely drained, and turned it over and some fuel leaked out and has destroyed the paint.

I was warned when I bought it that the paint on the tank may be iffy, but I didn't expect fuel to damage it this badly.



Anyway, lesson learnt, excuse to repaint it properly.

The bike is a 1976 CB550 US import, so it should have originally been Candy Garnet Brown I believe, but someone painted it black like a CB500.

So I'm thinking of perhaps going for Flake Sunrise Orange, which I realise is an earlier colour, but I think it is nice and bright.

I just wondered if anyone has had a tank painted recently and had any advice, especially getting the striping correct etc.

cheers!

[Bryanj]

Flake sunrise is one of the 3 pack candy colours which mostly come in nasty type paints needing air fed masks

[beardylondon]

Thanks, I think I’d get it professionally painted.

However, if too expensive, I may get the correct paint and do it myself, back to black.

And if so, what paint should I be using?

Just found this thread, with some good tips:

https://www.hondatwins.net/threads/arghh-my-tank-paint-dissolved.99961/

[Skoti]

I foolishly painted a Honda step thru tank with normal paint and then a few weeks later spilt petrol on it that immediately softened the new paint.

Anyhow after a further repaint I finished it off with Pro XL 2K clear lacquer aerosol and it's been fine ever since.


You may need to take a seat after pricing a professional paint job in flake finish, please report back!



Good luck

[AshimotoK0]

If you do it yourself, I would use jet black solvent basecoat (as used on BMW cars) and German made Spraymax 2k in a can gloss aerosol. However, as Bryan says it contains isocyanate and should be painted with an air fed mask. If you are careful you will get a super finish with the Spraymax stuff... The spray pattern from it is superb. If you are using a spray gun then something like Mipa CX4 with HS25 hardener and a 1.2 fluid tip arrangement  with give you a good finish (again it contains isocyanates).

https://www.graff-city.com/spray-paint-c128/spraymax-2k-clear-coat-gloss-400ml-p4243 (out of stock at the moment though  )

[Mike_Berkshire]

I foolishly painted a Honda step thru tank with normal paint and then a few weeks later spilt petrol on it that immediately softened the new paint.

When you say normal paint do you mean normal automotive paint Skoti? Once I have the dents pulled out on my tank I’m planning to paint it myself. I have used automotive rattle cans before without having a problem but that was a long time ago.  maybe the formulation in auto paint today is less resistant to fuel and I will need a different approach?

[Skoti]

I foolishly painted a Honda step thru tank with normal paint and then a few weeks later spilt petrol on it that immediately softened the new paint.

When you say normal paint do you mean normal automotive paint Skoti? Once I have the dents pulled out on my tank I’m planning to paint it myself. I have used automotive rattle cans before without having a problem but that was a long time ago.  maybe the formulation in auto paint today is less resistant to fuel and I will need a different approach?

Aye,

I used Motip automotive paint in aerosol cans.
Always had a good results with this stuff.

https://www.motip.com/en-en/automotive-products/car-repair-paints#block-0-6



I used the primer, then colour coat and finished with clear lacquer.

TBH. I think the clear lacquer was the problem, I soon as I split petrol on it I reached for a paper towel to wipe it but it had immediately softened and turned into a gooey mess.

Paint experts on here will probably agree that quality petrol resistant 2K lacquer is the way to go.

Good luck


P.S.

don't leave too much overspray around the filler neck or fuel tap area or the new paint will eventually lift.     

[Seabeowner]

I'm in the middle of doing a 500 tank and panels at the moment. Mostly aerosol cans but using a very old paint sprayer for the base. It was going to be candy garnet brown, but now it's just candy brown.

https://perfectpearlsandpigments.co.uk/products/candy-copper-brown/

I have the Spraymax lacquer, hope it protects the paint, but it needs extra precautions when using.  Hopefully results in a few weeks if the weather warms up.
Should have a set of the stripes decals left over as there was a c--k up. Said to Piki will donate any money for them to the forum.

[DomP]

I'm considering doing my own paint job too, will spraymax 2k go over any aerosol base?  What kind of mask is needed to be safe?

[AshimotoK0]

I'm considering doing my own paint job too, will spraymax 2k go over any aerosol base?  What kind of mask is needed to be safe?

  Really you need an air fed mask to be safe. My mate sprays with loads of ventilation and a Gerson disposable carbon filter mask .. personally I only use an air fed one.
I would only use decent aerosol base coat from an auto paint supplier. They are not mega expensive and you are guaranteed to end up without a paint reaction. RS bikepaint call it COB (clear over base) but their aerosols are an  absolute rip off compared with ones from a paint factors

[DomP]

I'll get a quote first I think, I had my xs done by ultimate bike paint for £350 a couple of years ago

[Honda enthusiast]

Guys whatever you do don't be tempted to spray 2k at home without a tried and tested air fed mask setup...for that you need a powerful compressor and a professional air fed mask...an alternative is to get your prep, primer and base coat on, put the decals on and get a body shop to spray the clear coat in 2k on the next day at the latest as the base coat changes shade slightly if left uncoated with clear....the previous coats can all be in cellulose which can be sprayed in ventilated areas with a carbon mask and eye protection....
I have sprayed hmg nisocoat clear on the RGS which is a fully hardening non isocyanate 2k clear...it's difficult to spray at home as it's so thick [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Laverdaroo]

Ask for Tim, tell him I have you the number, he’s worth a try, he’s very very talented




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[beardylondon]

Thanks for all the tips and info, much appreciated!

We are getting quotes locally, and two questions:

What is the paint code for the black, seemingly from CB500, which my bike most likely is?

Also how do you remove the tank badges?

[Bryanj]

Tank badges have pins on the back that go into clips, or they do till they break off and get glued on.
Remove by sliding a thin flexible knife between badge and tank and levering carefully(both ends!).
As to colour Honds did not use standard paint codes at that time so whatever it is wont help