Painting Tank, Tips Needed

[Binky]

Thinking of spraying a tank. However i'd only be using rattle cans. Yes i'm not going to get a professional quality job done on it, but is it possible to spray tanks like this.

Panels are easy enough, as long as you prep, primer then carefully spray them. Question is would it be the same process on a tank or will it be harder as the tank is metal... Will the paint react or anything silly? Thinking of using Acrylic based paint if that matters...

[7755matt]

Shouldnt really be any different, just use the right primer

[fastdruid]

Short answer yes.

The more time you spend the better the result. One thing to be wary of is that the halfords paints aren't petrol proof, as I found to my cost on my SV.

I did mine just with rattle cans, here we go, part painted


and fully painted


Druid

[Binky]

Originally Posted by fastdruid

The more time you spend the better the result. One thing to be wary of is that the halfords paints aren't petrol proof, as I found to my cost on my SV.

Druid

Would it be petrol proof if coated in a clear lacquer?

painted a tank not too long ago, the finish was pimply but with a course of really fine sanding we got it pretty much spot on, paint and rub, paint and rub, paint and rub... once it looks super smooth then laquer.

[fastdruid]

Originally Posted by Binky

Would it be petrol proof if coated in a clear lacquer?

Not tested it, I've only had a brief look at the lacquers since and they didn't mention being petrol proof (which doesn't mean they aren't).

Druid

Halfords sell a pertrol proof laquer, specially designed for motorbike tanks. Ive sprayed a couple of tanks up with it and it works really well.

It's actually cheaper to buy proper 2k paint in a litre tin than it is aerosols. Plus you get a much better finish and more importantly the paint is stronger, and doesnt react with petrol.

[fastdruid]

Originally Posted by sv_rory

It's actually cheaper to buy proper 2k paint in a litre tin than it is aerosols. Plus you get a much better finish and more importantly the paint is stronger, and doesnt react with petrol.

Yes, yes it is. Factor buying a compressor and spraygun at the same time however and the price advantage swiftly goes to the aerosols.

Plus you can't buy the decent paint these days unless you have a proper spraybooth.

Druid

Yeah you can still buy it, if you walk into the shop and say that you want colour code fiat 601, solvent solid and its for a fridge there legally allowed to sell you it. They will however put a sticker on saying not for use in the automotive industry.

Water based paint is better, air dries nicely and because its not got nasty solvent in, the paint lays better onto the panel or whatever your painting and you have a lot less reactions with it.

I agree tho if you dont have the use of a compresser then it can well outweigh the aerosol job. it all depends how much heart and soul you put into it.

I'm repainting my bike at the moment been prepping the rear hugger today. I'm a tin knocker and painter so if you want any advice then give us a shout