got a 99 f4. just got new fairings and i want to paint the yellow gas tank black so it will match the rest better. I'm not sure if I want to pay for a professional paint job and thinking about just using rattle cans. what cans will be best on a gas tank (brands/types?) and then what is the best process in doing this regarding sanding, priming and painting. or do you think its easier to just wrap the tank with that vinyl stuff that ive seen?

 

What vinyl stuff have you seen? The vinyl will be easier but it will look terrible, I would go with paint.

Sorry I can't help you further with painting but I would just go with getting a pro to do it. At least have them clear coat it after you paint it.

 

its more of like a carbon fiber wrap

someone gave me this link 3M Scotchprint Series 1080 CF201 Anthracite Carbon Fiber Vinyl Wrap

but i think id still rather do the painting. just not sure what to use

 

check out the "how to" section, there is a thread on painting with cans, and making it look professional.

 

i dont think the guy in the "how to" section sprayed his gas tank. i think he was just doing the fairings. i think gas tanks need a special type of paint idk

 

No, gas tanks don't need a special kind of paint. If anthing is dfferent between painting the faings and tank it would be that I would add a flex agent to the paint for the fairings and of course adhesion promoter to the fairings as well.

 

CJardine makes a good point about the clear coat. Rattle can clears don't cure the same as a 2 part, so chances are good any spilled gas will make it go hazy.

 

Since you have the wrap, why not just go ahead & apply it & see how it looks? If you don't like it, you can always paint afterward.

I've got a friend in the vinyl business & I've seen some amazing applications. If done properly w/ quality material, the outcome can look fantastic.

As for paint, Color Rite makes Honda oem colors (including aerosols) & they give instructions on their website for the dif applications. Motorcycle Paint - ColorRite I've personally seen excellent results w/ Color Rite paints, especially w/ blending.

As w/ any paint work, prep is key. Followed by proper application.

If you have a good automotive paint supply shop nearby, you can always get custom colors mixed & all the supporting materials to do a nice job.

Of course, there's always just taking to a professional to have it done right w/o the worries of doing it yourself.

Good luck.

 

thanks for the suggestions