Since Eastwood introduced 2K Aero-Spray (catalyzed 2-component spray paint), we have been bombarded with questions of whether or not a car or motorcycle could be painted with Aero-Spray. The answer to that question is “yes”!
To prove it, Eastwood’s Kevin S. decided to paint his motorcycle with spray paint by using Eastwood’s 2k Aero-Spray Epoxy Primer and 2k Aero-Spray Ceramic Underhood Black. Kevin’s 2004 Yamaha V Star 1100 was in good shape, but had a dent in the gas tank that needed to be fixed, plus Kevin wanted to add some custom touches.
To start the project, Kevin tore the bike down and then stripped the paint by using Eastwood’s 4.5″ stipping disc kit. To address the dent in the tank, Kevin thoroghly cleaned the tank and then used his Eastwood MIG175 and the MIG Stud Weld Kit to pull out the dent. This worked well to get the dent worked out, then Kevin used Eastwood’s Lead-Free Body Solder to smooth out the repair.
Turning his attention to the rear of the bike, Kevin frenched in a ’39 Ford teardrop taillight and added some trick LED bullet turnsignals. To blend in the frenched taillight, a quick swipe of Contour Premium Body Filler was used. After a quick wipedown with PRE, the tins were ready for primer.
Kevin used 2K Aero-Spray Epoxy primer. He let the primer dry overnight and block sanded it with 320 and 400 grit sandpaper. After the sanded tins were tacked off, Kevin applied the 2K Aero-Spray Ceramic Underhood Black. This paint offers a 10-20% gloss level, perfect for the look Kevin was going after. Over the course of a week, working at night, Kevin was able to transform the look of his bike…..and without breaking the bank!
Specs of Kevin’s Bike:
2004 Yamaha V Star 1100
1939 Ford LED Taillight Frenched into rear fender
Single Carb intake with a S&S Super E carb
Bullet style rear turn signals
Dyna 3000 ignition module
Products Used:
MIG 175 Welder
Eastwood Premium body filler
MIG Stud Weld kit to pull dent in tank
PRE Paint Prep
2k Aerospray Epoxy Primer
2k Aerospray Underhood Black
The paints used on this motorcycle are 2k catalyzed paints, as used on today’s vehicles. If gas splashes on the paint for a few seconds, you will be okay by wiping off and washing. If gas sits on the paint, it could blister it just like on a new vehicle.
what happens if gas gets on the paint?
With the 2K AeroSpray Epoxy Primer, it can be topcoated after 20-30 minutes of dry time. If you let it sit for longer than 24 hours (the recoat window), it is recommended to sand with 400-800 grit before topcoating. It is generally best to apply more primer or paint over epoxy primer during the recoat window, as it provides a stronger chemical bond, rather than a mechanical bond (from sanding).
No clearcoat was used on this color, because a satin look was what the owner was going after. The satin clear could have been added for extra protection.
The 2K AeroSpray is a 2K paint (catalyzed). This will be the most durable, against gas not messing up the paint. You do not want to let gas sit on the surface, but if it drips, wipe it off and you should be good.
Is it necessary to let the epoxy primer dry? From other sites it sounded like people were suggesting that adding your color after the flash time would result in better adhesion or something (sorry, I’m new to this, so I may be messing up on the terms here).
Also, no clearcoat used? Or was that just omitted for this blog? I intend to use a 2k clearcoat on my bike.
How to paint gas tank without gas not messing up paint ?
Joe,
I would suggest 4 cans to be safe. The tank will probably take up most of that!
How many can’s do you need to paint a motorcycle? (a HD FATBOY)
Gee, I didn’t know you could put an S&S carb on a Yamaha.
I do like the slightly reduced sheen of that 2k Aerospray Underhood Black.
I wonder if I could use it to paint the S&S carb on my ’77 Shovelhead?