Preparing to paint a bike

[ChemicalBurn]

Hey all, long time no see!

I'm preparing to paint my first motorcycle this winter. Just laying down some graphics over an existing paint job, pretty straightforward stuff. The only trick is that there has been some pinstripe work done over the clear coat. It was done by an old guy at Sturgis Rally, I'm guessing enamel? I'd like to remove the stripe work. What would be my least aggressive option(s)?

Don't be afraid to explain this to me like I'm 5. Thanks in advance.

 

[wickedartstudio]

It'll take some elbow grease, but you can rub it off with a clean rag and some lacquer thinner. The lacquer thinner shouldn't hurt the existing paint under the striping enamel as long as you don't allow it to soak on the surface for a long period of time.

 

[SiRoxx]

That was going to be my guess too. Either that or maybe sanding it with a thin block. Being that the clear will need to be sanded for the graphics anyway.
I will emphasise the word GUESS, I don’t know that sanding would be the best approach.


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[ChemicalBurn]

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated!

 

[wickedartstudio]

That was going to be my guess too. Either that or maybe sanding it with a thin block. Being that the clear will need to be sanded for the graphics anyway.
I will emphasise the word GUESS, I don’t know that sanding would be the best approach.


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I wouldn't recommend sanding it off unless you plan to repaint the entire bike. He plans to use the existing paint work, adding graphics to what is already there and only wants to remove the pin striping. Remember the striping is on top of the clear coat. So, the surface isn't flat. The striping work is elevated above the clear. Even with a thin block and light pressure (which would take a considerable amount of time), you run the risk of sanding too much of the clear coat on either side of the striping. Sand through the clear and you leave yourself no choice but to repair, match and blend the mistake or do a respray. Both options require more time, materials and labor. Sanding too much on one side or the other also adds uneven areas that will be seen after clear coat if not corrected.

It was a good guess @SiRoxx. It would be a great and faster option under different circumstances.

 

[SiRoxx]

Th

I wouldn't recommend sanding it off unless you plan to repaint the entire bike. He plans to use the existing paint work, adding graphics to what is already there and only wants to remove the pin striping. Remember the striping is on top of the clear coat. So, the surface isn't flat. The striping work is elevated above the clear. Even with a thin block and light pressure (which would take a considerable amount of time), you run the risk of sanding too much of the clear coat on either side of the striping. Sand through the clear and you leave yourself no choice but to repair, match and blend the mistake or do a respray. Both options require more time, materials and labor. Sanding too much on one side or the other also adds uneven areas that will be seen after clear coat if not corrected.

It was a good guess @SiRoxx. It would be a great and faster option under different circumstances.

Thanks for the clarification Trevor. Having people with your level of experience and skill on this forum is what makes it valuable to people like me who are wanting to learn.

 

[wickedartstudio]

Th

Thanks for the clarification Trevor. Having people with your level of experience and skill on this forum is what makes it valuable to people like me who are wanting to learn.

I'm glad to help my friend!