Painting advice wanted

[Birdman]

Well, I've started repainting my '79 GS1000L. I used PlastiKote VP-65 Cayman Blue Metallic, which is actually closer to a teal green or a dark greenish aquamarine than a blue, to paint the side covers, and used 3M single-line silver pinstriping. BTW, the PlastiKote VP series - the "VP" stands for "Vehicle Paint" - is a paint line made exclusively for Wal-Mart. The one where I live sells it for $3.72 for an 11oz. aerosol can. Looks great!

But I digress.

I also have a Vetter Windjammer fairing and travel trunk, and a pair of KG bags that I want to paint to match the rest of the bike. The fairing is pretty straightforward, but the bags and trunk are another matter. On those, only the lids are smooth. The main "body" of the trunk and the bags are a sort of "pebble-grain" finish - not exactly conducive to wet-sanding or polishing. So far, on the sidecovers, I have followed the instructions laid down in the GS Garage. Now, how can I paint the "pebble-grain" stuff and still have it look good? I definitely want to use wax/polish as the final step, no matter what, because of the UV protection.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[HiSPL]

Maybe think about using a different color (black) on the bumpy parts. You'll never get it to look right if you leave the bumps and just paint it the same color...

[Anonymous]

Go to your nearest auto paint store and ask for the product which they carry for cleaning and priming plastic parts prior to painting. I found the one I used at O'Rielly Auto Parts, I think any store that sells to auto refinishers will have it. When this system is used you do not need to sand the component. The cleaner gets off the grime and the primer opens the pores so the paint will stick. I recently painted a friends Honda and I used this on his rough air filter cover as well as an old helmet I had. Everything turned out fine and I was very happy with the finish. Dave J. '81 450L


Beware! The monkey flys at midnight!

[Anonymous]

I am a little late on this one.

Go to a paint supply/parts store and ask for a grey scotchbrite pad. You can use this wet or dry. I would use it wet, with some dawn in the water, this helps get the grease or oil out.

Like the other guy mentioned, use wax and grease remover before painting or priming......

[Dink]

How about leaving the "pebbly bits" black and just colour matching the smooth bits?
Dink